A simple Florida-focused guide to inspections, discounts, and upgrades. When you’re ready, at Sun Insurance we will run quotes that factor in every eligible credit.
Kim Osburn
Personal Lines Insurance Agent
suninsuranceservices.com/kim
407-781-1620 • kim@suninsuranceservices.com
What’s Inside
- What windstorm mitigation is & why it matters
- How the inspection works (Florida)
- Where the biggest discounts come from
- Quick savings & ROI calculator
- Best timing & prep checklist
- Upgrades that pay back fastest
- How Kim helps you maximize credits
- FAQs
What Is Windstorm Mitigation—and Why It Matters
Windstorm mitigation means building features that stand up to hurricane-force winds—things like roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, and protected openings. In Florida, insurers must offer credits for qualifying features, and those credits can materially shrink your premium.
Reality check: many homes leave money on the table because their most recent mitigation inspection isn’t on file with the current insurer. A current Uniform Mitigation Verification Form is your key to applying credits correctly.
How the Florida Windstorm Mitigation Inspection Works
Who Can Inspect
Licensed engineers or architects
Licensed building contractors or certified building inspectors
Home inspectors with wind mitigation certification
What They Document
- Year built / code cycle
- Roof covering, deck attachment, and roof-to-wall connections
- Roof geometry (hip vs. gable), secondary water resistance
- Opening protection: impact windows/doors, shutters, garage door rating
The results go on the Uniform Mitigation Verification Form with photos and the inspector’s certification; insurers use it to apply credits to your policy.
Where the Biggest Discounts Usually Come From
Structural & Roof
- Roof-to-wall connections (straps/clips)
- Roof deck attachment (nail size & spacing)
- Roof covering (impact-rated shingles, metal, tile)
- Roof geometry (hip roofs often outperform gable)
Openings & Water
- Opening protection (impact windows/doors, shutters)
- Secondary water resistance (sealed deck)
- Garage door (impact/wind-rated)
Depending on your feature set, total credits commonly land in the 10–45%+ range.
Quick Savings & ROI Calculator
Use this simple estimator—then ask Kim to validate with carriers and lock in credits. Annual premium ($) Estimated discount (%) — try 10–45 Inspection cost ($)
Typical inspection costs range ~$75–$150; savings scale with your premium.
Best Time to Schedule—and How to Prepare
When to Book
- After finishing upgrades (roof, shutters, garage door, windows)
- Before renewal or right after you buy a home
- If your last mitigation report is 5+ years old
Prep Checklist
- Pull permits & invoices for improvements
- Clear attic/garage access points
- Ensure all openings are accessible
Upgrades That Often Pay Back Fast
High-Impact / Lower Cost
- Hurricane straps & clips
- Impact-rated garage door
- Permanent or panel shutters
These can deliver strong credits with shorter payback windows in many homes.
Major Improvements
- Impact windows & doors
- Impact-rated roof + sealed deck
Bigger up-front cost, but substantial credits and resilience benefits.
Make the Discounts Count—Work with Kim
- Credit audit: Kim reviews your mitigation form and identifies every eligible carrier credit.
- Quote strategy: She shops insurers that price wind-resistant homes competitively.
- Documentation: Guidance on exactly what carriers need to apply credits smoothly.
- Follow-through: Post-binding check that credits are on the declarations page.
Email Kim for a Savings ReviewCall 407-781-1620Text 407-781-1620Agent PageLinkedIn
State Programs Worth Knowing
My Safe Florida Home has offered free inspections and matching grants for home-hardening improvements. Availability and terms change—Kim can flag current options when quoting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need every opening protected to get credits?
Carriers typically require all glazed openings to be protected to qualify for full opening-protection credits. Partial protection may yield smaller or no credits.
How often should I update my mitigation form?
Update after significant improvements (roofing, windows, doors, shutters) or if your current report is outdated—many homeowners refresh every 5 years.
Will every insurer use the same credits?
Credits are based on the same features, but amounts and rating models vary by carrier. Shopping carriers with the correct documentation matters.
Sun Insurance Services • Orlando, FL • suninsuranceservices.com/kim
Phone/Text: 407-781-1620 • Email: kim@suninsuranceservices.com
Insurance advice here is educational; coverage and discounts depend on your specific policy and carrier filings.