Saving Money on Homeowners Insurance with Wind Mitigation Inspection Report
Home Insurance Tips for Floridians Including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa
Did you know some common construction features of Florida homes could save you money on your homeowners insurance? During a hurricane, most serious damage comes from wind and water intrusion. Wind mitigation features help your home withstand high wind damage from hurricanes or other wind events. The Florida Department of Insurance estimates that up to 70% of your insurance premium can be attributed to wind damage risk. By law, Florida insurers must offer customers discounts and credits for construction features and home improvements that reduce potential damage from wind. Having a wind mitigation inspection and filing the report with your insurance company could save you hundreds of dollars on your policy each year. A wind mitigation inspection report runs around $75, but in many cases it more than pays for itself in discounts to your homeowners insurance.
Most Florida homes built after 2002 were constructed with many wind resistive features, so you may already be receiving some discounts. However, if you own an older home and have replaced your roof, you should talk to your homeowners insurance agent to see if a wind mitigation report will save you money on your insurance.
During a wind mitigation inspection, the inspector will examine several areas of your home, looking for features that improve your home’s wind resistance. Features that may qualify you for discounts include:
- The shape of your roof (hip vs. gable)
- How Your roof deck is sealed and attached
- Roof to wall connectors
- Gable-end bracing
- Windows covered with shatterproof glass or storm shutters
- Hurricane-rated doors (including the garage door)
- Special bracing for the garage door
At L & M Insurance Group, our agents are familiar with wind mitigation reports and discounts. Please call us at 813-672-4100 if you have any questions about whether or not you should schedule a wind mitigation inspection.
