Posts by: Wyatt Stanford

New Storm Data Reveals Effectiveness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Fortified Roof Program, Saving Homeowners Millions

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
August 11, 2025

New Storm Data Reveals Effectiveness of the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Fortified Roof Program, Saving Homeowners Millions

 

OKLAHOMA – A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Alabama, commissioned by the Alabama Department of Insurance, showed that homeowners with FORTIFIED homes are better protected from hurricanes than with standard construction. FORTIFIED Standards are used to mitigate homes as part of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) Strengthen Oklahoma Homes grant program.

“The findings in this report demonstrate the impact upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof can have in the face of natural disasters,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “I’m glad we are providing this level of protection to Oklahomans through the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program.”

The peer-reviewed study, conducted by the University of Alabama’s Center for Risk and Insurance Research, analyzed the real-life effectiveness of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED mitigation program, a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard designed to strengthen and protect homes from high winds and heavy rain, during Hurricane Sally, a Category 2 storm that made landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama, in September 2020.

“Hurricane Sally was the first real-life test of FORTIFIED roofs outside of a lab,” said Ashley Scott, OID Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program. “The data shows how mitigation can save homeowners in the long run and help protect them from disasters.”

Eighty-six insurance companies responded to a data call from the Alabama Department of Insurance, including a handful of non-admitted carriers who voluntarily provided data. Key findings include:

  • Claim severity of FORTIFIED homes decreased by 15% to 40%. Claim severity is the total amount of claims paid divided by the number of claims paid.
  • FORTIFIED, at all levels studied, reduced loss frequency by at least 55% and as much as 74%. Loss ratio, defined as losses divided by premiums, also decreased by between 51% and 72%.
  • When combining the reductions in claim frequency and claim severity, the FORTIFIED system reduced deductibles paid by policyholders by more than 60%.

“Perhaps the most important finding in the data call study is that our results match the laboratory tests and modeled outcomes,” said Dr. Lars Powell, Director of the Center for Risk and Insurance Research at the University of Alabama. “Going forward, we can have more confidence in the tools we use to price mitigation discounts, without having to experience another terrible loss.”

The Alabama Department of Insurance launched its Strengthen Alabama Homes program in 2012 to offer financial assistance to qualified homeowners to assist with the cost of retrofitting their homes. Alabama is now home to 53,000 IBHS-certified FORTIFIED homes.

OID’s Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program, OKReady, will allocate up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The grant funding will help consumers pay for the approved construction projects that will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home—Roof™ —High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED Certification.

Applications for the third and final pilot program of 2025 are now open. Selected zip codes can be found here.

Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.

Read the full University of Alabama report here.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

OKReady Announces New Zip Codes for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2025

OKReady Announces New Zip Codes for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

Last Pilot Phase to Include Communities Across the State

OKLAHOMA – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) announced 63 zip codes for the third and final pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. Interested applicants who are eligible and live in one of these zip codes can apply online when the application portal opens at noon on Monday, Aug. 4. The final pilot will close on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The zip codes were chosen based on storm history, insurance loss data and the number of active policies. OID also considered contractor availability and FEMA wind and hail risk scores to ensure the program reaches areas with the greatest need.

“These zip codes represent the communities we want to highlight with our final pilot phase,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady. “As we work toward the end of the year, our team looks forward to working with approved contractors and evaluators and helping families make their homes more resilient to future weather events in these new zip codes.”

The goal of each pilot period is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. OID will launch new grant application phases across the state in 2026.

OKReady will be allocating up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The grant funding will help consumers pay for the approved construction projects which will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED Certification.

Selected zip codes for August 4, 2025, can be found here.

Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

Essential Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips to Steer Clear of Thieves

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
July 29, 2025

Essential Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips to Steer Clear of Thieves

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. In 2024, almost 851,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). That’s averaging a theft every 37 seconds! The NICB also reported that the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 were the most stolen vehicles nationwide. Vehicle theft is a distressing experience, but there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk and protect yourself.

First, review your auto insurance coverage and know precisely what it covers. Not all coverage types include theft. Collision coverage covers damages caused when you’re in an accident with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage includes other kinds of physical damage like theft, vandalism and hail. If you finance or lease a vehicle, your lender will likely require you to have both. When you own your vehicle, it’s your discretion to carry Comprehensive coverage. Talk to your insurance agent to decide if you should purchase Comprehensive coverage based on your vehicle’s value, age, condition and where you drive and park it.

Next, let’s look at some tips to prevent theft. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges vehicle owners to:

  • Park in well-lit areas.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when parked.
  • Hide or remove valuables.
  • Do not leave keys in the vehicle.
  • Do not leave the area while the vehicle is running.
  • Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for a vehicle if the vehicle’s manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. These can easily be purchased online or in a store.

Lastly, what should you do if your vehicle is stolen? The most important thing is to remain calm and alert the authorities immediately. Call the police and file a report, providing as much information as possible, such as the make, model, color, license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Next, you will want to contact your insurer within 24 hours, as well as your lender, with your report to let them know about the theft. Finally, if you left any credit or debit cards in the vehicle, contact your financial institutions to cancel them. Also, consider freezing your credit or placing fraud alerts to prevent thieves from using your personal information to borrow money or open accounts in your name. If you find your vehicle before the police do, notify them and your insurer at once.

Vehicle theft happens daily, but you don’t have to be unprepared! By reviewing your insurance coverage and taking practical steps, you can avoid the headache of a stolen vehicle. If it does happen, know what you need to do and whom you need to contact. To find helpful information about auto insurance, visit oid.ok.gov/auto or call the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 800-522-0071.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

Oklahoma Insurance Department applauds Oklahoma Captive OneNexus for Receiving Excellent Ratings from AM Best

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
July 25, 2025

Oklahoma Insurance Department applauds Oklahoma Captive OneNexus for Receiving Excellent Ratings from AM Best

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) applauds OneNexus Oklahoma Captive Corp. for receiving a Financial Strength Rating of A – (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-”(Excellent) from global credit rating agency AM Best. OneNexus is an Oklahoma-domiciled protected cell captive insurer.

“I want to congratulate OneNexus on this incredible achievement,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “This is also another achievement for our captive program that further enhances our reputation.”

“We are honored to receive an A- (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best. This recognition reflects our commitment to building a secure and permanent solution for long-duration energy liabilities,” said Tony Sanchez, founder and CEO of OneNexus. “We are especially proud to be domiciled in Oklahoma, where the regulatory environment fosters innovation while maintaining rigorous standards. We thank the Oklahoma Insurance Department for its continued leadership and support.”

OneNexus issues environmentally friendly insurance policies. They pay to responsibly decommission depleted oil wells so that they do not become abandoned oil wells. This responsible decommissioning helps prevent future abandoned oil wells, which are a problem in Oklahoma and worldwide.

“No other captive domicile in the world has a captive that does what OneNexus does,” said OID Captive Insurance Director Steve Kinion. “OneNexus is a protected cell arrangement and one of the few cell captive structures rated A- by AM Best. Its rating represents that it is a regulatory-compliant and well-regulated captive insurer.”

The ratings reflect OneNexus’ balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

OneNexus reflects the OID’s long-term commitment to captive insurance into the next century. An oil or gas well drilled today and insured by a OneNexus policy may produce energy for a century. The decommissioning to be paid by the policy may not occur until 2125.

In 2024, Oklahoma had a net gain of five captive insurers, ending the year with 64 captives. This represents an 8.4% annual growth rate over the 59 captive insurers at year-end 2023.  Its captive insurers wrote more than $400 million in premium in 2024. OID was named the 2024 Captive Domicile of the Year in the category of less than $5 billion in gross written premium by Captive Review magazine.

For more information about OID’s Captive Insurance Division, contact Steve Kinion at 918-704-8136 or Steve.Kinion.CTR@oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

10 Smart Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
July 2, 2025

10 Smart Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

 

Being informed is one of your biggest lines of defense when it comes to preparedness. Recently, I explained how to avoid being underinsured, and an integral part of that is reviewing your homeowners policies with your agent to know exactly what is and what is not in your coverage. Having a conversation about the intricacies of insurance can be daunting, and you might not know where to begin. I want to give you a starting place to guide you in understanding your policies with these 10 questions to ask your insurance agent.

Basics

  1. Do I have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage?

Many homeowners do not know if they have replacement cost (the cost of replacing property with like, kind and quality without depreciation) or actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation).

  1. Is my dwelling coverage limit enough to fully rebuild my home at today’s construction costs?

Construction costs change over time, so it’s essential to consider this when determining your coverage limit. In the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in construction costs due to inflation.

  1. Do I have extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage?

Extended replacement cost coverage provides an additional percentage on top of your building limit. Guaranteed replacement cost is the cost of replacing your home with the same kind and quality at the time of loss. These coverages are more often offered as a separate coverages.

Other Structures & Personal Property

  1. Is my detached garage, fence, or shed fully covered under ‘other structures’?

Ask your agent this question if you have any additional buildings on your property to insure. Typically, a homeowners policy provides an amount equal to 10% of your dwelling coverage.

  1. Does my policy cover my belongings at replacement cost, and is the coverage limit sufficient for everything I own?

Creating or updating a home inventory is a simple way to estimate the cost of replacing your belongings. List each item along with its value and serial number. Also, documentation with pictures or video is very helpful at the time of the loss.

Loss of Use

  1. If I can’t live in my home during repairs, what will my policy pay for temporary housing? A typical homeowner’s policy provides coverage equal to 20% of your dwelling coverage for loss of use/temporary housing.

Disaster Protection

  1. Am I covered for tornadoes, wildfires, hail, and windstorms without special deductibles or exclusions?

It is now fairly standard to have a separate wind/hail deductible. Each peril might come with different deductibles or exclusions. Be sure to check with your agent.

  1. Does my policy cover sewer backup or flood damage?

A standard homeowners policy excludes coverage for flood. Understanding this will help you determine if you require a separate flood policy. Sewer backup may be covered if purchased on the policy and is caused by blockage in sewer system. If a sewer backup is caused by weather, it could be considered flood damage.

Liability

  1. Is my personal liability coverage limit high enough to protect my assets if someone is injured on my property?

Your liability coverage covers legal and financial obligations in case someone is hurt on (or off) your property and often applies if you cause damage to someone else’s property.

Staying Current

  1. How often should we review and update my coverage?

It’s a good idea to review your insurance policy at least once a year, but your agent can help determine if more frequent reviews are needed based on your specific situation.

Understanding exactly what your policy covers puts you one step ahead of life’s unexpected events. If you have questions about insurance or need assistance, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) at 800-522-0071 or visit oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

BULLETIN NO. 2024-10 (REVISED)

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

BULLETIN NO. 2024-10 (REVISED)

To: All Persons and Organizations Subject to the Jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner
Re: Insurance Data Security Act (SB 543, 2024 SESSION; HB 1498, 2025 Session)
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: October 17, 2024 (Revised June 27, 2025)¹

 

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform all persons and nongovernmental entities who are licensed, registered, or otherwise authorized to operate pursuant to Title 36 of Oklahoma Statutes of important new requirements enacted by Senate Bill 543, which creates the Insurance Data Security Act, 36 O.S. §§ 670 – 679 (the “Act”). Disclaimer: The following overview does not include every legislative change made by Senate Bill 543.  Please refer to the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network (OSCN) webpage to view all changes.

Pursuant to Sections 672(9) and 678, the following entities are exempt from the Act:

  • Foreign Purchasing Groups;
  • Foreign Risk Retention Groups;
  • Foreign and Alien Assuming Insurers;
  • Licensees with less than $5 million ($5,000,000.00) in gross annual revenue (not limited to Oklahoma revenue); and
  • An employee, agent, representative, or designee of a licensee who is exempt from the Act.

If a licensee ceases to qualify for an exemption, the licensee shall have one hundred eighty (180) days to comply with the provisions of the Act.

Legislative Changes effective July 1, 2024

36 O.S. § 670

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of the Act shall be the exclusive state law for licensees subject to the jurisdiction of the Insurance Commissioner for data security, the investigation of a cybersecurity event, and notification to the Commissioner.

36 O.S. § 673(E)(2)

Annual Report of Status – This provision requires each licensee with a board of directors to file an annual report on the status of, and material matters related to, the information security program required by the Act. HB 1498 amends this section to be in alignment with NAIC model law and clarifies that submission of this report shall be to the licensee’s board of directors and not to the Insurance Commissioner. The first submission deadline is July 1, 2025; Licensees with boards of directors shall submit the annual report to their board of directors and, upon doing so, shall be deemed by the Oklahoma Insurance Department to be in compliance with the requirements of this subsection. The Commissioner is not prescribing a form for this report. Licensees may develop an annual report format that best meets their business needs and meets the requirements of Section 673(E)(2).

The Act does not define the term “board of directors.” Under Oklahoma law, statutory terms are to be given their plain meaning. The term “board of directors,” is generally defined to mean to the group of people who manage or direct the business entity.

Pursuant to Section 678, the following licensees are not required to comply with 36 O.S. § 673:

  • A licensee subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Pub. L. 104–191, 110 Stat. 1936, as amended, that has established and maintains an information security program pursuant to such statutes, rules, regulations, procedures, or guidelines established thereunder; and
  • A licensee subject to Title V of the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (15 U.S.C. Sections 6801-6809 and 6821-6827) that has established and maintains an information security program pursuant to such, statutes, rules, regulations, procedures, or guidelines established thereunder.

Licensees utilizing these exemptions shall provide to the Insurance Commissioner, upon request, a written statement, in the manner and form prescribed by the Insurance Commissioner, certifying their compliance with the applicable Federal Act.  

36 O.S. § 673(I)

Data Security Attestation of Compliance – “Annually, each insurer domiciled in this state shall submit to the Commissioner a written statement by April 15, certifying that the insurer complies with the requirements set forth in this section. Each insurer shall maintain, for examination by the Insurance Department, all records, schedules, and data supporting this certificate for a period of five (5) years. To the extent an insurer has identified areas, systems, or processes that require material improvement, updating, or redesign, the insurer shall document the identification and the remedial efforts planned and underway to address such areas, systems, or processes. The documentation shall be available for inspection by the Commissioner upon request.”

This subsection only applies to Oklahoma domestic insurance companies. The Data Security Attestation form can be found on the Oklahoma Insurance Department website at: https://www.oid.ok.gov/regulated-entities/financial/market-conduct-regulation/. The Data Security Attestation form must be filed by emailing the completed form to OIDRegulatoryReporting@oid.ok.gov. Because licensees have until July 1, 2025, to come into compliance with all the requirements of 36 O.S. § 673, the first deadline for submission of the Form is July 1, 2025, with subsequent Forms to be due by April 15th of each following year.

36 O.S. § 675

Cybersecurity Event Notification – 36 O.S. § 675(A) and (B) require every licensee to notify the Insurance Commissioner without unreasonable delay, but not later than three business days, from a determination that a cybersecurity event involving nonpublic information that is in the possession of a licensee has occurred when either of the following criteria has been met:

  • This state is the state of domicile of the licensee, in the case of an insurer, or this state is the home state of the licensee, in the case of a producer, and the cybersecurity event has a reasonable likelihood of materially harming any material part of the normal operations of the licensee or any consumer residing in this state; or
  • The licensee reasonably believes that the nonpublic information involved is of two hundred fifty (250) or more consumers residing in this state and is either of the following:
    • a cybersecurity event impacting the licensee of which notice is required to be provided to any government body, self-regulatory agency, or any other supervisory body pursuant to any state or federal law, or
    • a cybersecurity event that has a reasonable likelihood of materially harming:
      • any consumer residing in this state, or
      • any material part of the normal operation or operations of the licensee.

The licensee making the notification shall provide as much of the following information as possible, electronically in the manner and form prescribed by the Commissioner, along with any applicable fees:

  • Date of the cybersecurity event;
  • Description of how the information was exposed, lost, stolen, or breached including, but not limited to, the specific roles and responsibilities of third-party service providers, if any;
  • How the cybersecurity event was discovered;
  • Whether any lost, stolen, or breached information has been recovered and, if so, how this was done;
  • The identity of the source of the cybersecurity event;
  • Whether the licensee has filed a police report or has notified any regulatory, government, or law enforcement agencies and, if so, when such notification was provided;
  • Description of the specific types of information acquired without authorization. The term “specific types of information” means particular data elements including, but not limited to, types of medical information, financial information, or information allowing identification of the consumer;
  • The period during which the information system was compromised by the cybersecurity event;
  • The number of total consumers in this state affected by the cybersecurity event. The licensee shall provide the best estimate in the initial report to the Commissioner and update this estimate with each subsequent report to the Commissioner pursuant to this section;
  • The results of any internal review identifying a lapse in either automated controls or internal procedures, or confirming that all automated controls or internal procedures were followed;
  • Description of efforts being undertaken to remediate the situation which permitted the cybersecurity event to occur;
  • A copy of the privacy policy of the licensee and a statement outlining the steps the licensee will take to investigate and notify consumers affected by the cybersecurity event; and
  • Name of a contact person who is both familiar with the cybersecurity event and authorized to act for the licensee.

The Cybersecurity Event Notification form can be found on the Oklahoma Insurance Department website at: https://www.oid.ok.gov/regulated-entities/financial/market-conduct-regulation/.

The scope of all required reporting shall encompass information from the previous calendar year. Pursuant to 36 O.S. § 679, licensees shall have one (1) year from the effective date of the Act (July 1, 2024) to come into compliance with 36 O.S. § 673 and two (2) years from the effective date of the Act to come within compliance of 36 O.S. § 673(F).

The provisions of this act shall take precedence over any other state laws applicable to licensees for data security and the investigation of a cybersecurity event. The licensee shall have a continuing obligation to update and supplement initial and subsequent notifications to the Commissioner regarding material changes to previously provided information relating to the cybersecurity event.

A licensee shall comply with the procedures of the Security Breach Notification Act, 24 O.S. §§ 161, et seq., to notify affected consumers and provide a copy of the notice sent to consumers under that statute to the Commissioner when a licensee is required to notify the Commissioner.

Questions concerning this bulletin should be directed to the Oklahoma Insurance Department by email to OIDRegulatoryReporting@oid.ok.gov.

¹ Revisions are underlined.

Special Notice to All Insurance Professionals in Oklahoma Regarding Laws And Ordinances, Additional Coverage And Bulletin No. PC2016-02

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

SPECIAL NOTICE

TO: All Insurance Professionals in Oklahoma
RE: Laws And Ordinances, Additional Coverage And Bulletin No. PC2016-02
FROM: Glen Mulready, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner
DATE: June 27, 2025

 

PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (the “Department”) is issuing this special notice to all property and casualty insurers authorized to do business in this state. It has come to the attention of the Department that some property insurance policies purport to provide “additional coverage” for the increased costs incurred due to the enforcement of any law which regulates demolition, remodeling, renovation or repair of a covered building. Some insurers are only providing additional coverage for building code-related items when the code is actively enforced by local authorities.

The purpose of this Special Notice is to alert insurers of Bulletin No. PC 2016-02, which states in part “Companies are instructed that for purposes of providing additional coverages, as an exception to the ordinance or law exclusion, you shall consider all building codes as being strictly enforced.” Therefore, additional coverage for increased costs incurred due to building code-related items, if applicable, should be applied regardless of whether the building code is actively enforced by local authorities.

Questions concerning this Special Notice should be directed to the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Legal Division at 405-522-4805 or by email to bo.debose@oid.ok.gov.

Protect Your Home and Lower Your Insurance Premiums

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2025

Protect Your Home and Lower Your Insurance Premiums

Column by Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and Director of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program

Oklahoma homeowners know all too well the damage high winds and hail can cause each year. That’s why the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program is a smart investment for your family’s safety and your wallet. This is a new program administered by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. We have already launched two pilot phases, and more ZIP codes will be eligible soon. The program helps homeowners better protect their property against wind damage and severe storms while lowering their insurance premiums.

The program offers qualified homeowners up to $10,000 in grant funding to install wind-resistant roofing systems that meet the FORTIFIED Home™ standard. This standard, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), goes beyond traditional building codes and can withstand 120+ mph winds and hail 2 inches in diameter. It focuses on strengthening the roof system – the most vulnerable part of your home during a storm – to reduce the risk of costly damage.

Beyond the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is better protected, a FORTIFIED™ roof can lead to real savings. Many insurance companies offer significant discounts on insurance premiums for homes that meet FORTIFIED™ standards. And with Oklahoma weather and the costs of repairs going up, this is a great program to save money now and reduce future risk. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Requirements

Your home must be your primary residence in one of the ZIP codes and be in good repair unless recently damaged by a severe weather event. Condominiums, duplexes, mobile homes, and manufactured homes are not eligible.

Documentation

Read the homeowners checklist carefully. You will need to have the following documents before starting your application:

Application

Once you have your documentation ready, head to oid.ok.gov/okready and click “Apply” on the left side of the screen. You will create a profile, enter your information and upload your documents.

Process

After applying, you will receive an email providing directions moving forward. You can also check your dashboard on the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes portal at the following link: https://www.strengthenoklahomahomes.com/. Once approved, you will then choose a pre-approved evaluator from the list in the online portal. The evaluator will schedule a home review and upload a scope of work for contractors to bid. You will choose three contractors from the pre-approved list in your portal and pick a contractor from those bids to do the project. The contractor will schedule and begin the project. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED™ Certification.

Additional Information

The grant may not cover the entire cost of roof replacement, but it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket construction expenses. Homeowners are responsible for the evaluator fees and any additional expenses not covered by the grant.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is excited to offer this grant opportunity to the people of our great state. Learn more at oid.ok.gov/okready, and email questions about the program or your eligibility to OKReady@oid.ok.gov.

A stronger roof today can mean fewer repairs – and lower premiums – tomorrow.

OKReady Expands Second Pilot for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
June 16, 2025

OKReady Expands Second Pilot for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has expanded its second pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. Eight new zip codes (74014, 74063, 74107, 74114, 74120, 74132, 74437, 74447) are being added to the eligible list in this second pilot for a total of 17 eligible zip codes. The application process opened on May 5, and the second pilot period has been well received with increased demand. Interested applicants who live in one of these zip codes can apply online immediately.

The zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The OID reviewed all zip codes in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) based on certified contractor and evaluator availability. The final selection looked at the top zip codes that had factors including paid loss ratios, more than 500 policies in force, average claim frequency, strong wind and hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“We are very pleased with our first three months of activity since launching the program in March,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady. “These eight zip codes represent communities that have been significantly impacted by convective storms, and we are excited to add them to our second pilot.”

The goal of early pilot periods is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. The OID will launch several additional pilots through 2025 with the goal of providing a thousand grants by year-end.

OKReady will be allocating up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The funding will be allocated towards approved construction projects which will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED Certification.

Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.

It’s Not Just Hail: A Look into Oklahoma Homeowners Rates

   |   By  |  0 Comments

Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
May 28, 2025

It’s Not Just Hail: A Look Into Oklahoma Homeowners Rates

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

 

Homeowners rates are a big topic of discussion in Oklahoma right now, especially during severe weather season. At the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID), we understand how important this issue is to so many. I want to reaffirm our commitment to Oklahomans, clarify a few points, and give more context to help consumers understand what’s driving rates. It’s not just about hail. The rising cost of coverage in our state is the result of several complex factors that shape the insurance market.

First, I want Oklahomans to know our top priority is you. We investigate complaints, enforce insurance laws, and ensure companies treat consumers fairly. We returned over $12 million to consumers in 2024 and answered over 16,000 assistance calls. We supported legislative changes like the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program to help reduce long-term costs for Oklahomans through safer, more resilient construction. We take action to protect consumers when insurers act illegally or violate contracts and are always looking for innovative solutions to problems facing our state.

Now, let’s discuss the role of OID with rates. OID has no statutory authority to set or approve homeowners rates except in certain, extraordinary circumstances. Oklahoma is one of 38 states and territories that follow this model. Our job is to protect the consumers by ensuring insurers follow the law, treat policyholders fairly, maintain financial stability, and provide adequate market access. We step in only when competition breaks down or coverage becomes unavailable.

Next, I want to focus on what drives rates. It’s not just hail but a combination of factors. Oklahoma is a weather state that deals with high winds, tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding, in addition to hail. Other factors include inflation and increased costs of materials and labor. In 2023, on average, Oklahoma’s top 20 homeowners insurers paid out $129 in claims for every $100 of premium collected. While we saw an improvement in 2024, insurers still paid $97 in claims for every $100 of premium collected.

Finally, let’s talk about how competition impacts rates. A key component of any insurance market is choice for consumers, as competitive pressure helps to keep insurance rates in check. Oklahoma has over 100 licensed companies to write homeowners policies; over 50 are writing new policies, providing consumers with plenty of choices. This is also why it is so vital that you shop around for coverage if you are dissatisfied with your current coverage, as it fuels competition in the market for your business.

I understand Oklahomans are frustrated about rising insurance costs. I am, too. Our job at OID is to make sure consumers are treated fairly, promote a robust market, ensure insurers can pay claims when Oklahomans need them, and push for sustainable solutions that work. That is what you deserve. If you need assistance or have insurance questions, we’re here for you! Contact us at 800-522-0071 or oid.ok.gov.