What is Wind Mitigation?

 

Mitigation is defined as a noun that is the lessening of the force or intensity of something unpleasant.  Wind mitigation specifically targets the structural and non-structural aspects of your home that prevents or lessens damage caused by high winds  that occurs with storms.

 

As a new or exisiting homewoner your biggest asset IS your home.

In Florida, our primary concern is the wind damage that can  be caused

by hurricanes.

From June 1st through November 30th we have "hurricane season".

That means 5 out of 12 months each year Floridian's are at risk for exposure to high wind.

 

This high risk burdens the Homeowner's Insurance premium.

Florida Statues require Insurance companies to offer discounts at issuance and each renewal for those whose homes meet the requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

How do I know if my home qualifies for insurance premium discounts?

 

First, you hire me, a qualified Licensed Florida Home Inspector who has completed additional training and certification in the area of wind mitigation to inspect your home.

There are several factors that are considered:

 

Your location: The closer you are to the coast, the more vulnerable you are to damage caused by hurricane winds and this makes your hurricane-wind premium higher than similar homes in other areas of the state.

 

Your policy: Your insurance policy is divided into two premiums: one for damage caused by hurricane force winds (hurricane-wind) and one for all other damage (all perils), such as fire. 

 

Your deductible:  Under the law, you are allowed to choose a $500, 2%, 5% or 10% deductible depending on the actual value of your home.  The larger your deductible, the lower your hurricane-wind premium, however, if you select a higher deductible your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a hurricane claim will be higher. 

 

Improvements to your home: The state requires insurance companies to offer discounts for protecting your home against damage caused by hurricane winds. Securing your roof so it doesn’t blow off and protecting your windows from flying debris are the two most cost effective measures you can take to safeguard your home and reduce your hurricane –wind premium. Discounts apply only to the hurricane-wind portion of your policy.

 

Your maximum discount:  Discounts are not calculated cumulatively.  The total discount is not the sum of the individual discounts.  Instead, when one discount is applied, other discounts are reduced until you reach your maximum discount of XX%.

 

Other factors include: Roof Covering (i.e. shingles or tiles), roof-to-wall connection, roof shape, secondary water resistance (SWR) and the prescense of properly installed shutters.  

 

Second, I am the Authorized mitigation inspector that signs a uniform mitigation form.

 

 

 

 

The inspector delivers the completed uniform mitigation form to the new or existing homeowner AND submission to their insurance provider.

 

It is the final decision of the insurer to reduce your premiums.

 

AND WHEN THEY DO, THE SAVINGS WILL BENEFIT YOU MANY TIMES FOLD

FOR THE SMALL COST OF THE INSPECTION AND REPORTING!!

 

EVEN MORE IMPORTANT: WHAT WOULD BE THE LONG TERM VALUE OF KNOWING YOUR HOMES WIND REDINESS CONDITION AND THE SAFETY OF YOUR FAMILY?