Simply put, a wind mitigation inspection (also called a windstorm mitigation inspection) is where a certified inspector looks over a property for specific weather withstanding features. These features can be anything from door/window coverings to the way your roof is attached to your home and how your roof is sealed to prevent water from entering. Though a wind mitigation inspection is not required to get Florida homeowners insurance, it can result in substantial savings.
A wind mitigation inspection is the only inspection that can significantly reduce the cost of your insurance policy. That’s because this inspection can affirm whether your home has features that drastically decrease the severity of property loss from hurricane wind. As always, the safer and stronger your home is, the lower your premiums may be.
All the windstorm-withstanding features the inspector looks for may seem like minor details, but they make a world of difference when a windstorm or hurricane strikes. The appropriate wind mitigation features can be the difference between your home weathering the storm and a total rebuild.
That’s why Kin agents highly recommend investing in wind mitigation features and getting a windstorm mitigation inspection.
That depends on where you reside and what features your home has. Along the coast, savings can range from a few hundred to well over $1,000. Wind mitigation savings are most substantial in Florida where the state requires insurers to offer these discounts. (Learn more about wind mitigation in Florida here.)
Keep in mind that the average cost for a wind mitigation inspection is about $100. Though that may seem like an investment, the inspections are typically valid for five years and can result in substantial discounts to your yearly premium.
After the wind inspection is complete, the inspector will offer suggestions that could improve the sustainability of your property. You can then make changes to your property or simply submit your wind mitigation report to your Kin agent.
You’ll likely receive the most savings if you take the inspector’s suggestions, which will also add to the value of your home and is never a bad thing! However, we’re happy to crunch the numbers and see how much you can save based on your inspection report alone.
These are some of the features the inspector will assess and suggest improvements for:
If you do decide to make structural changes to your home, make sure you work with a licensed engineer and contractor.
Simply provide a copy of your wind mitigation report to your Kin agent. If you think you’ve had one done, you can look over your current policy and see if you received any sort of windstorm credits. If so, you can ask for a copy of the inspection from your current carrier.
Keep in mind that the wind mitigation inspection has to be current. If it’s older than five years old, it’s time for a new one!
