[image via Mae Noelle]
Homeowners using sustainable building materials or installing alternative energy sources now have an insurance option that will cover these green upgrades in case of a disaster. Fireman’s Fund offers this “green” homeowners insurance in select states. Georgia signed on to the program in July, joining 23 others.
Coverage isn’t limited to folks with green additions on their homes. If an event results in “total loss,” the coverage will replace the damage with products that meet LEED standards! Additionally, it covers the cost of any necessary demolition and the pricey hauling of debris to a recycling facility rather than a junk yard.
States have been able to sign on since June, and Illinois was the first place that green coverage was available. Coverage is now available in:
- Arizona
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Coverage for homes that suffer total loss, such as a tornado or fire damage, are eligible for several Green Upgrades. The green insurance will pay for a LEED-accredited professional to consult on design and on construction as well as for certification. Any electronic appliances would be replaced with Energy Star equivalents. It also would replace damaged structural, lighting, plumbing, heating or cooling systems with energy-efficient upgrades.
For more information on coverage and rates, check out the Fireman’s Fund website.
About Becky Striepe
