Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Wind Mitigation Questions

Why do I need an inspection?
First and foremost you need an inspection in order to lower the wind premium portion of your property insurance bill. As a general rule insurance companies do not perform insurance discount mitigation assessments.  They rely on private professional companies, to perform on site inspections, review permitting documents, and assess compliance with building code regulations.

Do you need to see the inside of my structure?
We only need to go inside the attic so that we can asses the method used to attach your roof sheeting to the structural members (trusses or rafters) and the method used to secure the structural members (trusses or rafters) to the wall, these are all important factors.  They are used to determine a portion of the available discount.

Do I get a discount for shutters?
Yes,  However when we do your inspection we will ask you for the Product Approval documents that came with your shutters to verify the compliance with state and local building codes.

Do I get a discount for impact glass?
Yes,  However when we do your inspection we will ask you for the Product Approval documents that came with your shutters to verify the compliance with state and local building codes.

What can I do to increase my discount?
A windstorm mitigation assessment of the property can often disclose certain features which insurance companies use to determine discounts, which could be added to an existing building to increase your discount. An example would be adding shutters, or installing impact resistant glass, or adding a secondary water barrier when the roof covering is replaced.

What is meant by that term "hardening of construction"?
Hardening of construction implies that a building has incorporated certain construction techniques or products that decree the vulnerability of the building to the affects of hurricane force winds.

Is there anyone to help me with my decisions on hardening?
There are professionals able to make recommendations as to the most cost effective or safety oriented hardening techniques.  Barrier Consulting Group provides these services, and can as well, provide a list of contractors we know to be capable and competent to provide these services.  We provide a list of several different contractors for each service, so that you may select the one you feel best meets your needs and financial ability.

Can I receive a copy of my report?
Yes.

Do I send the report to the insurance company, or who sends the report to the insurance company?
We are more than happy to send a copy of the report to your insurance agent who will in turn send it to your insurance company along with other mitigating factors that may lower your wind premium such as fire and building department ratings.

Why are you better than other companies?
Our principles have extensive backgrounds (collectively over 70 years) in construction, code compliance, and governmental affairs.  We are a full Service Company, providing inspection services, replacement value assessments, mitigation services, and technical advice and direction.

Why aren't discounts automatic?
Insurance companies are not staffed with the professionals, qualified to make construction, and building code compliance determinations.  Because of the highly technical information used to determine the appropriate discounts, the insurance companies depend on licensed technical experts in construction, and code compliance.

Do you deal with all insurance companies?
Yes, we deal with all insurance companies, and have experience completing the many diverse mitigation forms, required specifically by each insurance company.

How timely can you perform inspections?
We are usually able to perform wind mitigation assessments, or value assessments, within a few working days of when they are requested.

Do I need to be present for the inspection?
It is not necessary that you be present for the entire inspection, however, access to attic areas is required to do a thorough inspection.

How much can I save?
Discounts will vary, depending upon insurance carrier, type of construction, age of the building, the building code to which the building was built, geographic location of the building, wind zone in which the building is located etc. We cannot give you the exact amount of savings and neither can your insurance agent until he gets the inspection report. If your building meets all of the mitigating criteria asked on the inspection form you may receive up to 45% savings.

How long before I get a discount?
The time before you receive your discount will be determined by your insurance carrier.

Are your inspectors qualified?
Our inspectors are highly qualified.  We are represented by only the most qualified professionals.  As well as highly qualified inspectors with extensive backgrounds in construction techniques and code compliance, all of our paperwork, and documentation, are review by some of the most qualified professionals within the industry.

Are insurance companies required to give discounts?
Yes

What are hurricane resistant features?
Hurricane resistant features include, hurricane strapping or clipping, impact resistant glass or shutters, recently installed new roof covering, hip roof, gable bracing, buildings built to more recent building codes,etc..

Are all buildings entitled to wind mitigation discounts?
Most existing buildings have one or more wind resistive construction features and may qualify for some insurance discounts.

Why do insurance companies give discounts?
The discounts are justified because stronger, more wind-resistive structures have lower windstorm losses, which mean reduced costs to insurance companies. Most existing structures have one or more wind resistive construction features and may qualify for some insurance discounts

What types of construction features determined whether I am entitled to a discount?
Improved roof shingles, secondary water barrier, strong roof decks, hurricane clips/straps, impact resistant glazing or shutter protection for windows, roof shape and other construction techniques

Insurance Value Appraisal Questions

Do I need an insurance value appraisal?
Many insurance carriers require replacement value assessments, if replacement values have changed, or specifically if they are issuing a new policy.

What is an insurance value appraisal?
Replacement appraisal is an assessment provided by a professional company to the insurance carrier that has determined the replacement cost of the structure.  This assessment is based on national standards, geographic location, type of construction, size of building, number of stories, etc.

Do you perform insurance value appraisal?
Yes, as part of our windstorm mitigation full service program, replacement value assessments are offered.  We find this to be an important service for both our clients and insurance carriers.  We are often able to supply these services in a more timely fashion, and in conjunction with other services we offer, discounts are available.

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