How to Maximize Your Wind Mitigation Inspection Credits and Save on Home Insurance
As a Florida homeowner, protecting your property from severe weather is essential. Windstorms and hurricanes can cause significant damage, which is why home insurance premiums in the state tend to be higher. Fortunately, there’s a way to lower your costs—by obtaining a wind mitigation inspection and ensuring your home qualifies for as many credits as possible.
What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection evaluates how well your home can resist hurricane-force winds. A certified home inspector will assess key structural features to determine if they meet safety standards, potentially leading to insurance discounts. Florida law requires insurers to offer discounts based on these findings. The more wind-resistant features your home has, the greater your savings!
How to Gain Wind Mitigation Credits
To maximize your savings, your home needs to include the following wind-resistant features:
- Roof Shape and Design
The shape of your roof plays a key role in wind resistance. Hip roofs, with slopes on all four sides, are more aerodynamic and better at withstanding high winds than gable roofs. - Roof Covering Materials
Insurance companies prefer newer roofing materials that meet Florida Building Code standards. If your roof was replaced after March 2002, it’s likely eligible for credits. Impact-resistant materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal, or tiles, can increase your savings.- In HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zones – Miami-Dade & Broward), only roofs permitted after 09/01/1994 and before 03/01/2002, or those built in 1997 or later, qualify. Proper permit documentation is crucial to confirm compliance.
- Roof-to-Wall Connection
The attachment of your roof to the walls of your home is critical for wind resistance. Homes with metal hurricane clips or straps—more secure than nails—earn higher credits.- Toe Nails (basic attachment, minimal credit)
- Clips (moderate credit)
- Single or Double Wraps (maximum credit)
Attic access and visibility are essential for verifying this credit. If foam insulation is present, temporarily removing it may be necessary to capture the required photos.
- Roof Decking Attachment
The stronger the attachment of your roof decking, the better your home can resist wind uplift. If your roof is secured with 8D nails (or stronger) and spaced properly, you could earn additional credits. - Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
A secondary water barrier helps prevent water intrusion if the roof is damaged. Homes with SWR qualify for extra credits. Since it can’t be directly inspected, documentation (usually in the roofing contract) is needed. If unsure, contact your roofer for necessary paperwork. - Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors
Installing hurricane-rated windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors can significantly boost your credits, preventing wind from breaching your home during a storm. - Shutter Protection
Storm shutters offer extra protection against flying debris. Professionally installed MDCA storm shutters or impact-resistant windows for all openings will qualify you for the highest discount tier. - Verify Your Home’s Construction Code Compliance
Homes built after March 1, 2002, are more likely to be up to code for wind mitigation. If your home was built before then, you may need additional reinforcements to meet modern standards.
Steps to Take Before Your Wind Mitigation Inspection
To maximize your credits, follow these steps:
- Review construction records to confirm when the roof was replaced and what materials were used. Gather permits or invoices.
- Upgrade older windows, doors, skylights, or garage doors to hurricane-rated options.
- Check for a secondary water resistance layer and gather documentation to prove it.
- Ensure your roof is secured with hurricane straps or clips to strengthen the roof-to-wall connection.
Why a Wind Mitigation Inspection is Worth It
A wind mitigation inspection typically costs between $99 and $150, but the potential savings can on your home insurance can be anywhere from 15% to 70%, depending on the number of credits you qualify for. Since Florida law mandates insurance companies to offer discounts based on wind-resistant features, this one-time inspection can result in long-term savings on your homeowner’s insurance.
A wind mitigation inspection report is generally valid for 5 years, but if major changes are made to the home (such as a roof replacement or structural modifications), a new inspection may be required to document the updated features. Be sure to check with your insurance company for specific requirements.
Schedule Your Wind Mitigation Inspection Today!
If you’re ready to reduce your home insurance costs while making your property more storm-ready, a wind mitigation inspection is essential. At Inspection Now, we thoroughly evaluate your home’s wind-resistant features and help you maximize your insurance credits.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection and start saving!
