​The Maryland Insurance Administration encourages homeowners to understand how taking certain steps to protect your home against future disaster losses can lower homeowners insurance premiums.

Proactive property improvements and repairs can reduce loss or damage from hurricanes, severe storms, water leaks, floods, and fires. In Maryland, insurance companies offer rate discounts for many structural enhancements and safety devices that reduce the risk of disaster damage.

While no upgrade can prevent every disaster, taking targeted mitigation steps helps protect your home and reduces ongoing insurance costs. Always consult your insurance agent or company and confirm any potential discounts from protection efforts prior to undertaking or financing them. Insurers may require policyholders to submit proof of qualified mitigation actions and repairs after the work is completed.

Hurricane and Flooding Protection: Examples of ways to fortify your home

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Protect windows, doors and openings​

• Install storm shutters, impact-resistant windows, and wind-resistant garage doors.

Strengthen the roof and home structure

• Strengthen roof connections with hurricane straps or clips to help protect against severe wind uplift. For manufactured homes, replace or reinforce piers, anchors, and tie-down straps as needed.
  

Prevent basement flooding, leaks and sewer backups: 

• Install battery-backup sump pumps to help prevent basement flooding during power outages. 
  

• Install automated water shut-off valves featuring smart sensors that turn off when they detect excess water flow or moisture.
  

• Install sewer backflow preventers to prevent city sewer overflow from backing up into drain lines.
  

How to Claim Your Mitigation Discount:

• Contact your insurance agent: Reach out to your insurance producer or company to ask which discounts they offer and what proof is required before performing any upgrades.

• Document your upgrades: Keep detailed receipts, contractor invoices, and product specifications or ratings (such as a UL 2218 impact resistance rating).

• Obtain Inspection Verification if needed: Be aware that some discounts require an independent mitigation inspection or a contractor’s verification form.