Wind Mitigation and Four Point Inspections

News:

As of February 1, 2012, there is a new wind mitigation form, 1802, that may be required for all insurance policies. It may also be advantageous for you to get an inspection done on the new form as some discounts that were improperly taken away as a result of mistakes on the old form, may now be available.

Here is a sample of the new wind mitigation form: 2012 Wind Mitigation Report

Wind Mitigation Inspection

Wind Mitigation inspections were developed to save home owners money and protect property from windstorm damage. During a wind mitigation inspection, a licensed inspector reports on the key features that decrease the amount of damage your home may receive during a hurricane or strong windstorm. These features may include concrete block construction, gable end bracing, a hip roof, single or double roof straps, a secondary water resistance barrier, shutters and opening protection. These are the standard factors that help qualify a home for wind mitigation certification. Another factor is the elevation of a property and how it relates to wind speed.

The reason for the discount is because a home with these types of features is less likely to incur costly repairs during a "high wind event", which saves the insurance company money. These savings are then passed on to the policy holder. The state of Florida was the first to mandate that insurance companies reduce their rates for homes with certain wind mitigation features through the My Safe Florida Home program, which is now defunct.

When the inspector has completed the inspection, the completed report is submitted to the insurance provider and discount calculated. Many homeowners even receive refund checks for the current policy. On average a wind mitigation certificate will save you the cost of the inspection in the first year. It is not uncommon for a wind mitigation survey to save a property owner well over a thousand dollars in the first year.  It is in the best interest for every homeowner to get an inspection done today!

Who can perform a wind mitigation inspection?

According to Florida Law:

1. A home inspector licensed under s. 468.8314 who has completed at least 3 hours of hurricane mitigation training which includes hurricane mitigation techniques and compliance with the uniform mitigation verification form and completion of a proficiency exam. Thereafter, home inspectors licensed under s. 468.8314 must complete at least 2 hours of continuing education, as part of the existing licensure renewal requirements each year, related to mitigation inspection and the uniform mitigation form;
2. A building code inspector certified under s. 468.607;
3. A general, building, or residential contractor licensed under s. 489.111;
4. A professional engineer licensed under s. 471.015;
5. A professional architect licensed under s. 481.213; or
6. Any other individual or entity recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications to properly complete a uniform mitigation verification form.
 

Your Inspector has exceeded the minimum requirements. Click HERE.

Your inspector has also passed the latest course and exam for the newly released 1802 form:

Your inspector is also licensed by the State of Florida. License number: HI591

If your Agent states that you "must" use one of their "preferred inspectors", they are not following the law.

Am I guaranteed a discount on my insurance?

Not always. If your home was built prior to September 1, 1994 and has the original roof and no hurricane protection, you most likely will not receive any discounts or if you do, they will be minimal. At the home inspection, your inspector will be able to determine if your home qualifies for any discounts and will also inform you where improvements can be made, to obtain additional discounts.

What does a wind mitigation inspection report look like?

Click HERE for a sample wind mitigation inspection report.

Four-Point Inspections

The insurance company is generally looking to see if your property has been updated to current standards and is in good condition.  After Hurricane Andrew, Insurance Companies in Florida have been trying to encourage home owners to make their homes safer and reduce insurance claims. Many of the insurance companies and JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) now request or require Four Point Inspections for homes older than 30 years. The inspection includes a visual inspection of :

Roof
Electrical
Heat & Air Conditioning
Plumbing

Are there special forms ?
Some insurance companies in Florida have forms that they require. 

Most Insurance companies will accept the InterNACHI four-point inspection form. It is recommended that you call your insurance carrier prior to booking an inspection to determine if they will accept the InterNACHI form, or will provide their own, or require some other reporting method.

There may also be instances where your premium may increase or your insurance carrier may cancel your coverage, as a result of the four-point inspection.

Those instances are:

1. The presence of a Federal Pacific "Stab-Lok" breaker panel.

2. The presence of Aluminum branch circuit wiring

3. The presence of "Polybutylene" plumbing lines.

What  happens if I opt to not have a Four Point Inspection?
Some insurance providers will not cover you or write new policies without the Four Point Inspection.  On a positive note, you may also receive a sizable discount if you have one. A four-point inspection may also reveal issues which may cause you to lose your insurance altogether.

Can you guarantee a Four Point inspection will enable me to be approved for insurance?
No, we can’t, but we do believe it will help you obtain a discount if you currently have insurance.

What does a four-point inspection look like?

Click HERE for a sample four point inspection.

Information for the Wind Mitigation and Four-Point inspections can be gathered at the home inspection and when needed, the reports can be completed and sent via e mail to all concerned parties. Payment for these inspections will be due prior to sending the reports.

If you want to order an Insurance Inspection, click on this FORM.

Call for further information.

Phone: (954) 340-6615

E-Mail: ev@magnuminspections.com

(Back to Top)