Article submitted by Kerry Cooper, President of Cooper Construction
In the past few years, following the rue of hurricanes in 2004, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has conducted studies with insurance companies across the state to ensure that homeowners are receiving fair rates and applicable discounts. The Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form resulted from these in-depth studies. This inspection is a win/win for both insurance companies as well as residents. Ultimately, the purpose of the inspection is to (for the insurance companies) ensure that the dwelling is of sound construction – failure to meet minimal standards allows the company to legally reject coverage and (for homeowners) ensure that they are receiving all applicable discounts available thus paying the lowest possible price for insurance protection.
In the last several months, this plan has been revised to mandate that all dwellings valued $750M or more, must have a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection conducted prior to the policy expiration date (and all new policies) – failure to participate in this inspection could result in a cancellation of the policy. What isn’t mentioned very often is that homeowners can choose to initiate a mitigation inspection on their own accord in order to qualify for applicable discounts (regardless of their home value).
The Uniform Mitigation Inspection is conducted by professionals in the field of construction who have received certification specifically in this process. Rates vary by individual – usually from $150 - $250 per inspection.
The inspection reviews all aspects of the structure of the dwelling.
Listed below are minimum discounts for certain mitigation features: (as filed with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation by insurance companies)
Roof Geometry:
--Hip Roof................................................................................28%
Roof Deck Attachment:
--Plywood/OSB with 8d nails(spaced 6"/6" or 6"/12" apart)............ 9%
--Dimensional Lumber................................................................ 9%
--Concrete............................................................................... 80%
**Secondary Water Resistance (SRW)
**--SWR applied to a hip roof....................................................... 32%
--SWR applied other roof shapers.................................................6%
Roof Covering:
--Florida Building Code Approved Shingles ..................................18%
--Concrete Roof.........................................................................80%
Roof-To-Wall Attachment:
--Clips..................................................................... 18%
--Single Wrap ...........................................................20%
--Double Wrap ..........................................................21%
Opening Protection:
--Hurricane Rated Shutters ...........................................39%
--Basic Shutters ......................................................... 29%
Being fully compliant with all the highest standards could save you up to 29% on your home owner's insurance costs.
If your home already meets the compliance standards, be sure to schedule a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection and initiate the process of evaluating if your policy is achieving all the applicable discounts available.
If you’ve been considering installing new windows, a new roof, hurricane protection or any other structural component, be sure to schedule a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection after completion to qualify for insurance discounts.
Note: we recommend that you take the time to discuss this with your insurance agent to find out what discounts are applicable to you.
Cooper Construction is certified to conduct Mitigation Verification Inspections as well as being a fully licensed and insured General Contractor who can meet all your specific needs.
Kerry Cooper, President Cooper Construction 239-454-5699 (office) 239-454-5344 (fax)