A wind mitigation inspection is when a certified inspector comes to your home to check how well your roof, windows, doors, and other elements of your home can hold up against extreme winds.
If the inspector’s report shows that your home has sufficient wind-resistant features to protect your home against hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms, your insurer will likely reward you with discounts on your home insurance premiums. (And if you live in Florida, your insurance company is required by law to give you a discount.) [1]
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How much money can you save on home insurance with a wind mitigation inspection?
A positive risk rating in your wind mitigation inspection report can save you anywhere from 3% to 55% on the wind portion of your home insurance policy. That could equal savings of hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, depending on where you live and your coverage limits.
Here are a few wind-resistant features to install to score the biggest discounts:
Strong, secondary water-resistant layer on your roof
Hip roof made of metal that slopes downward
Storm-proof garage doors
Roof-wall attachments that use double wraps
Impact-resistant coverings over all windows and doors with glass openings
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?
Wind mitigation inspections typically cost around $75 to $150, though exact pricing will vary based on where you live. These inspections usually take around an hour to complete, and you’ll receive a copy of your report that you can send to your insurance company right then and there.
What states offer discounts and incentives for wind mitigation?
The following states offer home insurance discounts, grants, or tax credits to homeowners who’ve fit their home with wind-resistant features.
Do I need to get a wind mitigation inspection to qualify for home insurance?
No, wind mitigation inspections are not legally required to purchase a home insurance policy. However, most insurance companies require you to get an inspection if you want to take advantage of its mitigation discounts to lower your insurance premiums.
How long is a wind mitigation report good for?
Wind mitigation inspection reports are good for five years from the date of the inspection. However, if you replaced your roof or made other mitigation improvements to your home during those five years, you’ll want to have another inspection to ensure you’re receiving the highest discount possible on your home insurance premiums.
What’s included in a wind mitigation inspection report?
While wind mitigation inspection reports vary by state, most certified inspectors will check your home’s construction features to determine its risk of sustaining property damage due to extreme winds.
Here’s an example of what’s looked at during a wind mitigation inspection in Florida: [2]
Building codes: If your home is up to date on all state and county codes based on the year it was built
Roof covering: What your roof is made of, such as metal, clay or concrete tiles, asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or slate tiles
Roof deck attachment: The measurement of the nails and other materials used to attach the roof deck to see how securely it’s attached to your home’s rafters located in your attic
Roof to wall attachment: Whether your roof features anchor bolts, clips, toenails, double wraps, or other roof to wall attachments to prevent wind damage
Roof geometry: The shape of your roof will determine how wind-resistant it is — hip roofs are one of the strongest designs for areas with high winds
Secondary water resistance: A special roof feature that’s typically installed under the first layer of your roof for added protection from rain damage
Opening protection: Whether your windows and doors are sealed and shatter-proof to protect against wind and water damage
How to get a wind mitigation inspection
Follow these steps to receive a wind mitigation inspection:
Reach out to a certified home inspector. You can find a list of certified home inspectors in your area by entering your address in the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors locator tool.
Compare reviews and costs of a few home inspectors. Since insurance companies typically won’t cover the costs of a wind mitigation inspection, you’ll want to compare quotes and read reviews of a few different inspectors to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Schedule an appointment for your inspection. The inspector will come out and inspect your home’s roof, roof attachments, windows, doors, and other wind-resistant elements of your home.
Get your results and send the wind mitigation report to your home insurance company. If you have a positive risk rating on your report — meaning your home is able to withstand high winds — then you’ll likely receive a discount or credits toward your home insurance premiums.
If you find you didn’t save as much as you’d like after submitting your report, consider comparing rates from other insurance companies to see if you qualify for higher mitigation discounts elsewhere.
Our team of licensed insurance agents at Policygenius can do the work for you — for free! Just click the Start calculator button below to get connected to an agent today.
Wind mitigation inspection vs. 4-point inspection: What’s the difference?
We break down the difference between these two common types of home inspections:
→ Take a deeper dive into 4-point inspections
How can I improve my wind mitigation report?
You can improve your wind mitigation report by replacing your roof with one that’s a hip roof style, made of metal, is retrofitted with metal fasteners, and has a second water resistance membrane. You can also replace your windows, doors, and skylights with shutters so they’re better able to withstand high winds.
