How a Wind Mitigation Inspection Can Lower Your Homeowner's Insurance Premium

Florida homeowners pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. A wind mitigation inspection is one of the few straightforward ways to bring that number down.

What It Is
A wind mitigation inspection evaluates the specific construction features that help a home withstand hurricane-force winds. A licensed inspector examines and photographs those features, then completes the standard form Florida insurers use to determine discount eligibility. The inspection is non-invasive and typically takes less than an hour.

What It Covers
The inspection evaluates roof covering type and age, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connection type, roof shape, and opening protection on windows, doors, and garage doors. Each feature carries its own potential credit, and the stronger your home's construction, the larger the discount.

How Much You Can Save
It depends on your home and your insurer, but the savings can be significant. Homes with hip roofs, strong roof-to-wall connections, and full opening protection can see windstorm premium reductions of 30 to 45 percent or more. Even homes with modest wind-resistant features typically qualify for some level of credit. Most homeowners recover the cost within the first year of savings.

Wind mitigation reports are generally valid for five years, meaning one inspection can generate five years of discounts before a reinspection is needed.

Who Should Get One
Most Florida homeowners would benefit, but it's especially worth scheduling if you've never had one done, if you recently replaced your roof, if you've added impact windows or hurricane shutters, or if your premium has increased significantly at renewal.

If you're buying a home, a wind mitigation inspection during the process tells you what features the home has and what discounts you can expect going forward.