If you own a home in Florida, you have probably heard that a wind mitigation inspection can lower your homeowners insurance. It can. But many people do not know what the inspection actually looks at, or how upgrades like impact windows fit in.
What a wind mitigation inspection is
A wind mitigation inspection is a short visit by a licensed inspector who documents the features of your home that help it resist hurricane-force wind. The findings go on a standard state form, the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form. You give a copy to your insurance agent, and your insurer applies any discounts you have earned. Florida requires insurers to offer discounts for qualifying wind-resistant features, though the amount differs by company and policy.
What the inspector checks
- Roof covering and age, and whether it meets current code.
- Roof deck attachment, meaning how well the roof sheathing is nailed down.
- Roof-to-wall connection, such as clips, straps or wraps.
- Roof shape, since hip roofs usually perform better than gable roofs.
- Secondary water resistance under the roof covering.
- Opening protection, which covers windows, doors, garage doors and skylights.
Where impact windows and doors come in
Opening protection is the part you can change most easily. Impact-rated windows and doors count as protection without shutters. To earn the strongest opening-protection credit, all glazed openings usually need to be protected, which includes windows, entry doors, sliding glass doors and the garage door. If one large slider is unprotected, the credit may drop, so it pays to plan the whole house. Our team can walk through your openings and tell you what you have and what is missing.
How to use the inspection
- Install your impact windows and doors with a licensed contractor. Keep the product approval and final inspection paperwork.
- Book a licensed wind mitigation inspector after the work is complete.
- Send the signed form to your insurance agent and ask them to apply the discounts.
- Compare your new quote. It is also a good time to shop other carriers with your new form.
Savings depend on your insurer, policy and home, and nothing is guaranteed, so ask your agent for specifics. For more detail, read do impact windows lower your home insurance in Florida?
Grant money can help pay for the upgrade
If you are budgeting for the work, the My Safe Florida Home grant can match up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners, and the program includes a free home inspection. Read our guide to the My Safe Florida Home grant for how it works.
What to prepare for the inspection
- Access to the attic and the roof (or drone inspection, depending on the inspector).
- Permit and product documents for roofs, windows and doors.
- Information about the home's age and construction.
Who can perform it
The inspection form may be completed by a qualified professional such as a licensed inspector, contractor, engineer or architect, within the rules set by the state. Check credentials and ask for a sample of the form.
What happens next
- The inspector sends you the completed form.
- You send it to your insurer or agent.
- Your insurer reviews it and updates your premium if you qualify for credits.
Tips
- Keep the form with your records because insurers may ask for it at renewal.
- If you make upgrades, schedule a new inspection.
- Shop around with the same form if your insurer's credits are low.
Roof vs openings
Many credits depend on the roof, not only the windows. Ask your agent which items have the biggest impact on your policy so you can prioritize upgrades.
An illustrative step-by-step example
As an illustration, imagine a homeowner in Broward who installs impact windows and a new impact entry door, but keeps the original garage door. After the work is complete, she schedules a wind mitigation inspection. The inspector records impact-rated windows and doors but marks the garage door as not protected. Her insurer applies a smaller opening-protection credit than if every opening were protected. If she later upgrades the garage door and gets a new inspection, her premium could drop further. The lesson: check every opening, and re-inspect after upgrades.
Roof credits often matter most
For some homes the biggest credits relate to roof features, such as roof deck attachment and roof-to-wall connections. If your roof is due for replacement, ask your roofer about hurricane-strength attachment details at the same time. Opening protection and roof features work together to reduce risk.
Questions to ask your insurance agent
- Which features on the form earn credits with your company?
- How large are the discounts for opening protection?
- Do you offer a free or reduced re-inspection after upgrades?
- How often do I need to submit a new form?
Keep the paperwork organized
Store the inspection form, product approvals, permits and invoices in one folder. When you renew or switch insurers, this folder saves time and helps you get the credits you earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
It is an inspection that documents the features of your home that resist wind damage, such as roof shape, roof attachment and opening protection. The results are recorded on the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form.
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?
Prices vary by inspector and home size, and are often a modest flat fee. Get a quote from a licensed inspector before booking.
How long is a wind mitigation inspection valid?
The inspection form is generally valid for five years, unless the features of the home change.
Do impact windows count on the inspection?
Yes. Impact-rated windows and doors count as opening protection. For the strongest credit, all glazed openings need to be protected.
Ready to talk about your project? Get a free written quote (usually within 48 hours) or call 786-343-4729. EZ Glazing Corp is licensed and insured (License #SCC131153391) and handles the permit and inspection.