What is a Hurricane Mitigation Inspection?
A hurricane mitigation inspection or wind storm inspection is the result of Florida state statute 626.0629 that requires insurance companies to provide Florida homeowners “discounts, credits, or other rate differentials…” for construction techniques that reduce damage and loss in windstorms.
When you apply for homeowners insurance, your insurance agent uses the date your home was built to determine your rates. The rate calculations are based on your home having none of the current or required construction methods or techniques that could qualify you for yearly discounts.
Strict building codes were implemented in Florida in 2002, and revised again in 2007 in order to reduce the amount of damage caused during Florida’s hurricane season. Some builders have been using techniques that are now required by law for many years as standard building procedures. Items such as foundation anchor bolts, hurricane straps, reinforced roof deck, and hip roofs are just a few of the qualities your home may possess that may help you receive discounts on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
How much can I save? It is estimated that wind coverage can constitue 15% to 70% of your total premium depending on where you live. Depending on the construction techniques used in the construction of your home along with any installed protection measures such as hurricane shutters, you may be eligible for yearly discounts on your homeowners insurance premiums with one inspection. The state of Florida has provided a Wind Insurance Savings Calculator to assist homeowners in estimating how much you may be eligible to save every year on their insurance premiums. http://www.floridadisaster.org/wisc/
How much does it cost? The fee is $150. We offer you and your insurance agents the ability to access your reports online any time for up to five years after the inspection! Included in every report are the photographs of your home taken during the time of the inspection so you and your agents can see exactly what is reported and why. In addition, EVERY report that is submitted, is audited to ensure the highest level of accuracy. Uniform Mitigation Verification Survey OIR-B1-1802 or Citizen’s WBDR
