Florida homeowners pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, largely because of hurricane risk. What many owners never learn is that the state requires insurers to give discounts for features that help a home resist wind damage, and the only way to claim them is a wind mitigation inspection.
What the inspection looks for
A wind mitigation inspection documents how your home is built to handle high winds:
- How the roof is attached to the walls (clips, single wraps, or double wraps).
- The roof deck attachment and the nail pattern used.
- Roof shape: hip roofs typically earn better credits than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance under the roof covering.
- Opening protection: impact windows, shutters, and rated garage doors.
What it can save you
The credits vary by home and carrier, but it is common to see meaningful reductions on the windstorm portion of the premium, which is often the largest piece of a Florida policy. Homes built after the 2002 building code updates usually qualify for several credits automatically, and many older homes qualify for more than their owners realize.
How to get one
Any licensed home inspector can perform it, the visit is quick, and the report is valid for five years. If you already had one done for a previous policy, send it to your agent: the credits follow the report, not the insurance company.
The mistake we see most
Owners replace a roof or install impact windows and never update their insurer. The upgrade is real, the discount exists, but nobody claimed it. If you have improved your home in the last few years, it is worth rechecking your policy.
Want us to review whether your current policy is missing wind mitigation credits? Request a quote and send us your latest report, or we will help you order a new one.
