Wind Mitigation Incentives / Mandatory Wind Mitigation Premium Discounts

How it works

Louisiana’s Department of Insurance says homeowners may be eligible for an insurance premium discount for voluntarily strengthening their homes against storms and hurricanes in compliance with the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council. The page states that all admitted insurance companies are mandated to offer actuarially justified premium discounts for wind mitigation, while surplus lines insurers are not required to offer them.

What the discount is based on

The discount is tied to documented structural features that mitigate hurricane damage. The official page lists common qualifying features and techniques such as building design, roof bracing, secondary water barriers, opening protection, roof-to-wall strength, roof deck attachment, roof covering performance, wall-to-floor-to-foundation strength, and window, door, and skylight strength.

How to prove eligibility

Homeowners first contact their insurance company or agent to discuss available discounts. Then they complete Section I of the Wind Mitigation Survey Form, have Sections II and III completed by a qualified surveyor, and submit the form to the insurer or agent. Homeowners may also use documentation from a building code enforcement officer, registered architect or engineer, or an authorized third-party provider to demonstrate eligibility.

Policy note

The page also says Louisiana law requires insurers to offer a FORTIFIED endorsement for homeowners insurance policies, and that a FORTIFIED roof endorsement helps cover the increased cost of repairing or replacing a roof to meet FORTIFIED standards after a covered loss.