Why should you get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Depending on home conditions, windstorm insurance rates can be reduced substantially with a Wind Mitigation Inspection. A wind mitigation inspection verifies construction methods/technologies that provide greater protection from windborne hurricane damage.
Hurricane Charley - August 13, 2004
According to Florida Statute 627.0629, all insurance companies are required to offer Florida homeowners "discounts, credits, or other rate differentials..." for particular construction techniques that help to reduce wind damage caused by hurricanes, tropical storms and other windstorms related claims. The inspection usually takes less than an hour and the savings is usually in the form of a check direct from your insurance company within 3-6 weeks.
Unprotected Home - Punta Gorda, FL
Wind Mitigation discounts are applied towards the windstorm portion of your total insurance premium. Depending on where you are located in Florida, the windstorm portion is approximately between 15% and 70% of the total premium. Premium determination is very complex and actual dollar discounts are not calculated by the inspector or the inspection company. The discounts can be as high as 30% or more of the wind portion of the insurance premium. For exact quotes, please contact your insurance agent.
Hurricane Charley
Wind mitigation discounts are justified because stronger, more wind-resistive houses have lower windstorm losses. Lower windstorm losses equal reduced costs to insurance companies that are then passed on to the consumer. Many homeowners have taken advantage of the insurance discount incentive and strengthened their existing homes using the strongest options in the Florida Building Code. The discounted insurance rates in Florida apply to both existing construction (homes built prior to 2002) and new construction built to the new statewide Florida Building Code (FBC).
There are three main factors for Wind Mitigation discounts:
The number of wind resistive construction features present: The more wind resistant features you have, the higher the total discount will be for your property.
The location: Discounted wind insurance rates are adjusted according to where your property is located within the state. Properties located in a higher wind zone are at higher risk to wind storm damage.
The value of your home: The higher the value, the higher the insurance premiums. Therefore, the value of the discounts will increase with the value of property.
The following items are reviewed in a Wind Mitigation Inspection Report:
- Date of roof installation and if it meets 2001 or newer building code
- Type of roof deck and deck to truss/rafter fastening method
- Type of roof to wall attachment
- Roof Shape
- Gable ends bracing (if gable ends are present)
- If there is a secondary water resistance barrier
- If there is opening protection (wood panels, shutters, impact windows, etc.)
How often should you get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Wind Mitigation Inspections should be performed on a property under the following circumstances.
- Any new or existing home purchase - mortgage & insurance company requirements
- Any time you change insurance providers - insurance company requirements
- Every time an improvement or change is made to the property - new roof, windows, shutters
- Every five years - Wind Mitigation Inspections are only good for five years
Who can perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
With the "My Safe Home" program discontinued by the State of Florida, wind mitigation inspections can only be conducted now by a licensed contractor, such as General Contractors, State Certified Building Contractors, State Certified Residential Contractors, Engineers, or Architects Certified by the State of Florida. Customers should beware of prices that are simply too cheap for a licensed professional to conduct.
How much does the inspection cost?
Most Wind Mitigation Inspections usually cost around $100 - $150. This is a very small price to pay in exchange for the discount received from your insurance provider.
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