Wind Mitigation and Its Benefits for Home Insurance

Article overview

• Wind mitigation can help homeowners strengthen vulnerable parts of their home against high winds, hurricanes and wind-driven rain.

• In some states and with some carriers, documented mitigation features may also help lower the windstorm portion of a homeowners insurance premium.

• Learn what a wind mitigation inspection looks for, which home upgrades may make the biggest difference and why reviewing insurance coverage may help you save on premiums.

Tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, blizzards and dust storms all have one thing in common: wind. Wind can wreak havoc on your property if you're not prepared for it. In fact, wind damage in storm-prone regions is a leading factor behind higher homeowners’ insurance premiums.

Fortunately, there are proactive ways to help protect your home—and potentially reduce what you pay for insurance. By starting with a wind mitigation inspection, you can better understand which improvements will help strengthen your home’s ability to withstand high winds, reduce the risk of damage and potentially qualify for insurance discounts.

What is wind mitigation?

Wind mitigation refers to specific construction features and home upgrades designed to help protect your home from wind-related damage. These improvements not only enhance safety for occupants during severe weather but may also qualify you for insurance discounts.

Wind mitigation is especially important for homeowners in regions prone to windstorms, tornadoes or hurricanes.

And it’s not limited to new construction. Whether you’re building or upgrading an existing home, there are options that can help reinforce your structure and improve its ability to withstand high winds.

Why does wind mitigation matter for homeowners insurance and storm protection?

Damage from high winds can be costly, and then adding in higher insurance premiums, you’re looking at some significant expenses.

Enhancements to your home to mitigate the effects of wind can help to reduce those costs while promoting a safer environment for you and your family.

In addition, state and local building codes may require these and other mitigation features. There may also be minimum standards required in each situation, based on local regulations and building codes.

High winds can damage roofs, siding, fences and other exterior features. In some cases, winds can also cause water intrusions through damaged roofs or windows. Potential costs may include:

• Roof repairs or replacement
• Broken doors or windows
• Tree and debris removal
• Temporary housing expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable
• Water remediation
• Insurance deductibles and out-of-pocket repair expenses

Long-term savings potential of wind mitigation

While there is an upfront expense associated with wind mitigation upgrades, they can help reduce weather and insurance-related costs in the long run. Potential savings may include:

• Insurance discounts
• Reduced repair and replacement costs after severe weather events
• Reduced risk of water damage
• Potential for increased property value due to better protections
• Fewer out-of-pocket expenses related to insurance deductibles

Safety benefits of wind mitigation

Wind mitigation is all about reinforcing vulnerable areas of your home to reduce damage and keep you and your loved ones safe during the storm. Some key safety benefits may include:

• Decreased likelihood of roof failure
• Increased protection from flying debris
• Decreased likelihood of water intrusion
• Increased structural strength

What wind mitigation upgrades can help protect a home?

When considering wind mitigation upgrades, there are a few common essentials that will help to protect you, your home and your wallet. Here’s how:

• Apply a water barrier to your roof deck: Beneath your shingles is your roof deck. A secondary water barrier applied to this layer of your roof will reduce the risk of water entering your home if roof damage exposes the roof deck to the elements.

• Reinforce your roof: Check to see if your roof has any loose or damaged shingles, tiles or metal panels. These will likely be the first to fail in severe weather.

• Reinforce the roof-to-foundation connection: Hurricane straps, clips and anchors can be used to strengthen the load path between your roof and foundation. Doing so will distribute wind forces throughout the structure rather than concentrating them in one area.

• Protect doors and windows from debris: Doors and windows are some of the most vulnerable areas of your home, especially when it comes to flying debris or wind pressure. If they are damaged, you and your family could be at risk of being struck by more flying debris, or water can enter your home. To reduce this risk, consider installing storm shutters, impact-resistant glass and storm-rated exterior doors.

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is conducted by a certified home inspector to identify wind-resistant features already present in the home. This information helps insurers determine what credits you may qualify for.

Before making any major upgrades, be sure to consult a licensed contractor and your insurance agent to understand which improvements apply to your home, policy, and state.

What is inspected?

• The roof
• Doors, windows and other openings
• Anchoring systems
• Water barriers

How credits might be applied to homeowners insurance

• Discounts are typically applied based on the installed features that are noted during the inspection
• Discounts will vary by state and the insurance company

If you live in a storm-prone area, wind mitigation may be worth exploring because it can help reduce the risk of storm damage and may help you qualify for available insurance credits.

A qualified inspection can document existing features, identify possible improvements and give your insurer the information needed to review potential discounts.

Before starting major work, talk with a licensed contractor and your insurance agent so you understand which upgrades may apply to your home, your policy and your state.