Texas Needs to Adopt a Fortified Roof Program to Protect its Policyholders
Today’s Houston Chronicle featured a very instructive piece on how Texas, despite having some good laws that protect policyholders, is still the only Gulf state that has not adopted a program to provide insurance discounts and grants to homeowners to allow them to upgrade their home construction to meet hurricane resistant building codes. Read the piece here. These standards were developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, an insurance industry-funded research group. The Standards provide for stronger edges, sealed roof decks, better attachment, and impact resistant shingles.
Alabama’s Pioneering Program Has Shown Positive Results
Alabama, through the advocacy of its Department of Insurance, was the first state to adopt and implement a program to implement the Fortified building standard. If you are in Baldwin or Mobile Counties in Alabama, here’s how to apply. Under the program, homeowners can receive discounts of between twenty and sixty percent on their wind coverage. In addition, they can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to help defray the cost of the roof upgrade. Studies have shown that having a fortified roof also can provide a boost in resale value of the home. Finally, preliminary results from Hurricane Sally experience are reported to show a decrease in the amount of loss.
Other States are Looking at Implementing the Program Too
Texas and other states are starting to take notice of Alabama’s program. Alabama contains about 50,000 of the estimated 60,000 fortified roofs nationwide. This program provides a great example of what can happen when the interests of state insurance regulators, insurance companies, and policyholders are aligned. As much as I love to represent policyholders against insurance companies, I would rather see my policyholders not suffer losses in the first place. This program appears to be a great place to start.
Of course, if you do have a roof damage claim from a storm, please reach out to us. We may be able to help.
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