What Are Wind Certification Entities (WCE)?
In Florida, homeowners often hear the term Wind Certification Entity (WCE) when it comes to insurance savings and storm preparedness. A WCE is an approved organization authorized to perform a wind mitigation inspection. For the My Safe FL Home state program, a WCE is “A state contractor that performs wind mitigation home inspections pursuant to the My Safe Florida Home Program.”
My Safe Home Inspection is one of three approved state contractors that is authorized to perform wind mitigation inspections for the program. Our streamlined processes and dedication to quality assurance have afforded us the opportunity to partner with the state to help homeowners make their home safer and stronger. To learn more about the My Safe FL Home program, you can visit their website at mysafeflhome.com.
Wind mitigation inspections are critical for Florida homeowners because they verify a property’s storm-resistant features and provide the documentation required by insurance companies.
Why Wind Mitigation Inspections Matter
A wind mitigation inspection evaluates how well your home can withstand high winds, hurricanes, and tropical storms. In Florida, insurance companies often require or encourage these inspections because the findings can help homeowners make decisions that significantly reduce the risk of property damage.
The inspection looks at several key areas:
- Roof covering and shape
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof deck attachment
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening protection (shutters, impact glass, reinforced doors)
If your home has protective features in place, your wind mitigation inspection report could lead to lower insurance premiums.
Why Wind Certification Entities (WCE) Are The Best Choice
Only certified professionals or approved agencies can act as Wind Certification Entities. These entities are responsible for completing and submitting the official inspection forms that insurers require.
Some things that set WCEs apart from other inspection companies in Florida are:
- Inspectors are fully licensed and have gone through extensive training
- These companies use a state-approved and uniform inspection form, also known as the OIR-B1-1802
- Inspectors must pass a state background check, ensuring your safety
- These companies are required to have an internal Quality Assurance (QA) Department, where every report must receive internal QA approval before the report gets released to homeowners and insurance providers
By working with a qualified WCE, you ensure your windstorm mitigation inspection is valid, accepted by your insurance provider, and performed by qualified home inspectors.
Windstorm Mitigation and Insurance Savings
Windstorm damage is one of the biggest risks to Florida homes. A windstorm mitigation inspection helps determine if your home has features that reduce that risk.
The results are documented on the official state-approved form (OIR-B1-1802), which is signed by the WCE and submitted to your insurance company. With this documentation, you may qualify for significant discounts on your premiums.
Tip: Many homeowners also bundle their 4 point inspection with a wind mitigation inspection to save money and meet insurance requirements at the same time.
Wind Mitigation Inspection Florida: Why It’s Essential
Florida’s weather makes wind mitigation inspection requirements unique compared to other states. Insurance carriers place high importance on wind-resistance features because of the frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Working with a WCE ensures your inspection is performed to state standards, giving you both peace of mind and potential financial savings.
WCE Recap
A Wind Certification Entity (WCE) plays a vital role in protecting Florida homeowners and helping them save on insurance. By conducting a proper wind mitigation inspection or windstorm mitigation inspection, a WCE provides the proof insurers need to apply discounts.
Looking to protect your home and lower your insurance premiums? Schedule your wind mitigation inspection with a licensed Florida property inspector today and get your official WCE-approved report.