Could I save with a Wind Mitigation Report?

​With home insurance rates (and, well, everything else) continuing to hike upward in the New Year, many homeowners are seeking ways to save money on annual premiums.

The rate increases can be traced back to persistent storms within the past several years and an increase in both legitimate and fraudulent claims. At Leigh Insurance Agency, we want to be sure our customers are getting the best coverage at the best value, which is why we are appointed with 12 different home insurance carriers. 
However, across the board, most carriers offer significant discounts for homes that have newer roofs which can withstand heavy wind or strong weather. To determine this level of stability, the homeowner can have a wind mitigation report completed by a licensed inspector. The age of the roof, building codes in use during construction, the roof to wall attachment style, its shape (hip, gable, flat, etc.), or presence of secondary water resistance are all factors that are used to determine the rating. Photos must also accompany the report in order to receive the applicable discounts. 
These inspections normally run from $70-$120 to have completed but can save the homeowner anywhere from a couple hundred dollars in annual premium to thousands, depending on how the roof was constructed. The discounts can vary from carrier to carrier, which is why we at Leigh Insurance Agency of St. Augustine provide our customers various options. We would be happy to answer any further questions regarding wind mitigation credits either in-person at 1797 Old Moultrie Road, Suite 111, St. Augustine, FL, or by phone at 904-826-0799.