NEW ORLEANS — Branch Manager at TWFG Insurance, Greg Brown, was a LiftLock guinea pig.
“My roof was only four years old, and I was really surprised that we had over 120 shingles that needed to be resealed," Brown said.
LiftLock uses a leaf blower to identify loose shingles, then a technician reseals those shingles.
Brown had the service done on his Metairie home in March.
“So far so good, and this type of product really should last they say anywhere from five to 12 years just depending on temperature, how it was applied, those type of things so, from a piece of mind standpoint, it really makes a lot of sense," Brown said.
Right now, LiftLock is only available for SageSure policyholders.
According to a spokesperson for SageSure, they began offering the service in April.
Stephen Lovecchio, principal at TWFG New Orleans, said before April, that SageSure wouldn't ensure some homes due to the age of the roof.
LiftLock is a one-time $399 payment. Lovecchio said some homeowners have saved between $1000-$2000 a year on their insurance premiums.
“Every company is trying to get an edge. Trying to get their premiums down for the agents, for the insured, and for themselves," Lovecchio said.
Louisiana has struggled to get insurance companies to write policies in recent years following Hurricane Ida. Some companies went belly up or stopped writing all together.
Another way to bring insurance premiums down is to get a wind mitigation survey.
Unlike LiftLock, it's an option that's been around for years and a broader group of insurance companies offer savings to those who get one.
How much of a discount depends on the insurance company, Lovecchio said.
“Clients can save thousands of dollars. I have one here that our insured was paying, on a nice house, he was paying $9300. He got a wind mitigation form, and his premium went down to $7200," Lovecchio said.
The survey can cost anywhere between $250-$400.
While these options can lower your premium, your insurance rates in Louisiana are still likely to be higher than most states across the country.
But for Brown, he rests easy knowing he's saved money and has added protection.
“It protects that house, it gives that extra degree of not having the water come in, not having the shingles lift, not having it rip off," Brown said.
Lovecchio recommends talking to your insurance agent about ways to save.
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