Home Insurance needs Wind Mitigation Inspection Certificate?

[Scbang]

One company says it's mandatory, another one never mentioned it.
What is it and what's the truth?

Cheers!

[asianthree]

One company says it's mandatory, another one never mentioned it.
What is it and what's the truth?

Cheers!

Different rules, different companies. Both are correct, underwriting just follows their policy. How old is your home? Usually insurance will request WM on older homes

[Stu from NYC]

Our home was 10 years old when we bought it 5 years ago. Per the home inspector by getting that done it save us quite a bit on home insurance. Do not remember if it was required by insurance company but it has saved us more than it cost to do it.

[villagetinker]

Homes built after a certain date (I do not recall the exact date and do not want to post incorrect info) were built to a higher standard which included the wind mitigation as part of the design. In am sure your house has this design included (assuming this is not a mobile home). The insurance company should know this from the build date. If the company you want to use requires a certificate, you should be able to get one from the county building department. Your house is newer than ours, and I know ours has this as part of the design. Last option would be to have an inspector go into the attic and then give you a certificate.

[Stu from NYC]

Homes built after a certain date (I do not recall the exact date and do not want to post incorrect info) were built to a higher standard which included the wind mitigation as part of the design. In am sure your house has this design included (assuming this is not a mobile home). The insurance company should know this from the build date. If the company you want to use requires a certificate, you should be able to get one from the county building department. Your house is newer than ours, and I know ours has this as part of the design. Last option would be to have an inspector go into the attic and then give you a certificate.

To clarify my previous post the inspector went into the attic and gave us paperwork to confirm that this had been done which went to our insurance company.

[bmcgowan13]

To clarify my previous post the inspector went into the attic and gave us paperwork to confirm that this had been done which went to our insurance company.

We had wind mitigation study done in August of 2024 in our home in Orlando.

Home was built in 2010. Cost was $80. Inspector crawled into the attic to confirm straps and brackets used correctly. Used drone to inspect roof. Took pictures of the reinforcement bars on the garage door. Measured grade on roof and total square feet. It is "good" for 5 years.

Saved a few bucks on homeowner's insurance--couple hundred per year.

Included language like this:
C. Plywood/OSB roof sheathing with a minimum thickness of 7/16”inch attached to the roof truss/rafter (spaced a maximum of 24”inches o.c.) by 8d common nails spaced a maximum of 6” inches in the field. -OR- Dimensional lumber/Tongue & Groove decking with a minimum of 2 nails per board (or 1 nail per board if each board is equal to or less than 6 inches in width). -OR- Any system of screws, nails, adhesives, other deck fastening system or truss/rafter

Got their contact info from our insurance company.

[RL Lemke]

I emailed the insurance company writing my new policy the developer’s full construction drawing set, which I purchased from the architect. This detailed the wind mitigation and proved compliance with the code requirements. While $400, these drawings have been helpful in many ways.

[mrf6969]

Our home was built in 2005 and Travelers Insurance said they do not need it.
Our other home also here in TV, a rental, was built in 2004 and USAA did not need a wind mitigation report either.

[Scbang]

Thanks for the info. However, the agent told me the certificate is only good for 5 years. That precludes getting a copy from the Villages. Can I ask for the inspector's name who charges $80 for the cert?

Cheers!

[Topspinmo]

IMO Another Bs hoop to jump through. Insurance is such Ponzi scheme IMO.

[USOTR]

Florida started a hurricane building code in 2001so any home built in 2002 and newer and some in 2001 are built to this code. We had our 2001 house inspected and saved $900 a year on insurance.

[hollyrich2]

One company says it's mandatory, another one never mentioned it.
What is it and what's the truth?

Cheers!
It depends upon the year built, age of roof and if the home has an opening protection credit. That credit is applicable if all openings including garage door, entry doors and all windows or skylights have impact glass or impact rating. All homes built 2002 or later meet the Florida Building Code(FBC) and automatically receive some credit. If your roof was attached with clips, single wraps or double wraps, you may want the inspection to prove it for a higher credit. I’m an Allstate agent working remote and would be happy to provide home quotes. I’ve saved many neighbors money. If I can’t save you money, you’ll get a detailed explanation of coverage. I provide a quote that meets your needs and budget. Please feel free to call me 954-437-9230 ext. 308 or email hrichardson4@allstate.com.

[Stu from NYC]

My understanding is having it built to this standard will help prevent damage in hurricane

[Deden]

After a new roof from Hurricane Helene, Ins. paid for wind Mig. and we received a discount from Ins. due to upgrades. they check for roof straps and hurricane built.

[J1ceasar]

Basically it's to make sure your attic trusses are tied down to your cinder block walls and possibly that you have six nails per shingle.
An inspection was 75 - 100 dollars and can save you that much per year on your insurance if you have it. Most insuraners required at this point.
The reports are good for at least 5 years and if you know the last insurer. They probably have one on file for free.

When you buy your house this is something you should ask for in advance as well as a termite inspection insurance certificate