Does the Windstorm Mitigation Inspection really work?

It really works!  Approximately 94% of homes in Dade and Broward Counties will qualify for windstorm mitigation credits and approximately 65% for homes in the remainder of the state.  In any case, your money is always secure with our Money-Back Guarantee.

How does your Money-Back Guarantee work?

If your insurance premium does not go down by at least the cost of the Windstorm Mitigation Inspection, we will refund the difference between the inspection cost and your savings.  This Guarantee is valid as long as 1) the inspection report is submitted to your insurance company and 2) does not lower your windstorm insurance by more than the cost of the inspection over the next 12 months.  Please note that the money-back guarantee does not apply to already-discounted inspections and homeowners who have already had a wind mitigation inspection on their home.  Written proof that no discount was received is required.

You can save up to 70% of your policy premium if you have full coverage, and, depending on the coverage that you have, you may be entitled to a minimum of 20% off your premium, every year!  Click here to Calculate Your Savings!

This seems too good to be true. How is this possible?

As a Florida homeowner, you are entitled to certain premium reductions that have been mandated by state law (Florida Statute 627.0629).  Penaco Home Inspections is here to educate homeowners about these reductions and how they can benefit.  Every day, many of our customers knock several thousand dollars off of their annual premium.  You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

Which insurance companies give discounts?

All of them! Florida Statute 627.0629 requires that all insurance companies give discounts for important wind mitigation features such as shutters, roof straps, and concrete block construction.

What are some areas of construction that qualify for discounts?

Wall Frame, Roof Shape, Roof Straps, Secondary Water Resistance, Shutters and/or Impact Resistance Windows/Doors
Superior Sheathing Attachments, Code Approved Roofs.

Is there a penalty for knowingly obtaining an inappropriate mitigation discount?

Yes. Recently enacted insurance legislation (HB1495 lines 2143-2148) passed in May and signed by Governor Charlie Crist states: "An individual or entity who knowingly provides or utters a false or fraudulent mitigation verification form with the intent to obtain or receive a discount on an insurance premium to which the individual or entity is not entitled commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083." Note that a misdemeanor of the first degree carries a potential punishment of $1,000.00 fine and up to one year in jail per charge.

Why would I need to do a 4-Point Inspection?

It is often required when obtaining a new homeowners insurance policy or renewing an existing policy on homes that are 25 years or older.  Their common concern is that there may be conditions in an older home that could become a liability to them.  It is important to ask your insurance agent if this type of inspection is necessary for your policy.

No.  A Real Estate/”Pre-Purchase” Inspection is a thorough evaluation of all the homes’ major components and structures.  The insurance company wants only certain information about the HVAC, plumbing, electrical system and roof, specifically dealing with material type, condition, estimated age and remaining age.

No, it is a completely different type of appraisal. A typical real estate appraisal determines market value based on comparables. An insurance value appraisal estimates the current reproduction or replacement costs of the insurable asset. Or in other words, an insurance value appraisal determines what it would cost to replace or rebuild the insurable asset. Land values and market conditions are not part of an insurance value appraisal. Real estate appraisals are used for buying and selling while an insurance value appraisal is for determining insurance coverage amounts.

I’m purchasing a new home, why do I need A Real Estate/”Pre-Purchase” Home Inspection?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so you can minimize unpleasant surprises and/or difficulties afterwards.  A professional PHI, Inc. inspection will provide you with an unbiased evaluation of a home's condition, answer any questions you may have, and help give you peace of mind.  After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property.

Can I Do It Myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and years of expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction and remains completely objective and unbiased.  We operate under the strictest guidelines set forth by InterNACHI, the world’s most elite inspection association.  Click here to read the Standards of Practice:  http://www.nachi.org/sop.htm