How to get hurricane upgrades when you can't afford them.

I live on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi and I know I should be doing more to protect my home from hurricanes. I know about Fortified roofs and storm shutters but the costs are really intimidating and I just don't have the money for that stuff. Is there any program that could help me pay for it? And would my insurance ever cover upgrades like this since it would protect their investment too?

Your home insurance won't pay for upgrades upfront, but there is real grant money available in Gulf Coast states, and doing the work can save you money on premiums going forward.

Homeowners insurance covers sudden and accidental losses, not preventive improvements. So even though a stronger roof protects the insurer's investment too, that's not something they'll pay for ahead of time. What many insurers will do is reward you with lower premiums once the work is done.

That's where state grant programs come in. Several Gulf Coast and southeastern states have launched programs to help homeowners cover the cost of wind mitigation upgrades, particularly roofs built to the FORTIFIED standard (a level of construction developed to reduce damage from high winds and hurricanes). The Strengthen Mississippi Homes program offers grants you can apply for throughout the year, but funding can affect this and there are requirements for who can apply. Grants typically cover up to $10,000 in retrofit costs and don't need to be repaid. Keep in mind that completing the whole project might cost more than the grant, though. Lots of states are offering programs like this right now, but like in Mississippi, eligibility rules vary, and funding rounds open and close throughout the year, so availability isn't always guaranteed.

The discount on your insurance premiums once the work is complete can be significant though, sometimes 20% or more off the wind portion of your policy, which helps offset those initial costs over time. You can always chat with your agent ahead of time and ask more questions, and check your state website for the details. You can also visit fortifiedhome.org to find certified contractors and evaluators in your area and learn more about what the upgrade process actually involves. Consider getting quotes so you know what kind of total investment you're looking at, and then you can potentially plan ahead for the expense. I hope this helps!