Florida law requires insurance companies to offer premium discounts for construction features that reduce wind damage. Many homeowners qualify for these credits but never receive them because their insurer doesn't have the paperwork. A wind mitigation inspection fixes that.
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
It's a short inspection, usually under an hour, performed by a qualified inspector such as a licensed home inspector, general contractor, building code inspector, engineer or architect. The inspector completes Florida's standard Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802) and includes photos as proof. You send the form to your insurance agent, and your insurer applies any credits you qualify for.
What inspectors look for
- Roof covering: whether your roof meets the Florida Building Code standards in place when it was installed.
- Roof deck attachment: how the roof sheathing is nailed to the trusses.
- Roof-to-wall connection: whether clips, single wraps or double wraps tie the roof to the walls.
- Roof shape: hip roofs generally perform better in high wind than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance: a barrier under the roof covering that helps keep water out if shingles blow off.
- Opening protection: impact-rated windows, doors and garage doors, or approved shutters.
How long is it good for?
A wind mitigation report is generally valid for five years, as long as nothing on the home changes. If you replace your roof or add shutters or impact windows, get a new inspection so your insurer sees the upgrade.
Is it worth it?
For many Florida homes, the premium savings are much larger than the cost of the inspection. Newer homes built to current code and older homes with upgrades often see the biggest credits.
We'll help you use it
Already have a wind mitigation report? Send it to trey@southendins.com and we'll make sure your policy reflects it, or shop your coverage with the credits applied. See our homeowners insurance page for more.
This article is general information, not a substitute for your policy documents. Coverage varies by policy and carrier.