The rising cost of home insurance in South Florida is a major concern for every homeowner. With premiums soaring due to hurricane risk, every dollar you can save is crucial.
The good news is that there’s one simple, highly effective step you can take right now to unlock significant savings: getting a Wind Mitigation Inspection. This single inspection could be your “secret weapon” for slashing hundreds, or even thousands, off your annual premium.
What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a non-invasive check of your home’s key wind-resistant features. It’s performed by a licensed Florida inspector, such as a certified general contractor, building contractor, or professional engineer.
The inspector is looking for specific construction features that reduce the risk of damage during a hurricane or tropical storm. Since Florida law mandates that insurance companies must offer discounts for homes with these features, the inspection essentially proves to your insurer that your home is safer and less likely to result in an expensive claim.
The cost of the inspection is typically between $150 and $250, but the potential savings on your policy often pay for the inspection itself within the first year and sometimes within the first month!
The 8 Factors That Unlock Your Discount
Your inspector will fill out the official Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802) by checking eight key areas of your home. These are the details that determine the size of your discount:
1. Roof Covering (When was your roof installed?)
A newer roof (especially those installed after March 1, 2002) that meets the 2001 Florida Building Code is eligible for one of the largest discounts.
2. Deck Attachment (How is your roof attached to your home?)
The stronger the connection between your roof deck (the plywood or OSB sheathing) and the supporting trusses, the better. Inspectors look for nails (stronger) versus staples (weaker).
3. Roof-to-Wall Attachment (How is your roof attached to the walls?)
The best discounts go to homes with hurricane clips, metal straps, or single/double wraps that tie the roof structure directly to the walls, preventing the roof from being lifted off in high winds.
4. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
This is a second layer of protection, like a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet, that is installed directly to the roof deck, preventing water intrusion even if the roof covering blows off.
5. Opening Protection (Do you have hurricane shutters?)
This is a major factor. You get discounts based on the protection level of your windows, doors, and garage door. Impact-resistant windows or rated hurricane shutters provide the best savings.
6. Garage Doors
A garage door that is braced or certified to withstand high wind pressure and impacts will earn a significant discount.
7. Skylights and Other Openings
Any other openings in the roof or walls must also be protected to qualify for the full credit.
How to Claim Your $1,000+ Savings
The process is straightforward, but you must follow these steps to secure your premium reduction:
- Find a Licensed Inspector: Hire a licensed professional (verify their license with the state).
- Schedule the Inspection: The inspection typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
- Receive the Form: The inspector will provide you with the completed and signed official form (OIR-B1-1802).
- Submit to Your Insurer: Send the completed form directly to your homeowner’s insurance company or agent.
- Enjoy the Discount: Your insurer is legally required to apply the applicable discounts and adjust your premium based on the results of the report.
Pro-Tip for South Florida Homeowners: If your report identifies a few low-cost improvements you can make (like adding extra roof-to-wall fasteners in the attic), it may be worth doing the retrofit, then getting a re-inspection to qualify for an even larger discount!
Don’t leave free money on the table. A Wind Mitigation Inspection is one of the quickest, easiest, and most legal ways to fight back against the skyrocketing cost of South Florida home insurance.