Wind Mitigation Inspection (OIR-B1-1802)
Document hurricane-resistant features for premium discounts. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach with insurer-accepted same-day reports.
What We Document for Discounts
- Roof covering: material, age, installation, permit history.
- Roof geometry: hip vs gable percentages for credit eligibility.
- Roof deck attachment: fastener size/spacing, decking type.
- Roof-to-wall connections: straps, clips, wraps, or toenails.
- Secondary water resistance (SWR): peel-and-stick or equivalent layers.
- Opening protection: impact windows/doors, shutters, garage door bracing, glazed openings.
- Garage doors: reinforcement, wind rating labels where present.
We aim for the highest available credit category while remaining fully compliant with Florida carrier standards.
Process and Timeline
- Duration: 45-60 minutes on-site for most properties.
- Report: Completed OIR-B1-1802 form with labeled photos delivered the same day.
- Preparation: ensure attic access, breaker access, shutter storage access, and key wind feature labels are reachable.
- Best savings: combine with 4-Point to satisfy underwriting and maximize discounts in one visit.
- Renewals: keep reports updated every 5 years or after roof/opening upgrades.
Local Expertise for South Florida Homes
- Miami-Dade: High-wind zone focus on uplift resistance, tie-downs, and impact protection coverage.
- Broward: Frequent insurance reviews after storm seasons; we help document improvements quickly.
- Palm Beach: Roof shape and SWR details are key for discounts on coastal properties.
- Older homes: We note retrofit opportunities (clips/straps, shutters, underlayment upgrades) that unlock savings.
Savings Scenarios & Upgrade Path
- Impact openings + hip roof + SWR: typically highest discount category for many Florida carriers.
- Straps/clips + rated shutters: strong credit tier when full impact glazing isn’t installed.
- Retrofit tips: add secondary water resistance, upgrade garage door bracing, and tighten roof-to-wall connections to climb credit tiers.
- Documentation: labeled photos for roof deck attachment, strap/clip type, opening protection labels, and roof geometry.
Most homeowners recover the inspection cost in the first year when credits are applied at renewal.
County-Specific Hurricane Readiness
- Miami-Dade County: Serving Miami, Coral Gables, Doral, Aventura, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Homestead, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Cutler Bay, Miami Lakes, Palmetto Bay, Hialeah Gardens, Sunny Isles Beach, Sweetwater, Pinecrest, Opa-locka, Key Biscayne, Miami Springs, and Miami Gardens—HVHZ requirements, uplift resistance, impact protection coverage, strap/clip verification.
- Broward County: Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Coconut Creek, Margate, Parkland, and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea—wind-borne debris zone; focus on shutters/impact glazing, garage door ratings, SWR.
- Palm Beach County: Serving West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and Greenacres—roof shape (hip vs gable) and SWR often drive credit size; tile underlayment age documented.
We tailor the OIR-B1-1802 details to what carriers flag most in each county. View all 27+ cities we serve.
Complete Guide to Wind Mitigation Inspections in Florida
Understanding Wind Mitigation Inspections
A wind mitigation inspection is a specialized evaluation of your home's hurricane resistance features that can qualify you for significant insurance premium discounts. In Florida, where hurricane risk is high, insurance companies offer credits (discounts) for homes with features that reduce wind damage risk. The inspection documents these features on Florida's official OIR-B1-1802 form, which insurance companies use to calculate premium discounts.
How Wind Mitigation Discounts Work
Florida insurance companies are required by law to offer premium discounts for wind mitigation features. The discounts are calculated based on specific features that reduce the risk of wind damage:
- Impact-resistant openings: Windows and doors with impact-rated glazing or approved shutters can reduce premiums by 10-30% depending on coverage level.
- Roof-to-wall connections: Properly installed metal straps or clips connecting the roof to walls can reduce premiums by 5-15%.
- Roof deck attachment: Nails vs. staples, nail spacing, and attachment method affect discounts (typically 5-10% savings).
- Secondary water resistance (SWR): Underlayment systems that prevent water intrusion if roof covering is damaged can save 5-10%.
- Roof geometry: Hip roofs (sloped on all sides) are more wind-resistant than gable roofs and can save 5-15%.
- Garage door reinforcement: Reinforced garage doors that meet wind load requirements can save 3-8%.
Combined discounts can total 20-50% off wind/hurricane coverage premiums, often paying for the inspection cost in the first year alone.
What Gets Inspected During a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Our wind mitigation inspections follow Florida's OIR-B1-1802 form requirements and examine:
- Roof covering: Material type, age, condition, and attachment method (nails vs. staples, spacing).
- Roof-to-wall connections: Presence and type of metal straps, clips, or other connections securing roof to walls.
- Roof deck attachment: How the roof decking is attached to framing (nails, staples, spacing).
- Secondary water resistance: Presence of underlayment systems designed to prevent water intrusion.
- Roof geometry: Hip vs. gable roof design and its impact on wind resistance.
- Opening protection: Windows and doors with impact-rated glazing or approved shutters/panels.
- Garage door: Wind load rating and reinforcement compliance.
- Roof shape: Hip, gable, or other configurations affecting wind uplift resistance.
We document all findings with labeled photos and complete the official OIR-B1-1802 form that insurance companies require.
Understanding the OIR-B1-1802 Form
The OIR-B1-1802 is Florida's official wind mitigation inspection form required by all insurance companies. This standardized form ensures consistent documentation of wind-resistant features. The form includes:
- Property information: Address, construction date, square footage, and property type.
- Roof system details: Covering material, attachment method, deck attachment, geometry, and secondary water resistance.
- Opening protection: Type and coverage of impact-resistant windows, doors, and shutters.
- Structural connections: Roof-to-wall connection type and installation details.
- Photographic documentation: Labeled photos showing key features and installation methods.
- Inspector certification: Licensed inspector signature and credentials.
Insurance companies use this form to calculate premium discounts. The form is valid for 5 years, though some insurers may require updates after major renovations or roof replacements.
Common Wind Mitigation Features and Their Impact
Based on our experience with thousands of wind mitigation inspections, here's how common features affect discounts:
- Impact-rated windows/doors (full coverage): Can save 15-30% on wind coverage premiums. This is typically the largest discount available.
- Approved shutters/panels (full coverage): Can save 10-25% depending on shutter type and coverage percentage.
- Hip roof design: Can save 5-15% compared to gable roofs, which are more vulnerable to wind uplift.
- Metal roof-to-wall straps/clips: Can save 5-15% depending on installation quality and coverage.
- Secondary water resistance (SWR): Can save 5-10% by preventing water intrusion if roof covering is damaged.
- Proper roof deck attachment (nails, correct spacing): Can save 5-10% compared to staples or improper spacing.
- Reinforced garage door: Can save 3-8% if door meets wind load requirements for your area.
Homes with multiple features can achieve combined discounts of 30-50% off wind/hurricane coverage premiums.
When to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Wind mitigation inspections are valuable in several situations:
- New insurance application: When switching insurance companies, a wind mitigation inspection can qualify you for discounts immediately.
- Policy renewal: If you've made improvements (new roof, impact windows, etc.), an updated inspection can increase your discounts.
- After renovations: Major improvements like new roofs, impact windows, or structural upgrades should be documented with a new inspection.
- Home purchase: Buyers can use wind mitigation inspections to understand potential insurance costs and negotiate with sellers.
- Expiring form: OIR-B1-1802 forms are valid for 5 years. Renewing before expiration ensures continuous discounts.
- First-time inspection: Many homeowners have never had a wind mitigation inspection and are missing out on significant savings.
Maximizing Your Wind Mitigation Discounts
To get the maximum insurance discounts, consider these improvements:
- Install impact-rated windows/doors: This typically provides the largest discount (15-30%). Even partial coverage helps.
- Add approved shutters: If impact windows aren't feasible, approved shutters can provide similar discounts.
- Upgrade roof-to-wall connections: Adding metal straps/clips is relatively inexpensive and can save 5-15%.
- Ensure proper roof deck attachment: If your roof deck is attached with staples or improper spacing, re-nailing can improve discounts.
- Add secondary water resistance: Installing proper underlayment during roof replacement can save 5-10%.
- Reinforce garage door: Upgrading to a wind-rated garage door can save 3-8%.
We provide specific recommendations in our inspection reports, prioritizing improvements that offer the best return on investment for insurance savings.
Comprehensive Wind Mitigation Inspection FAQs
Wind mitigation inspections can qualify you for insurance premium discounts of 20-50% off wind/hurricane coverage, depending on your home's features. Common discounts include: impact-rated openings (15-30%), hip roof design (5-15%), proper roof-to-wall connections (5-15%), secondary water resistance (5-10%), proper roof deck attachment (5-10%), and reinforced garage doors (3-8%). Combined discounts often exceed the inspection cost in the first year alone, making it one of the best investments for Florida homeowners.
We complete Florida's official OIR-B1-1802 form, which is the standardized form required by all insurance companies in Florida. This form documents all wind-resistant features including roof system details, opening protection, structural connections, and includes labeled photos. The form is valid for 5 years and is accepted by all major insurance carriers statewide. We ensure the form is completed accurately and includes all required documentation for maximum discount eligibility.
Savings vary significantly based on your home's features and your insurance carrier. Homes with impact-rated windows/doors, hip roofs, proper roof-to-wall connections, and secondary water resistance can save 30-50% off wind/hurricane coverage premiums. Even homes with fewer features typically save 10-20%. For a home with $3,000 annual wind coverage, a 25% discount saves $750 per year—more than paying for the inspection cost in the first year. We provide estimates of potential savings based on your specific features.
Yes, absolutely. A new roof can qualify for significant discounts, but insurance companies need the OIR-B1-1802 form documenting the roof's wind-resistant features. New roofs often have proper deck attachment, secondary water resistance, and updated connections that weren't present before. Getting a wind mitigation inspection after a new roof installation can increase your discounts significantly. We document all new roof features including attachment method, underlayment type, and connection details.
Older shutters may qualify if they have proper rating labels and provide adequate coverage. We verify shutter ratings, installation quality, and coverage percentage during the inspection. If shutters don't meet current standards or lack proper ratings, we note what upgrades are needed to reach higher credit categories. Some older shutters can be retrofitted or upgraded to meet requirements. We provide specific recommendations for maximizing discounts with your existing or upgraded shutter system.
Wind mitigation inspections typically take 60-90 minutes, depending on property size and complexity. We examine the roof system, opening protection, structural connections, and document everything with photos. The inspection focuses on specific wind-resistant features rather than a comprehensive home evaluation. Reports and the OIR-B1-1802 form are delivered the same day, typically within 4-6 hours, so you can submit to your insurance company immediately.
Yes, we frequently bundle wind mitigation inspections with 4-Point inspections, roof certifications, and full home inspections. Bundling saves time and money—we can perform multiple inspections during the same visit. This is especially valuable when buying a home or switching insurance companies, as you'll need multiple documents. Bundled inspections typically save 15-20% compared to scheduling separately, and all reports are delivered together for easy submission to insurance companies and lenders.
The OIR-B1-1802 form is valid for 5 years from the inspection date. However, insurance companies may require updated inspections after major renovations, roof replacements, or significant property changes. Some insurers may accept older forms, but it's best to renew before expiration to ensure continuous discounts. If you've made improvements (new roof, impact windows, etc.), getting an updated inspection can increase your discounts even before the 5-year expiration.
Even homes with minimal wind-resistant features can qualify for some discounts. We document everything present and provide recommendations for improvements that offer the best return on investment. Many improvements (like adding roof-to-wall straps or upgrading roof deck attachment) are relatively inexpensive but can provide significant insurance savings. We prioritize recommendations based on cost vs. discount benefit, helping you maximize savings over time.
Yes, it's highly recommended. Even if the previous owner had a wind mitigation inspection, getting your own ensures the form is current and documents any improvements made. Additionally, insurance companies may require a new inspection when you switch carriers. A wind mitigation inspection can also help you understand potential insurance costs before finalizing a purchase and may reveal opportunities for improvements that increase property value.
Both impact-rated windows and approved shutters can qualify for similar discounts (10-30%), but impact windows typically provide slightly higher discounts because they're permanent and don't require installation before storms. Impact windows must have proper certification labels (Miami-Dade NOA or similar). Approved shutters must meet specific rating requirements and provide adequate coverage. We verify ratings and coverage for both during inspections. Some homeowners combine both—impact windows on main living areas and shutters on less critical openings.
Yes, partial opening protection can still qualify for discounts, though they're typically lower than full coverage. Insurance companies calculate discounts based on the percentage of protected openings. For example, if 80% of your openings are protected, you'll receive a proportional discount. We document coverage percentage accurately so you receive appropriate credits. Even partial protection is valuable and can be expanded over time to increase discounts.
Secondary water resistance (SWR) is an underlayment system installed beneath the roof covering that prevents water intrusion if the outer roof covering is damaged or blown away during a storm. SWR systems can save 5-10% on wind coverage premiums because they significantly reduce water damage risk. SWR is typically installed during roof replacement and must meet specific material and installation standards. We document SWR presence and type during inspections.
Proper roof-to-wall connections (metal straps, clips, or other approved methods) secure the roof to the walls, preventing wind uplift that can cause catastrophic roof failure. These connections can save 5-15% on wind coverage premiums depending on installation quality and coverage. We document connection type, installation method, and coverage during inspections. Homes without proper connections are at higher risk and may not qualify for certain discounts, but retrofitting is often possible.
Hip roofs (sloped on all four sides) are more wind-resistant than gable roofs (two sloping sides with vertical ends) because they have no vertical surfaces for wind to push against. Hip roofs can save 5-15% on wind coverage premiums compared to gable roofs. Gable roofs are more vulnerable to wind uplift, especially at the ends. We document roof geometry during inspections, and this is one factor that cannot be easily changed but significantly affects discounts.
Yes, all insurance companies operating in Florida are required by law to accept the OIR-B1-1802 form and offer discounts based on documented wind-resistant features. However, discount amounts can vary between carriers—some are more generous than others. We complete the standardized form that all carriers accept, ensuring you can use it with any insurance company. If you're shopping for insurance, having a current wind mitigation inspection can help you compare true costs between carriers.
Wind mitigation inspections typically cost $150-$300 depending on property size and location. The cost is usually recovered in the first year through insurance premium discounts. For example, if your inspection costs $200 and you save $750 annually on insurance, you've recovered the cost 3.75 times in the first year. We offer bundled pricing when combined with other inspections (4-Point, roof certification, home inspection), providing additional savings.
No, wind mitigation inspections must be performed by a licensed Florida home inspector or qualified professional. The OIR-B1-1802 form requires a licensed inspector's signature and credentials. Insurance companies will not accept self-completed forms. Additionally, proper inspection requires knowledge of building codes, wind resistance standards, and proper documentation techniques. Our licensed inspectors have the expertise to identify all qualifying features and complete the form accurately for maximum discount eligibility.
Unlock Insurance Discounts Fast
Schedule a wind mitigation inspection and submit the OIR-B1-1802 form the same day.