Saving Money on Insurance with Wind Mitigation Inspection

Buying home insurance can be confusing and expensive. But there are ways you can lower your premiums and get the coverage you need. One way is by getting a wind mitigation inspection on your home. This inspection looks at how well your home is built to withstand wind storms like hurricanes. A wind mitigation inspection can end up saving you a lot of money on your homeowners insurance premiums. Keep reading to learn more about wind mitigation inspections and how they can help you save.

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is when a certified inspector comes to your home to assess it for wind resistance and storm vulnerability. The inspector looks at the roof, windows, doors, garage door, and other areas. They check to see how well the home is attached to the foundation. And they look for protections like storm shutters.

The inspector notes the home’s overall ability to withstand high wind events like hurricanes or tornadoes. They will document the condition of the roof, installation methods, age, and shape. They also look for secondary water resistance features. After the inspection, you will receive a full report on the home’s wind mitigation rating.

This rating helps insurance companies determine your risk level in windstorms. If your home is well-built for wind, your premiums will likely be lower. Wind mitigation inspection are most common in states prone to hurricanes like Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and others along the Gulf Coast. But they may also benefit homeowners in tornado-prone areas.

Why Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

There are many good reasons to get a professional wind mitigation inspection for your home. The top reasons include:

• Save money on homeowners insurance – With a positive inspection report, most insurance companies will offer discounts on your premiums. The discounts could be substantial, especially for older homes.
• Support an insurance claim after a storm – After a hurricane, tornado, or other wind damage, a wind mitigation inspection report will support your damage claims. Photos and documentation of home upgrades will help the claims process.
• Improve home value – Upgrades noted on your wind mitigation inspection report can increase your home’s value. Home buyers want homes constructed to withstand storms. The report provides proof of wind-resistant features.
• Strengthen weak areas – If the inspection finds issues, you can make upgrades to strengthen your home against storms. Common upgrades recommended include a new roof, window/door protections, and reinforced garage doors.
• Prepare for a storm – The wind mitigation report highlights vulnerabilities so you can prepare. You’ll know which windows or doors need protection. And which areas should be focused on during storm prep.

For most homeowners in storm-prone regions, the potential insurance savings make wind mitigation inspections very worthwhile. It’s an affordable inspection that often pays for itself in reduced premiums.

How Much Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Cost?

Wind mitigation inspection costs range from $50 to $150 on average. The exact price depends on your location and the size of your home. Some key factors include:

• Home square footage – Larger homes take more time to inspect. Additional fees may apply for homes over a certain square footage.
• Roof type – Tile, shingle, or metal roofs have different inspection needs. Complex roofs cost more.
• Location – Pricing is higher in areas where demand is high like Florida. Urban areas also tend to have higher fees.
• Inspection company – Each company sets their own rates based on overhead, labor, and local markets.
• Time of year – Peak hurricane season sees rates increase due to high demand. Off-season discounts may apply.
• Travel fees – Long distances or extensive drive times can result in additional fees.

When shopping for wind mitigation inspections, compare at least three inspector rates. Look for licensed inspectors adhering to standards from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or your state’s department. Avoid significantly lowball estimates that may indicate less thorough inspections.

Also keep in mind that the inspector’s fee is a small, one-time cost. Yet it can pay off for years with substantial insurance savings. Focus on accurate, quality inspections from reputable inspectors.

How to Prepare for a Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection goes smoother when you prepare properly. Here are some tips:

• Clear access points – Remove stored items or debris blocking crawl spaces, attic access, and potential roof entry points. Inspectors need full access.
• Get on the roof – Ensure inspectors can safely access your roof with a ladder and walkway. Clear vegetation or other obstructions.
• Have documentation ready – Building permits, past inspection reports, or original building plans help inspectors. Have them ready to review.
• Be present during inspection – Your presence allows you to ask questions and learn about your home’s wind resistance.
• Keep pets contained – For safety, keep pets like dogs secured away from inspectors. Cats should be kept indoors as well.
• Take notes – Jot down recommendations you receive from the inspector for potential upgrades or repairs.
• Ask about discounts – Inquire with your insurer about discount qualifications before inspection. That way inspectors focus on the right evaluation criteria.
• Schedule in advance – Give at least 2-3 weeks notice for best availability. Peak season sees high demand.

With simple preparation, your wind mitigation inspection gets all the details needed for potential insurance discounts.

What to Expect in a Wind Mitigation Inspection Report

The wind mitigation inspection report you receive will contain quite a bit of detail. Expect to see the following in your report:

• General overview – A summary of main findings, home basics like year built, and inspector/company information.
• Building code analysis – Notes which building code standards your home was originally built to. Older homes meet earlier codes.
• Statement of findings – Documentation of each component observed and wind resistance notes.
• Roof covering analysis – Thorough evaluation of roof type, age, condition, and ability to withstand wind speeds.
• Roof-to-wall connection details – Notes method of securing roof to walls/supports below.
• Window protection details – Lists presence/condition of storm shutters, laminated glass, and other window protections.
• Garage door protection – Overview of garage door wind load resistance based on type and vintage.
• Door protection details – Notes exterior door construction type and protections present like deadbolts.
• Recommended upgrades – Suggestions for enhancements to improve wind resistance. Like a new roof or storm shutters.
• Photographs – Clear photos documenting important details like roof connections and window protections.
• Statement of correctness – Inspector attests that all information provided is accurate based on evidence gathered during inspection.

Wind mitigation reports provide thorough documentation of a home’s ability to withstand high winds. The details help insurance companies set fair, reduced premiums.

How to Lower Homeowners Insurance with Wind Mitigation

Armed with your wind mitigation inspection report, you can now work to lower your premiums. Follow these steps:

1. Review full inspection report

Read through your complete wind mitigation inspection report. Make sure to understand all the details and inspector recommendations.

2. Contact your insurance company

Reach out to your homeowners insurance provider. Let them know you have a wind mitigation report to submit. Ask for details on their discount qualifications.

3. Submit wind mitigation report

Provide the full inspection report to your insurance company. Be sure to highlight key details like roof age and type, window protections, and garage door construction.

4. Schedule recommended upgrades

If your report noted areas needing enhancement, schedule any recommended upgrades. Replacing older roofs and adding storm shutters provide the biggest discounts.

5. Review adjusted rate

Your insurance company will review your report and provide a new discounted rate. Review the proposed premium reduction to ensure it reflects the full value of your wind mitigation upgrades.

6. Make payments at new lower rate

Once approved, your savings will take effect at your next policy renewal. Enjoy making monthly payments at the new reduced rate.

7. Reinspect in 5-10 years

For maximum savings, repeat wind mitigation inspections every 5-10 years. Homes age and conditions change. New reports capture any updates.

With diligent follow-through, your wind mitigation inspection report can unlock substantial savings on homeowners insurance. Contact inspectors to start the process as soon as possible.

Common Wind Mitigation Report Recommendations

Wind mitigation inspection reports often make recommendations for enhancing wind resistance. Some common upgrade suggestions include:

• New asphalt shingle roof – Old or weak roofs get damaged easily in storms. Replacing with impact-resistant asphalt shingles strengthens the home.
• Secondary water barrier – Adding a water barrier under the roof provides backup protection from leaks if shingles blow off.
• Hurricane clips – Retrofitting roof frames with hurricane clips better secures the roof to walls/supports below.
• Impact-resistant windows – New laminated windows or polycarbonate storm shutters better protect windows from wind debris.
• Wind-rated garage doors – Upgrading tilt or swing garage doors to wind-rated rolling doors secures the structure.
• Window opening protections – Adding covers over window and door openings prevents wind intrusion into the home.
• Exterior door upgrades – Steel doors with reinforced frames, deadbolts, and extra hinges resist wind damage.
• Structural anchoring – Strengthening roof, wall, and porch connections to the foundation improves wind resilience.

Focus first on major upgrades with the biggest insurance discounts like the roof and windows. Then tackle other suggested enhancements over time.

Why Wind Mitigation Inspections are Important

Wind mitigation inspections play an important role for homeowners aiming to be prepared and save money. The key benefits they provide include:

• Financial savings – Wind mitigation inspections provide proven savings on homeowners insurance premiums over time.
• Strength verification – Inspections verify the home’s ability to withstand high wind events and potential storm damage.
• Documentation – Reports provide documentation that supports insurance claims after storm damage occurs.
• Enhanced safety – Homeowners can make upgrades to strengthen vulnerable areas noted in inspection reports.
• Higher home value – Wind-resistant homes have greater value, especially in storm-prone regions. Inspection reports prove upgrades.
• Informed decisions – Reports give homeowners insight into cost-effective upgrades to reduce risks.
• Peace of mind – Homeowners gain confidence knowing their home is ready to withstand strong storms ahead.

Wind mitigation inspections are a simple process with major upside. All homeowners in storm-prone areas owe it to themselves to get an inspection and make upgrades for protection.

Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection Right for You?

Wind mitigation inspections offer big benefits. But how do you know if one is right for your situation? Consider these key questions:

• Do you live in a hurricane or tornado zone? Homes in these areas see the most benefit. Coastal states like Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and Louisiana are prime candidates.
• Is your homeowners insurance expensive? Older homes often pay much higher premiums that inspections can reduce.
• When was your home built? Homes built before modern building codes have the most to gain from inspections and upgrades.
• What shape is your roof in? Old roofs in poor condition are most vulnerable. Inspections help justify new roof upgrades.
• Do you lack window protections? Unprotected windows are a top concern. Inspections document needs for shutters, laminate, etc.
• Are garage/entry doors weak? Flimsy doors easily fail during storms. New wind-rated doors are recommended.

If you answered yes to some of these questions, a wind mitigation inspection is likely to provide value. Contact local inspectors to start the process today.

Finding the Right Wind Mitigation Inspector

Finding an experienced, thorough wind mitigation inspector is key to getting a report that maximizes your insurance savings. Here are some tips for finding the best inspector:

• Verify credentials – Ensure inspectors have training credentials from standards associations and states like Florida.
• Look for full-time inspectors – Inspectors doing wind mitigation full-time typically provide the most complete service.
• Check for satisfied customers – Read reviews and talk to previous customers to verify quality inspections.
• Seek referrals – Ask neighbors and friends for referrals to inspectors they trust.
• Compare pricing – Get at least three quotes to find competitive pricing for your area and home size.
• Meet beforehand – Have a preliminary meeting to discuss the process and establish rapport.
• Ask about experience – Choose an inspector with extensive knowledge inspecting local homes.

Taking time to select the right inspector helps ensure your report captures all the details needed to lower your insurance rates.

Leveraging Wind Mitigation for Insurance Claims

A prime benefit of wind mitigation inspections comes when you need to file an insurance claim after a storm. A current inspection report helps support your claim in key ways:

• Provides proof of pre-storm condition – Detailed notes, photos, and documentation show what shape your home was in before sustaining damage.
• Supports damage cause – Shows areas at higher risk that align with actual damage like an older roof blown off.
• Justifies replacement cost – Provides third-party verification that a full roof replacement is justified, for example.
• Confirms proper building standards – Documents that original construction met wind-resistant building codes at the time.
• Highlights upgrades – Notes upgrades you’ve made like storm shutters that should reduce claim dispute chances.
• Offers independent expertise – As unbiased third-party wind specialists, inspectors add validity versus homeowner claims alone.

Having a current wind mitigation inspection report gives you leverage when negotiating storm damage claims. The details and verification aid the claims settlement process after an unfortunate event.

Closing Thoughts on Wind Mitigation Inspections

Saving money and reducing risk – that’s what wind mitigation home inspections are all about. These detailed, photographic inspections evaluate how well your home is constructed to withstand storms. They document areas of vulnerabilities and recommend upgrades.

Armed with your full wind mitigation inspection report, you can qualify for substantial savings on homeowners insurance premiums. The inspection fee pays for itself over time in reduced rates. Then the report serves as an asset if ever faced with a storm damage claim.

For homeowners in storm-prone areas, wind mitigation inspections should be one of your top preparation steps. Be sure to use a trusted, credentialed inspector that will provide the details you need. An inspection gives you peace of mind that your home is ready to withstand whatever winds may come.