Hurricane coverage is a big part of what Florida homeowners pay for insurance. A wind mitigation inspection documents the features that help your home stand up to high winds, and Florida insurers are required to offer premium credits for them. Many homeowners are paying more than they should simply because the right report isn’t on file.
The short answer
A wind mitigation inspection is a standardized state form, the OIR-B1-1802, completed by a qualified inspector. It records how your roof is built and attached and whether your windows and doors are protected. Your insurance company uses it to apply wind credits, which can lower the wind portion of your premium. The report is generally accepted for up to five years, as long as nothing on the home has changed.
What the inspection checks
- Building code: whether the home was built to the Florida Building Code standards that took effect in the early 2000s.
- Roof covering: the roofing material and whether it meets code.
- Roof deck attachment: how the plywood decking is nailed down.
- Roof-to-wall connection: whether the roof is held to the walls with toenails, clips, single wraps or double wraps. Straps and wraps earn the most credit.
- Roof shape: hip roofs, which slope on all sides, handle wind better than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance: a sealed layer under the roofing that keeps water out if shingles blow off.
- Opening protection: impact-rated windows, doors and garage doors, or approved shutters.
Is it worth it?
For most homes, yes. The inspection usually costs far less than the yearly savings it can produce, especially on homes with hip roofs, clips or straps, a newer roof or impact protection. Even older homes often have a feature or two that earns credit.
Tips to get the most from your report
- Have it done when you buy a home, replace your roof or add impact windows or shutters.
- Keep permits and product approval paperwork for roofs, windows and doors. Inspectors need proof for some credits.
- Book it with a 4-point inspection if your home is older. Many inspectors do both in one visit.
- Send us a copy. We’ll make sure your carrier has it and that every credit you’ve earned is applied.
How we help
We review wind mitigation reports for new and current customers and check that the credits show up on your policy. If they don’t, we’ll follow up with the carrier. Learn more about homeowners insurance in Florida or ask us for a quote.