Our homes are often our biggest investments and protecting them should be everyone’s priority. Making our homes stronger and safer prevents damage and saves money on our insurance premiums. Commissioners at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) have discussed and prioritized this issue, and we all agree that mitigation is key.

The Power of Mitigation

“Mitigation” means taking action before disaster strikes. It’s about strengthening your home so it can better withstand storms, fires, or other damage. These improvements lower your risk of future losses, which helps keep insurance costs down.

I’ve put together some simple steps that every homeowner can take:

• Installing security systems, adding alarms, smart locks, and monitored systems, can earn discounts of 5% to 20%.

• Upgrading your safety devices, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems, can lower fire risks, which may also reduce your premiums.

• Using smart home technology and looking into leak sensors that shut off the water main. These can prevent major water damage, a top cause of insurance claims.

• Updating wiring and plumbing by replacing old systems helps prevent fires and leaks.

• Performing regular maintenance, cleaning gutters, and removing dead trees help protect your home from future damage.

Depending on where you live, like Oklahoma, you can go even further:

• Upgrading to an impact-resistant roof protects your home from hail and high winds and may qualify you for a discount while helping you avoid expensive roof repairs.

• Using fire-resistant materials and keeping brush clear around your home can make a major difference in protecting it from high winds and approaching fires.

• Elevating utilities and adding proper flood openings can reduce flood losses and lower your flood insurance rates.

Oklahoma knows severe weather. From convective storms to tornadoes, our homes face tough conditions year after year. That’s why the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) launched the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Grant Program earlier this year. This program helps homeowners replace their roofs with FORTIFIED roofs, which are built to keep the roof on and the rain out.

Hundreds of Oklahomans have applied in the last six months, and we are completing projects across the state. Homeowners who install a FORTIFIED roof can save an average of $700 to $800 per year on their homeowners insurance. That’s real savings, knowing your home is safer and more secure.

A Stronger, Safer Oklahoma

Every Oklahoman can contribute to creating a safer, more resilient state. Investing in home mitigation today, you protect your biggest asset, reduce future losses, and help keep insurance costs reasonable for everyone.

To learn more about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program, visit oid.ok.gov/ okready and see how you can strengthen your home today.

OID is here to help. Contact us at 800-5220071 or oid.ok.gov.

Protect your home. Understand your coverage. Find ways to save.