How the inspection works, what it checks, and how Florida wind mitigation credits can affect your homeowners premium.
A wind mitigation inspection is a visit by a qualified inspector (for example, a licensed home inspector, general contractor, building contractor, architect, or engineer) who documents the features of your home that help it resist hurricane-force wind. The results are recorded on Florida's standard Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), which insurers use to apply wind mitigation credits.
Most inspections take roughly an hour for a typical single-family home. The inspector usually checks the attic and the exterior and takes photos to support each answer on the form. Having permits, receipts, or product approval paperwork for your roof, windows, and doors can help the inspector verify features. Miami-Dade sits in Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, and many products installed here carry Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) approvals, which can make documentation easier.
Florida law requires insurers to offer credits or discounts for qualifying wind-resistive features. Those credits apply to the wind (hurricane) portion of your premium, not the whole bill. How much you may save depends on your home's features, your insurer's filed rating plan, and your coverage, so we do not quote a specific dollar figure until we see your inspection form and available options. For some homes the credit is small; for homes with features such as a hip roof, strong roof-to-wall connections, and full opening protection, it can be more meaningful.
A wind mitigation form is generally accepted for up to five years, as long as nothing material about the home has changed. If you replace your roof or install impact windows, a new inspection may reflect the upgrade.
Roof age and condition are major underwriting factors in Florida. Insurance options are available for homes with roofs over 15 years old, though availability varies by carrier and underwriting. A current wind mitigation report and, for older homes, a 4-point inspection help us show carriers an accurate picture of your property.
Wind mitigation credits relate to wind coverage only. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood. Flood insurance is available through both FEMA (NFIP) and private insurers, and we can review flood options alongside your homeowners quote.
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It is generally not required by law, but many Miami-Dade homeowners get one because insurers use the form to apply wind mitigation credits. Some carriers may request one as part of underwriting.
The form must be completed by a qualified inspector, such as a licensed home inspector with the required training, a building code inspector, general or building contractor, architect, or professional engineer.
It depends on your home's features and your insurer's rating plan. Credits apply to the wind portion of the premium. Send us your form and we will show you how it affects the options available for your property.
Generally up to five years, unless the home has changed in a way that affects the answers, such as a new roof or new opening protection.
It can document other wind-resistive features. Insurance options are available for homes with roofs over 15 years old, though availability varies by carrier and underwriting.
Request a free quote or call (678) 402-7354