Wind Mitigation Surveyors, LLC

Q. Is this a new program?

A. it was created by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDOI) to reward home owners with properties that should experience less severe damage claims in high wind events. The program went into effect January 1, 2009.
In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., and through the authority granted under R.S. 22: I et seq., and R.S. 22: 1426, that the Commissioner of Insurance has adopted regulation 94 to implement the provisions of Acts 2007, No. 323 of the Regular4 Session of the Louisiana Legislature, which mandates that insurers provide a premium discount for policyholders who build or retrofit a structure to comply with the State Uniform Construction Code and /or install mitigation improvements or retrofit their property utilizing construction techniques demonstrated to reduce the amount of loss from a windstorm or hurricane. Even older homes that have not been renovated often have some items that qualify for wind mitigation credits / discounts.
The complete Louisiana Department of Insurance BULLETIN NO. 09-01 can be requested by contacting the LDI.

Q. Do I have to change my Insurance Company / agent to get the discounts?

A. NO, but you do have to provide your agent or company with a Louisiana Hurricane Loss Mitigation Survey Form (Wind Mitigation Survey) for the credits / discounts.  YOU must take the initiative.

Q. What determines the discounts?

A. Architectural design, construction techniques, shape and slope of the roof, quality of shingles, window and door protection and location of the property.

Q. What is a Hip Roof and what is a Gable Roof?

A. All sides of a Hip Roof slope to the walls and a Gable Roof has some walls that rise to a triangle. See examples below.

Q. Does the quality of the shingles count towards discounts?

A.  Yes, many insurers give discounts for Class F, G & H shingles but not standard grade shingles. See examples below.

Q. How do I get the discounts?

A. Of course the property must have some of the wind mitigation characteristics listed in the Louisiana Hurricane Loss Mitigation Survey Form.  The form must be completed and certified by a registered Wind Mitigation Surveyor, licensed architect, licensed professional engineer or Code Enforcement Officer and those individuals must be registered with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCCC).

Q. Can a general contractor or licensed home inspector certify the state form?

A.  No, only those listed above and who are registered with the LSUCCC.

Q. What are some of the items that can get discounts?

A. Shape of the roof, a hip roof design is best. Quality of the shingles and a secondary water barrier. Location, developed areas are best. Hurricane straps. Certified window/door protection, such as shutters or impact rated windows.

Q. Can I get a discount for a gable roof?

A.  Yes, if it is properly braced. This must be determined by the surveyor.

Q. What is a secondary barrier/intrusion system?

A. A secondary barrier/intrusion system is designed to prevent water from entering the home through the roof should the shingles and felt paper be “blown away”.  This is accomplished in three ways:

  a) On top of roof deck – Approximately 5″ wide strips of self-adhering bitumen flashing tape installed over all joints in the plywood or OSB roof deck. This would not be compatible with dimensional lumber roof decks.

  b) On the underside of the roof deck – Sprayed-on closed cell foam insulation applied at all joints in the plywood or OSB roof deck, including at trusses or rafters.

  c) On top of roof deck – Installing self-adhering bitumen sheets over the entire roof deck. This would be compatible with dimensional lumber, plywood, and OSB roof decks. This is the best but most expensive method.

Q. Are all shutters acceptable?

A. Only those that have passed certification tests. This must be determined by the surveyor.

Q. I have quality insulated windows certified for hurricane winds, do they qualify?

A. Generally No, they must be rated to withstand wind borne debris in hurricane winds. This must be determined by the surveyor.

Q. I have plywood covers for my windows, do they qualify?

A. Only if there is a permanent attachment system installed on the exterior walls of the property.