For Immediate Release:
March 14, 2024
Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act: Making Your Home Resilient While Saving You Money
By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready
As Insurance Commissioner, I understand the pressing issue of high insurance rates voiced by the Oklahoma consumer, particularly in homeowners insurance, brought about because of increased severe weather events and rising costs to rebuild. Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about the weather, but I can help Oklahomans fortify their homes. I’m pleased to announce that the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is actively addressing this with initiatives aimed at consumer relief. We are focusing on the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act (HB 3089), currently under consideration in the Oklahoma Legislature. This legislation seeks to improve disaster resilience and lower homeowners insurance rates. Let’s explore how this program can benefit Oklahomans and create a more secure future for all.
What is the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act?
The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act is legislation that, if it becomes law, will create a grant program to help Oklahomans strengthen roofs with impact-resistant materials that meet FORTIFIED standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). OID would use existing budgeted funds and redirect these dollars to provide grants to Oklahoma consumers.
How will this program lower premiums?
The grant funds would assist consumers in constructing or retrofitting their homes with impact-resistant shingles and other enhancements. Many insurance companies reduce premiums when these types of modifications are made to homes.
How will this program work?
Consumers would submit a formal application with OID. The program would be first-come, first-serve, so once the application is open, it’s crucial to apply as soon as possible. It will be open to consumers in all 77 counties, and grant awards will be disbursed with priority given to lower-income applicants, as well as applicants who live in locations that, based on historical data, have a higher susceptibility to catastrophic weather events. Once approved, grantees must make the retrofits and renovations using an IBHS-approved contractor within a set period of time.
If I don’t qualify for a grant, is there any way I can get help with my rising premiums?
If you don’t qualify for a grant, there are other ways you can save. Discounts are available to consumers who construct or retrofit their homes to IBHS FORTIFIED standards. These discounts, ranging from 3% to 42% depending on the insurance company, can make a big difference on your insurance bills. Additionally, fortifying your roof can reduce the number of future claims and deductibles that result from severe weather events by resisting damage that an unfortified roof would sustain.
The current insurance market is tough, and Oklahomans, as well as Americans across the country, are feeling the frustration with higher insurance premiums. I’m excited about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act and look forward to helping Oklahomans make their homes more resilient to disasters and bringing some relief amid rising prices. To find more information on homeowners insurance or request assistance, please visit oid.ok.gov or call OID at 800-522-0071.