Was it recommended you get a Wind Mitigation on your new home?

Are you wondering if it is really worth it? If so, we can help you sort out if a Wind Mitigation is a fit for you. Here at the FBI Group, we perform over 2,000 Wind Mitigations each year. We have seen our fair share of homes and know what can save you big bucks when it comes to your insurance premium. To help you consider if you want a Wind Mitigation for your home, we will discuss how much money you could save and how you save money when you get a Wind Mitigation.

Will a Wind Mitigation save me money on my homeowner's insurance?

A Wind Mitigation is an optional and typically inexpensive report that tells your insurance company seven specific details about your home’s current construction. These seven things each equate to money that you can save on your home insurance premium.

A Wind Mitigation will run you from anywhere from $75 to $150 depending on if you are getting any other services. The little you invest can save you hundreds to even a thousand dollars yearly.

The benefit that usually entices most people to get a Wind Mitigation is the savings it can bring. This report is all about giving you credits that will lower your overall home insurance premium.

Seven opportunities for savings

You might be wondering how a Wind Mitigation can save you money. There are seven opportunities for savings. Your home most likely has at least one of these credits if not two, three, or even more.

Each time your home fits the bill for one of these criteria, credits are applied to your policy. These credits are then added up by your home insurance provider and a discount is given based on the number of credits your home received. These credits can add up to a hundred dollars, to even one thousand dollars depending on the credits applied.

Having hurricane-rated doors and windows can get you the biggest discount but can be costly if the home isn't already meeting this criterion. The second biggest credit is having hurricane straps, which are typically cheaper to get installed if the home doesn’t already have them.

1. Age of the home
   If your home is built after 2002, your home was built to a higher standard due to earlier hurricanes that came through Florida. After 2002 code changed to put more stringent building requirements to better protect homes from high wind events. If your home was built after 2002 you will receive a credit to your home insurance premium.
   
2. Age of the roof
   One of the credits available to you is based on the age of your roof, or when your roof was last replaced. On your Wind Mitigation, your inspector will be looking to see that your roof is not older than 2002 to ensure you qualify to receive this discount.
   
3. Nail size and nail spacing
   The size of the nails and their spacing play a role in how your roof sheathing will stand up against an extreme wind event. Your inspector will document the nail size and spacing, hoping to see size 8d nails spaced 6 inches on center to receive the credit for this criteria.
   
4. Roof-to-wall attachment
   How your roof is secured from the trusses, or rafters, to your walls can affect the credit you receive on your Wind Mitigation. Typically, homes are secured by toenails, clips, or straps. Hurricane straps secured with three nails give you the highest credit for this criterion.
   
5. Roof geometry
   Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Some shapes resist high wind events better, such as the hip roof. If your home has a hip roof, it could save you some money.
   
6. Secondary water resistance
   Underneath the shingles of your home is a secondary protective barrier to help keep water out. Keeping water out of your house is always a good idea, and depending on the type of barrier you have it could earn you some additional savings!
   
7. Openings protection
   All your home's openings must be hurricane rated to receive the biggest discount on a Wind Mitigation. This includes all your windows and exterior doors, including your garage door. Having these protections is a great way to keep you safe during a high-wind event and save you some money.

More money for your pocket and peace of mind during storm time

Getting a Wind Mitigation gives you a chance to save money on your home insurance and requires little upfront investment. Each report lasts five years – can you Imagine five years of savings? Not only are the savings enticing, but you can also rest assured your home is ready for storm season and know that your home is ready to combat any high winds. If you are in Southwest or Central Florida and ready to schedule your Wind Mitigation, use our online scheduler today!