Why Your South Florida Home Insurance Is Higher Than It Should Be
If your roof was replaced in the last 5–10 years and you haven't updated your wind mitigation report, you could be overpaying on insurance.
Here's what's going on and what you can do about it.
What a Wind Mitigation Inspection Actually Does
A wind mitigation inspection documents how well your home is built to withstand hurricane-force winds. The inspector looks at things like:
Roof shape (hip roofs score best)
How the roof deck is attached to the structure
What's connecting your roof to the walls
Type of roof covering and when it was installed
Whether you have opening protection (impact windows, shutters)
That report goes to your insurance company, and they determine your insurance discounts based on the information provided.
Why South Florida Homeowners Leave Money on the Table
Wind mitigation reports are valid for 5 years. A lot of homeowners get one done, file it, and forget about it. Meanwhile, they replace their roof, which almost always improves their score, and never bother to update the report.
Insurance carriers won't chase you down to give you a discount. You have to bring them the updated documentation.
In South Florida, where insurance rates have been brutal, an updated wind mitigation report with a new qualifying roof can save hundreds of dollars a year. Some homeowners see savings in the $1,000–$2,000+ range depending on carrier and coverage level.
New Roof = New Inspection
This is the most common missed opportunity. If you had your roof replaced after your last wind mitigation report was filed, you need a new inspection.
Modern roofing installations often include:
Better deck attachment (ring-shank nails vs. smooth)
Updated secondary water resistance (self-adhering underlayment)
FBC-compliant roof coverings that qualify for credits
All of that gets captured in a new report and translates directly to lower premiums.
Who Needs to Read This
Homeowners with roofs replaced in the last few years who haven't updated their wind mit report
HOA boards and property managers sitting on communities full of new roofs and old paperwork
What the Inspection Costs vs. What It Saves
A wind mitigation inspection typically runs around $150 for a single-family home. The annual savings on your premium can be 3–10x that, year after year, for the life of the report.
For multi-unit communities, the math gets even better — one coordinated inspection effort across dozens of units produces savings on every policy.
Bottom Line
If your roof is newer than your wind mitigation report, you're leaving money with your insurance company that belongs in your pocket. An updated inspection is a one-time cost that pays for itself fast.
Home Scan Inspections serves homeowners, communities, and HOAs across South Florida. 📞 561-320-1970 | 🌐 homescanfl.com | ✉️ homescanfl@gmail.com License #HI11676
