Wind Mitigation Frequently Asked Questions
A wind mitigation survey is a detailed inspection that documents existing wind resistant construction features on your home. Features inspected include:
Insurance companies are required by law to give discounts if the home has certain features. The insurance companies will require
documentation from a person with state training in building codes such as a licensed Home Inspector.
What other features will result in a discount?
That varies depending upon each individual insurance company. Call your insurance agent for information specific to your home.
How do I know if my insurance company will give discounts?
Insurance companies are required by law to give discounts when your home has certain features that protect it against wind damage.
Why can’t I just tell them what features my home has?
The average homeowner is not qualified to make construction, and building code compliance determinations and either is the average insurance agent. Insurance companies depend on trained experts such as a licensed Home Inspector like myself.
When do I get the form for insurance discounts or credits?
At the conclusion of your inspection, I will let you know when the report will be available. In most cases reports are available within 2 business days.
Is there anything I can do to increase my discounts?
A windstorm mitigation inspection will disclose features your home does not have at the time of inspection but which could be added to increase your discounts. For example, adding shutters, or hurricane resistant glass.
How do I know you are qualified?
As a state licensed Home Inspector, I work with all insurance companies in Florida. My license number is HI1587 and can be verified at https://www.myfloridalicense.com.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
No, it is not necessary that you be present for the inspection, but we do recommend that you are present. This is an opportunity to learn
how you can make your home safer. We do require someone over the age of 18 be present and attic access is required for the inspector to verify roofing features.
4 Point Frequently Asked Questions
A 4 Point is actually not an inspection but an insurance survey done at the request of your insurance company. The 4 points surveyed include:
Insurance companies are more likely to require this survey before insuring homes 25 years or older. The inspector verifies the age and condition of the 4 major systems for the insurance company and the insurers use the report to decide if they will issue coverage on the home.
What if the home fails?
Because a 4 point is not an inspection, a home cannot pass or fail. Some or all systems may not be in acceptable condition for the insurance company to cover. If so, most insurance companies allow a grace period for necessary repairs or upgrades.
I just paid to have my home inspected before purchasing it, why do I need this also?
A pre-purchase inspection is completely different from an insurance survey. Insurance companies cannot use the information on the pre-purchase inspection. 4 point surveys must be submitted on standardized forms and signed by a licensed home inspector. We have the experience and training to do the job correctly.
I’m buying a home and have been told I need both a wind survey and a 4 point survey. Would it be okay to skip the pre-purchase inspection and only order the 2 insurance surveys requested?
That is up to the customer to decide. Some customers feel since the 4 point survey covers the major systems they can skip the pre-purchase inspection. This is actually a risky idea. A pre-purchase inspection is much more thorough than a brief insurance survey. Whatever you decide, we can provide the services you need and offer you a competitive rate when multiple services are ordered.