What a Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection Checks, and How It Lowers Your Premium

Why the inspection exists

Florida law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for construction features that reduce hurricane damage. Your insurer can't apply those discounts until the features are documented on the state's official Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form, the OIR-B1-1802.

The seven questions

1. Building code. Homes built to the 2001 Florida Building Code or later, or the South Florida Building Code in Miami-Dade and Broward for qualifying years, can earn credit.

2. Roof covering. Whether the roof covering meets current code, shown by a product approval or a permit date.

3. Roof deck attachment. How the plywood or decking is nailed to the trusses. Larger nails at tighter spacing score better.

4. Roof-to-wall attachment. Toe nails, clips, single wraps or double wraps. Wraps and clips usually earn more credit than toe nails.

5. Roof geometry. Hip roofs perform better in wind than gable roofs and typically earn a discount.

6. Secondary water resistance. A sealed underlayment that keeps water out if the roof covering is lost.

7. Opening protection. Impact-rated windows, doors and garage doors, or approved shutters on every opening.

How long it's good for

A completed form is generally accepted for five years, as long as the home hasn't changed. A new roof or new impact windows are a good reason to get a new inspection, since they can earn more credit.

Tips to get the most out of it

Find your roof permit and any window or shutter permits ahead of time. Make sure the attic is accessible. Insurers reject forms on outdated revisions, so ask your inspector which revision they use.