What a Wind Mitigation Report Is
A wind mitigation report (officially, the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form OIR-B1-1802) is a state-mandated inspection that documents your home's wind-resistant features. Florida insurance carriers are REQUIRED by law to offer premium discounts for homes with documented wind mitigation features. Without the report, you don't get the discounts.
The report is performed by a qualified inspector typically a licensed contractor, engineer, or certified inspector. The inspection takes 30-60 minutes and documents 7 specific categories of wind resistance.
The 7 Categories Inspected
1. Building Code / Year of Construction
When was the home built, and to what version of the Florida Building Code? The 2002 and later FBC versions have progressively stronger wind-resistance requirements. Homes built to newer codes get automatic credits.
2. Roof Covering
What's on your roof? Key determinations:
- Material type (asphalt shingle, metal, tile, etc.)
- Product approval meeting Florida Building Code wind requirements
- Installation date and whether it meets current code
- For shingles: whether they're rated to specific wind speeds (100, 110, 130, 150+ MPH)
Premium shingle products (like TAMKO Titan XT rated to 160 MPH) and metal roofs score better here.
3. Roof Deck Attachment
How is the plywood decking attached to the roof trusses/rafters? Options documented:
- Nails 6" on center (weaker)
- Nails 8" on center (weaker)
- Dimensional nails 6" on center (better)
- Dimensional nails 4" on center (best for shingle)
This is determined by attic inspection. Older homes often have weaker nailing patterns that reduce credits.
4. Roof-to-Wall Connection
How are roof trusses/rafters connected to the walls? Options:
- Toe nails only (weakest homes before 1970s typically)
- Clips (moderate)
- Single wraps (better)
- Double wraps (best)
This is a major credit item. Upgrading from toe nails to single wraps can save hundreds per year.
5. Roof Geometry
What's the shape of your roof?
- Hip roof (best sloped on all sides, sheds wind)
- Other (gable, shed, flat) less wind-resistant
Hip roofs get significant credits because they're demonstrably more hurricane-resistant than gable roofs.
6. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
Does the roof underlayment include a secondary water barrier typically a self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous underlayment over the seams of the roof decking? This prevents water intrusion even if shingles are blown off. Most new code-compliant installations include SWR.
7. Opening Protection
How are your windows and doors protected from wind-borne debris?
- No protection (no credit)
- Basic protection (plywood only minimal credit)
- Some impact-rated glazing (partial credit)
- ALL openings protected with impact-rated glazing or hurricane shutters (maximum credit)
How Much Can You Save?
Savings vary by insurance carrier, policy specifics, and home features. Typical ranges:
- Minimal credits (older home, no upgrades) - inspection still documents what exists
- Moderate credits (1980s-90s home with code-compliant reroof)
- Full credits (post-2002 construction with full features)
- Premium homes with all features (hip roof, full opening protection, current code)
Real example: a 2005 Ocala home with architectural shingle (160 MPH rated), hip roof, strapped connections, SWR, and partial opening protection earned meaningful carrier credits at policy renewal. Specific amounts vary by carrier.
How Much Does a Wind Mitigation Report Cost?
Inspection cost varies by service area. State Certified Roofing provides wind mitigation inspections for in our service area. Payback typically arrives within the first renewal cycle.
When to Get a Wind Mitigation Report
After a New Roof
Automatic. A new code-compliant roof should trigger new credits. Get the report immediately after the roof is complete and file with your carrier for the next policy term.
When Switching Insurance
Any time you're shopping carriers, have the report ready. Different carriers weight the credits differently; having the documentation lets you compare apples to apples.
Every 5 Years Regardless
Wind mitigation reports are typically valid for 5 years. Even if nothing has changed on your home, some carriers require a current report (within 5 years) for continued discount application.
After Hurricane Shutter or Impact Window Installation
Major opening protection upgrades trigger significant credits.
After Any Wind-Resistance Upgrades
If you've added hurricane straps, updated roof decking attachment, added SWR, or made other wind-resistance improvements, update the report.
Can You Improve Your Wind Mitigation Scoring?
During a Reroof
This is the best time to address multiple wind mitigation items:
- Upgrade to current-code wind-rated shingle or metal roofing
- Add secondary water resistance (SWR)
- Upgrade nailing pattern to 4" or 6" dimensional nails
- Address any visible roof-to-wall connection issues when decking is exposed
These improvements during an already-planned reroof are minimal additional cost for significant ongoing insurance savings.
Standalone Upgrades
You can also upgrade wind-resistance features independently of a reroof:
- Install hurricane shutters or impact-rated windows
- Add hurricane straps/clips where accessible (typically only possible with open attic access)
- Strap garage doors (often overlooked)
Wind Mitigation Common Misconceptions
"I just got my roof inspected that counts, right?"
No. A roof inspection (for condition) is different from a wind mitigation inspection. Wind mitigation is a specific state form documenting specific features. You need the actual OIR-B1-1802 form completed by a qualified inspector.
"My insurance company will automatically give me the discount."
Not true. Carriers are required to OFFER discounts for documented features but you must PROVIDE the documentation. No report = no discount, regardless of what your home actually has.
"My inspector gave me numbers but my carrier didn't apply them all."
Different carriers weight credits differently. Some apply all credits; others apply only some. The report documents facts about your home individual carriers decide how to price those facts.
"My old report is still valid."
Check the date. Most carriers require reports less than 5 years old. Some accept older reports for continued policies but require current reports for new policies.
Getting Your Wind Mitigation Report
For Marion, Lake, Sumter, and Citrus County wind mitigation inspections, call (352) 696-8989. flat fee, inspection typically takes 45 minutes, report delivered within 2 business days. Report delivered to you (and your carrier on request) in carrier-ready format.
Full service details: Wind Mitigation Reports service page.