Insuring your green home
You likely won’t run into trouble insuring homes made of common green materials, such as stone or recycled steel, but more alternative structures can be harder to find coverage for. Insurers are especially mindful of the structural integrity of your home and how it will fare in a natural disaster, like a fire or storm.
Here are some tips for getting dwelling coverage:
- Be ready to negotiate: The more unconventional your home is, the more risky your insurer could find it. Come prepared to negotiate and defend your building method and materials to show why your structure is durable and safe.
- Know the specifics of your home: Come prepared with details about your home, including information on the replacement cost of your natural build and your fire safety information. Rather than detailing all the oddities of your construction, point out where your build used traditional methods to achieve strength and durability.
- Shop around to find an insurer familiar with your build: Doing your homework can save you money. Rather than opting for the first company that approves your build, talk to multiple insurance carriers to find one who has worked with your dwelling type before.
Using green materials in your home design can help you reduce your carbon footprint, improve your health and wellness – and even up your overall happiness. It can also put money back in your wallet each month, as forward-thinking home insurers across the U.S. are rewarding homeowners for green home builds and smart energy techniques.
For even more green building inspiration, check out our infographic below!