Wind Mitigation: How to Save on Florida Insurance Premiums
The complete guide to wind mitigation inspections and insurance discounts in Hernando County
Table of Contents
What is Wind Mitigation?
Wind mitigation refers to specific construction features that help your home withstand high winds during hurricanes and severe storms. In Florida, homes with these protective features qualify for significant insurance premium discounts—often saving homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
For Hernando County homeowners, wind mitigation inspections are one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums. The inspection identifies and documents the wind-resistant features of your home that can qualify for insurance discounts.
Key Benefits for Hernando County Homeowners:
- Insurance Savings: Average savings of $800+ per year on homeowners insurance
- Increased Safety: Better protection for your family during hurricane season
- Enhanced Home Value: Wind-resistant features can increase resale value
- One-Time Investment: A single inspection (typically $95) can provide years of savings
A certified inspector evaluating roof-to-wall connections in a Spring Hill home
Wind mitigation inspections focus on seven specific features of your home's construction, from your roof covering to your wall construction type. Each feature that meets Florida Building Code requirements can qualify you for a separate discount on your insurance premium.
The best part? Unlike many other ways to save money, wind mitigation inspections require minimal effort from homeowners. A licensed inspector does all the work documenting your home's existing features, and the resulting report can be submitted directly to your insurance company for immediate discounts.
The Florida Insurance Crisis
Florida homeowners are facing an unprecedented insurance crisis. Premiums have more than doubled in recent years, with Hernando County residents seeing some of the steepest increases in the state. Several major factors are driving this crisis:
Increased Hurricane Activity
Florida has experienced multiple destructive hurricane seasons, with storms like Irma, Michael, and Ian causing billions in damage. Climate models predict this trend will continue, leading insurers to raise rates to cover potential future losses.
Insurance Company Bankruptcies
Six Florida insurance companies have become insolvent in the past two years alone, with others leaving the state voluntarily. This reduced competition has allowed remaining insurers to raise rates dramatically.
Reinsurance Costs
Insurance companies buy their own insurance (called reinsurance) to help cover large-scale disasters. These reinsurance costs have skyrocketed and are passed directly to homeowners.
Litigation Expenses
Florida has historically had high rates of insurance litigation, leading to increased costs for insurance companies that are ultimately reflected in higher premiums.
Hernando County's Unique Situation
Hernando County homeowners face specific challenges due to:
- Coastal Exposure: Proximity to the Gulf of Mexico increases wind risk assessments
- Housing Age: Many homes in Spring Hill and Brooksville were built before modern wind codes
- Limited Carrier Options: Fewer insurance companies are willing to write new policies in the county
- Citizens Insurance Growth: Many homeowners are being forced into the state's insurer of last resort
How Wind Mitigation Directly Addresses These Issues
Wind mitigation is one of the few effective tools homeowners have to combat rising insurance rates. Here's why it works:
- Insurance companies are required by Florida law to provide discounts for wind mitigation features
- Unlike other factors (like credit score or claims history), wind mitigation features are entirely within your control
- Discounts remain valid for up to 5 years from inspection date, providing long-term savings
- Some features may already exist in your home, meaning you could start saving immediately without any modifications
Understanding the Wind Mitigation Inspection
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a specialized assessment that identifies and documents specific construction features that reduce damage during hurricanes and strong winds. Unlike a standard home inspection, it focuses exclusively on wind-resistance elements.
The inspection specifically looks for construction features that:
- Strengthen your roof against wind uplift forces
- Secure your roof to your walls for better structural integrity
- Protect openings like windows and doors from wind and debris
- Improve your home's overall resistance to hurricane-force winds
The official Florida wind mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802)
What Gets Inspected
The wind mitigation inspection in Hernando County focuses on seven specific areas:
Building Permit Date
When your home was built or reroofed (newer homes often automatically qualify for credits)
Roof Covering
Type, age, and installation method of your roof materials
Roof Deck Attachment
How your roof sheathing is secured to the trusses or rafters
Roof-to-Wall Connection
How your roof structure attaches to your exterior walls
Roof Geometry
The shape of your roof (hip vs. gable)
Wall Construction Type
Materials used for your exterior walls
Secondary Water Resistance
Extra waterproofing layer underneath your roof covering
Who Can Perform Wind Mitigation Inspections?
In Florida, wind mitigation inspections must be conducted by a qualified professional with one of these licenses:
- Licensed general, building, or residential contractor
- Licensed building inspector
- Registered architect
- Licensed professional engineer
- Licensed home inspector with proper wind mitigation certification
Hernando County Tip:
Always verify that your inspector is properly licensed and experienced with Hernando County homes. Different areas of the county have different common construction methods and features. An experienced local inspector will know exactly where to look for qualifying features in your home's construction.
Required Documentation
After the inspection, you'll receive an official Florida wind mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802), which includes:
- Detailed documentation of all seven inspection areas
- Photographic evidence of qualifying features
- Inspector's license information and signature
- Date of inspection (valid for 5 years from this date)
This form must be submitted to your insurance company to receive applicable discounts. Most insurance companies require the inspection to be less than 5 years old to maintain your discounts.
Ready to Save on Your Hernando County Home Insurance?
Schedule your wind mitigation inspection today and start saving hundreds on your insurance premiums.
