The frequency of these storms, coupled with rising inflation, has strained the state’s insurance market, pushing Oklahoma to the top of the list for the highest homeowner insurance rates in the nation, as reported by Insurance.com.

The site reports that the average cost of homeowners insurance in Oklahoma is $5,858 a year, or $488 a month. This is based on coverage of: a $300,000 dwelling, $300,000 liability and a $1,000 deductible.

Many constituents are seeking solutions to mitigate these rising insurance costs. While it is impossible to control the weather, we can be forward-thinking when considering how to fortify Oklahoma homes, including providing incentives for impact-resistant materials.

With preplanning now, we can take proactive steps to protect our homes from its destructive forces.

This year, I introduced House Bill 3089, establishing a revolving fund to provide Oklahoma homeowners with grants, enabling them to retrofit or construct homes with stronger, more durable materials. The Institute for Business and Home Safety created the Fortified Home program, which encourages the adoption of construction methods that can withstand severe weather.

The program has already proven successful in hurricane-prone coastal regions.

Under the Fortified Home program, roofing systems are certified to withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour and hail up to golf ball size. Implementing these systems is not only feasible but also cost-effective, particularly during the initial construction phase.

Current homeowners with high insurance payments and high deductibles may be incentivized to retrofit their homes and upgrade their materials to fortify their homes. Many insurance companies offer reduced premiums for homes with these modifications since it will likely save them money in the long-run.

The advantages of this legislation are numerous. Participating homeowners can expect immediate benefits through insurance premium discounts most insurance companies offer. Additionally, homes equipped with fortified roofing are less likely to sustain damage during storms, reducing the financial burden of high wind and hail deductibles.

HB 3089, which was signed into law May 13, will allow Oklahomans to apply on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to lower-income applicants and applicants who live in areas more prone to catastrophic weather.

Once the bill takes effect on Nov. 1, grants will soon be available to residential property owners with insurable property who reside in an approved county, meet certain home conditions, and own an owner-occupied, single-family residence.

The initial grants are anticipated to be distributed in 2025.

Investing in our homes’ resilience not only prepares us for the next storm but also provides a foundation for a more affordable, long-lasting future for homeowners.

While we cannot control the weather, we can fortify our homes now against potential impacts later. We know Oklahomans are resilient—the time is now to invest in resiliency for our homes.

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