How Wind Mitigation Can Lower Your Insurance

Florida insurers look at how well your home resists wind. Here's what they check and where impact windows fit.

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

A licensed inspector documents your home's wind-resistant features on the state's uniform mitigation form. Your insurer uses that report to decide which wind mitigation credits apply to your policy.

What the inspection looks at

• Opening protection: impact windows, doors, garage doors or approved shutters.
• Roof covering and when it was installed.
• Roof deck attachment: how the roof deck is nailed down.
• Roof-to-wall attachment: clips, single wraps or double wraps.
• Roof shape: hip roofs typically rate better than gable roofs.
• Secondary water resistance under the roof covering.

Where impact windows fit

Opening protection is graded by how many openings are protected and by what. Protecting every opening, including the garage door and entry doors, gives you the best chance at the opening protection credit. Partial protection may not qualify. We can't promise a specific discount, but upgrading may lower your premium.

Steps to take

1. Ask your agent for your current wind mitigation credits.
2. If you're upgrading, plan to protect every opening.
3. After the install and final inspection, get a new wind mitigation inspection.
4. Send the new report to your agent and ask them to re-rate your policy.

Can I get the inspection free?

Through My Safe Florida Home, eligible homeowners can request a free, state-assigned wind mitigation inspection. Private inspectors in North County also offer them for a fee. Grant guide →

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