Do you own a home in the Sunshine State? Then you’ll want to invest in wind mitigation inspections. Coastal states such as Florida and cities near the ocean are at a much higher risk for hurricanes and high winds damaging homes. 

The state of Florida was the first state to require insurance companies to offer reduced-price options. The reduction is for homeowners who have certified and inspected wind mitigation systems installed in their homes, and was implemented in 2006. 

Here is everything you need to know about wind mitigation – and if you can save money on your insurance from an inspection. 

What Are Wind Mitigation Inspections?

Wind mitigation is a system that has been installed in and outside of a home to help it withstand high winds from tropical storms and damage from other storms. 

Certain elements of your home that an inspector will be looking for are water barriers, roof-to-foundation anchoring, and storm windows.  These features can be added or included with the home (usually homes built after 2006 include these) and are what the inspector is looking for. 

If an inspector determines that your home has these features and they are functioning properly, you will get an inspection report. You can then give the report to your insurance company as proof of the wind mitigation system. 

How Will an Inspection Save Me Money on Insurance?

In the state of Florida, “Wind Mitigation Credits” are offered by insurance providers to homes that have proper wind mitigation systems. These homes have been built or have added on the proper equipment to protect the home from wind damage. 

Homes in Florida have been found to have anywhere from 15% to 70% of insurance premiums that can be connected to the risk of wind damage, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. 

After getting a wind mitigation inspection, you can bring the reports that are created to your insurance company to show them the proof that your home has been protected against the wind & other natural disasters. 

Your insurance rates will not increase due to the results of an inspection, so it is in your best interest to have your home inspected for wind mitigation systems if you live in Florida or on the coast. 

How to Prepare for Wind Mitigation Inspections

There are a few things that you can do to prepare your home for the inspection. These are things that an inspector would recommend to you to increase your home’s protection from the elements. 

• Water Barriers Below the Roof 
• Roof-to-Foundation Anchoring
• Roof Deck Attachment 
• Impact-Rated Window/Door Coverings 
• Impact-Resistant Garage Doors 

Once you have made these improvements, schedule an inspection with a wind mitigation inspector. Once the inspector checks everything that you have done to improve the safety and stability of your home they will give you a report that details everything they found. 

Specific areas – like a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) – can save even more on home insurance because of the higher risk for damage.