South Florida homeowners enjoy stunning beaches and a tropical climate that keeps temperatures warm throughout most of the year. But the area is also prone to high winds and hurricanes.

While wind insurance isn’t required in Florida, mortgage companies tend to require it. Due to the high risk of wind damage and hurricanes, it makes sense for homeowners to consider windstorm insurance regardless of whether it’s required or not.

Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the country. South Florida alone was hit by 46 hurricanes from 1851 to 2013, and 26 of those were Category 3 or higher. Wind insurance would seem like a no-brainer for homeowners in the region.

But when purchasing wind insurance, the biggest concern that homeowner’s have is cost.

How Much Does Wind Insurance Cost?

Depending on your location, the cost to insure against wind damage can be very high. Homes along the coast have the highest premiums.

In Miami-Dade County, for example, an old home can cost up to $8,000 to insure against wind damage.

Wind mitigation credits can help reduce the cost of this coverage. That same home in Miami-Dade County could cost as little as $4,800 to insure if it qualifies for the wind mitigation credit.

Wind Mitigation Credits and Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums

In Florida, insurance companies are required to provide discounts to homeowners that take steps to reduce the risk of damage from hurricanes and wind.

How big of a discount can homeowners expect? Up to 40%!

To take advantage of these credits, homeowners must have their homes inspected by a professional.

How Do Wind Mitigation Inspections Work?

The purpose of the inspection is to check to see whether a home has the necessary features to make it more resistant to wind and hurricane damage. The better your home is equipped to mitigate hurricane damage, the lower the risk of home insurance claims.

Home inspections must be performed by certified inspectors who will look for certain features in your home, such as:

• Impact-resistance glass on windows and doors – up to Miami Dade code
• Hurricane shutters – up to Miami Dade code
• Roof shape, covering and bracing.
• Reinforced roof-to-wall connections (hurricane straps). Concrete block homes with steel reinforcement may receive a larger discount than homes with plastic siding frames or plywood.
• Secondary water resistance barrier.
• Storm doors.
• Roof deck attachment.

The inspector will evaluate these features to determine your home’s wind resilience and whether or not you qualify for a wind mitigation credit.

The credit is valid for five years. After this time, another inspection might be required to ensure your home still qualifies.

How Much Do These Inspections Cost?

Currently, cost of inspections run about $100. For most homeowners, the discount from a wind mitigation credit pays for itself and then some.

For homeowners in South Florida, where risks of hurricanes and damaging winds are high, wind mitigation credits can help you save a significant amount of money on your hurricane/wind insurance premiums.