Wind Mitigation
The risk of loss from a hurricane is something that each Floridian faces. We know that hurricanes cannot be prevented, but many Floridians are not aware there are things they can do to better protect their property from damage or destruction. Certain construction techniques and features are very effective in protecting your property. If your property has these unique characteristics, you may qualify for a discount on your property insurance premiums.
The discounts insurers must provide for mitigation improvements on your home are currently submitted to the Office in percent ranges. For example, the discount for installing approved shutters to windows may be listed by your insurance company as 20% – 60%. The reason for the range is because many factors may affect the actual discount. A house on a barrier island with shutters may not get the same discount as a house with shutters in the middle of the state. Commissioner McCarty found these ranges unacceptable and of no real value for consumers wanting to make informed decisions about hardening their homes (and reducing their premiums). He proposed a Rule in January 2006, which was adopted by the Financial Services Commission, requiring companies to calculate exact discounts for every one of their policyholders, based on the location, age, and construction techniques of every home. This Rule requires insurers to begin using this new policyholder-specific information on March 1, 2007.
What are the some of the construction techniques and features?
There are many different construction techniques and features. Some of the most common generally fall into one of the categories listed in below.
| 2001 Florida Building Code Compliance (FBC) Homes built in compliance with the 200 Florida Building Code receive a significant discount as a result of the features required by the new code. How do I get this discount?: Dwelling’s certified by a qualified design professional are given credits according to the presence and cumulative value of various construction features. Buildings constructed to the 2001 Florida Building Code receive an additional 15% “Select Home Discount” when the local building authority has a Building Code Effectiveness Grade of 1, 2 or 3 |
Up to 26% |
| Roof Shape Hip Roof – A roof that is sloped on al four sides like a pyramid Other Roof Shapes How do I get this discount? Submit completed design certification |
Up to 26%Up to 22% |
| Opening Protection Shutters Special Impact/Resistant Glass How do I get this discount? Submit completed design certification |
Up to 26% Up to 20% |
| Roof Deck Attachment 6d nails or screws 8d nails or screws Dimensional Lumber How do I get this discount? Submit completed design certification |
Up to 26% |
| Roof Covering Asphalt Shingles Wood Shingles Clay or concrete tiles Metal panels Other roof covering How do I get this discount? Submit completed design certification |
Up to 26% |
| Roof to Wall Connectors Clips Single or Double Wraps Toe Nails/Screws Structurally Connected Other roof to wall connectors How do I get this discount? Submit completed design certification |
Up to 26% |