Wind Mitigation inspections can but are not guaranteed to reduce homeowner insurance premiums for those home built prior to 2002 that meet the criteria such as having roof clips. So if you have considered getting one, I've seen the cost range from $75-$150, make sure you you are paying someone who meets the new criteria for the insurance companies, otherwise, you may find yourself having to pay for an additional one. Per Citizens bulletin, 4-Point inspections will require a Division 1 State Certified Contractor license or a Florida Home Inspector License beginning February 1, 2011, membership in the associations, NACHI, ASHI or FABI will no longer be accepted. Also, in order for a licensed Home Inspector to sign the UMVI they must also submit proof of completion of a course that meets the Citizens requirements for Wind Mitigation Training specific to the OIR 1-1802 (see below).
As required by recent changes to Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 627.711), Citizens now will accept a Uniform Mitigation Verification Form (OIR-B1-1802 rev. 02/10) that has been completed and signed by a Florida-licensed home inspector. The inspector must have completed at least three hours of hurricane mitigation training, which must include:
- Hurricane mitigation techniques
- Compliance with the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form
- Successful completion of a proficiency exam
Prior to submitting mitigation forms to Citizens, qualified home inspectors must provide proof that they successfully have completed the required training and proficiency exam. Citizens will accept a certificate of completion or other documentation, which must include the following information:
- The name of the mitigation training class
- The name of the home inspector who attended and completed the training
- The date the mitigation training and exam were completed
The required documentation should be sent to Citizens at homeinspectorsdatabase@citizensfla.com.
Until the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form is updated, home inspectors completing the form should:
- Provide their name
- Indicate Licensed Home Inspector under License Type
- Provide their Department of Business and Professional Regulation license number on page 4
In addition to the changes outlined above, Citizens now allows certain licensed home inspectors to complete and submit a Roof Condition Certification Form (CIT RCF-1). For more details on who may submit mitigation documentation, please review the Qualified Inspectors and Inspection Requirements references on their website.
Final Note: Florida Statutes authorizes Citizens the right to verify any mitigation form completed by a qualified inspector by conducting its own independent inspection. Which sounds like a challenge to me, to determine whether they will reduce your premiums. This iindependent inspection can performed before or after a mitigation form has been accepted and may impact mitigation credits applied towards the policy.
Forms completed and signed by unlicensed home inspectors or by licensed home inspectors who have not provided proof of qualification will be rejected.
I have forwarded this to the Florida inspectors that I know of who do Wind Mits to make sure they stay in compliance. I hope you will do the same for your clients as well.