Nationwide Insurance is offering up to 35 percent premium discounts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to qualified policyholders who reinforce their houses against wind damage.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says Nationwide is the first insurer to offer a discount through the Wind Mitigation Discount Program. The program, which takes effect in April, offers discounts based on home construction features, including roof type, window protection and secondary water resistance.

The discount, announced Wednesday, applies to about 12,000 Nationwide policyholders in Jackson, Hancock, Harrison, George, Pearl River and Stone counties who presently have qualifying coverage for wind damage.

Chaney says customers who participate in the program are still eligible to seek other premium credits that Nationwide offers throughout the state.