Do you use drones for roof inspections?

Yes, we use FAA Part 107 certified drones to inspect roofs, providing high-resolution images and videos to identify potential issues.

What is a 4-point inspection, and when is it required?

A 4-point inspection assesses the condition of a home's roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC. It's typically required for homes over 20 years old by insurance companies to determine insurability.

How long does a typical home inspection take?

A typical home inspection takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property.

Do you offer wind mitigation inspections?

Yes, we offer wind mitigation inspections to assess a home's wind-resistant features and help homeowners qualify for potential insurance discounts.

Why is a pre-listing home inspection important?

A pre-listing home inspection helps sellers identify and address potential issues before listing the property. This can prevent surprises during the buyer's inspection, increase buyer confidence, and potentially lead to a quicker and smoother sale.

Why should you get an 11-month inspection done on a new home?

An 11-month inspection, also known as a warranty inspection, helps homeowners identify any construction defects or issues before the builder’s one-year warranty expires. Addressing problems early can save homeowners from costly repairs in the future.

Wind Mitigation Inspection Savings in Florida | Florida Born Inspections

floridabornweb
Mar 16
3 min read

Learn how much a wind mitigation inspection can save on homeowners insurance in Florida and which home features qualify for insurance discounts.

How Much Can a Wind Mitigation Inspection Save on Insurance in Florida

Homeowners insurance in Florida has increased significantly in recent years. Because of that, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their premiums.

One of the most effective ways to lower insurance costs is through a wind mitigation inspection. This inspection identifies hurricane-resistant construction features that may qualify a home for insurance discounts. For many Florida homeowners, the savings can be substantial.

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection evaluates how well a home is built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Insurance companies review the results of this inspection to determine whether a property qualifies for wind mitigation credits, which can reduce the cost of homeowners insurance.

The inspection follows the standards outlined in the OIR-B1-1802 Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, used by inspectors across Florida.

Potential Insurance Savings

The amount saved depends on several structural features of the home.

Homes with multiple wind-resistant features may qualify for significant insurance discounts.

Examples of features that can reduce premiums include:

Hip roof designs that help deflect wind
Roof-to-wall hurricane straps or clips
Strong roof deck attachment
Secondary water resistance (SWR) on the roof deck
Impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters

The more of these features a home has, the greater the potential insurance savings.

Why Roof Design Matters

One of the biggest factors affecting insurance discounts is roof geometry.

Homes with a hip roof, where all sides slope downward, generally perform better in high winds than homes with large gable ends.

Because of this, insurance companies often provide larger mitigation credits for homes with hip roof designs.

Impact Windows and Hurricane Protection

Another major factor is opening protection.

Windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors are vulnerable points during hurricanes.

Homes with verified protection such as:

Impact-rated windows
Hurricane shutters
Impact-rated garage doors

may qualify for additional wind mitigation discounts.

However, documentation is important. Inspectors must verify product approvals or impact ratings in order for the protection to qualify for insurance credits.

How Long a Wind Mitigation Inspection Is Valid

In most cases, wind mitigation inspections are accepted by insurance companies for up to five years. If a homeowner installs a new roof, impact windows, or other improvements, a new inspection can often help update the insurance policy and potentially increase the available discounts.

When Homeowners Should Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection

Many homeowners schedule wind mitigation inspections when:

Purchasing a home
Renewing homeowners insurance
Installing a new roof
Upgrading to impact windows or shutters
Reviewing insurance costs

In real estate transactions, buyers request this inspection to better understand future insurance costs.

Wind Mitigation Inspections for Florida Homeowners

Because hurricanes are a major risk in Florida, insurance companies place significant value on homes that have strong wind-resistant construction.

A professional wind mitigation inspection can help ensure that a home receives the insurance credits it may qualify for based on its construction features.