Let’s talk wind. Not the kind that knocks over your patio umbrella—but the kind that shows up with a name, like “Hurricane Ian,” and tests just how well your home can stand up to serious weather. And if you live in a state that deals with hurricanes or strong storms, you’ve probably heard the term wind mitigation. But what does it actually mean—and why should you care?
What is Wind Mitigation?
Wind mitigation is all about how well your home is built (or upgraded) to stand up against high winds. Think reinforced roofs, storm-proof windows, and solid roof-to-wall connections. The better your home is at holding its ground in a storm, the less likely it is to take serious damage—and insurance companies love that.
What are Wind Mitigation Credits?
These are discounts your insurance company gives you for having wind-resistant features on your home. In other words: if your house is built to take on high winds, you could pay less for home insurance. The stronger your home’s defenses, the more likely you are to qualify for these credits.
Not bad, right?
What Kind of Features Qualify?
Each insurance company (and state) might have slightly different criteria, but generally, credits are offered for things like:
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Hurricane-rated roof coverings (shingles that stay put)
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Roof deck attachments (how securely your roof is nailed down)
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Roof-to-wall anchorage (how well your roof is connected to your home)
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Window and door protections (impact-resistant glass or shutters)
Basically, if your home is built—or has been updated—with storm safety in mind, there’s a good chance you could be saving money.
Do I Need an Inspection?
Sometimes, yes. A wind mitigation inspection can confirm what protective features your home has and help get those credits applied. But more and more insurers (like us at Swyfft) are making the process easier with automated systems that apply credits based on the info we already have.
Oh, and By the Way…
If you’re insured with Swyfft—or thinking about it—we’ve got some good news. Depending on the state you live in, we now offer automated wind mitigation credits for our Homeowners products. That means if your home meets the right criteria, the discounts will apply automatically. No extra steps required and no need to request anything—if your home fits the bill, the discount kicks in.
Wrapping Up
Wind mitigation might sound like insurance jargon, but it’s actually a super practical way to save money and protect your home. Whether you’re building new, replacing a roof, or just curious what your home qualifies for, it’s worth a look.
And if you’re with Swyfft, you might already be saving without even knowing it. To learn more, check with your agent to see if you qualify for wind mitigation credits…you never know!