Quick Answer: A wind mitigation inspection documents how well your home is built to survive hurricane-force winds. Florida insurers give credits for features like a strong roof shape, solid roof-to-wall connections, and impact-rated openings. Those credits can knock hundreds of dollars off your annual premium, and the inspection usually pays for itself in the first year.
I do a lot of these across North Central Florida, and homeowners are often surprised by how much they've been leaving on the table. If you've never had a wind mit done, this is one of the easiest wins out there.
We live in hurricane country. Even up here in Alachua and Marion counties, away from the coast, our homes take a beating from tropical systems and summer storms. Insurers know this, so they price for it. That's part of why Florida premiums are so high.
The flip side is that carriers reward homes that are built to hold up. If your house has features that reduce wind damage, you're a lower risk, and state law requires insurers to pass those savings along as credits. The catch is they won't give you the credit unless it's documented on the right form. That's where I come in.
I confirm the roofing material and whether it meets current building code for wind resistance. The year it was installed matters, because newer roofs are often built to tougher standards.
How the plywood decking is nailed to the trusses makes a real difference in a storm. I check the nail type and spacing, since better attachment earns a better credit.
This is one of the biggest credits available. I look at whether your roof is tied to the walls with toe nails, clips, or hurricane straps. Straps and clips hold far better than nails, and insurers reward that.
A hip roof, which slopes on all four sides, handles wind better than a gable roof and usually earns a credit. I document the shape so the carrier can apply it.
Impact-rated windows, doors, and storm shutters all count. If every opening in your home is protected, that's a strong credit. I note what's protected and to what standard.
If your roof has a sealed deck or a peel-and-stick underlayment that keeps water out when shingles blow off, that earns credit too.
It depends on the home, but I've seen homeowners cut their premium by several hundred dollars a year, sometimes more. A newer home built to current code, with a hip roof and impact windows, can rack up multiple credits. Even an older home often qualifies for at least one or two.
The report goes straight to your insurance agent on the standard state form. They apply the credits, and you see the savings on your next bill.
Get a wind mit anytime, but a few moments make the most sense. Right after you buy a home. After a new roof, since that often unlocks fresh credits. When your current report is about to expire, usually after five years. Or simply when your premium jumps and you want every discount you can find.
My background as a former insurance agent means I know how to document each feature so nothing gets missed. A credit you qualify for but don't capture is money gone.
How long is a wind mitigation report good for? Most carriers accept it for five years. After that you'll usually need a new one to keep the credits.
Will a wind mitigation inspection ever raise my premium? No. If your home doesn't qualify for a credit, you simply don't get that discount. The inspection can only help or stay neutral, it can't penalize you.
Can I get a wind mit and a 4-point at the same time? Yes, and it's smart to bundle them. Both are common requests from Florida insurers, and doing them together saves you a trip.
Does an older home qualify for any credits? Often, yes. Even homes built decades ago may have a hip roof or upgraded openings that earn credits. The only way to know is to inspect.
If you want to find out how much you could save, let's get a wind mitigation inspection on the books. I serve Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, and all of North Central Florida, including Alachua, Marion, and Columbia counties.
Call or text me at (352) 231-8228, or email phil@renderedsafehome.com. I'm available every day of the week.
Philip Young · Rendered Safe Home Inspections
— Philip Young, Owner & Inspector · Rendered Safe Home Inspections