Financial assistance on the horizon for hail-resistant roofs in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Oklahomans who find themselves scrambling after severe weather damage will find some peace in knowing access to to help is on the way to fortifying their homes.

The Oklahoma State’s Insurance Department is promoting ‘Fortified’ roof installation with grants that could offset costs 10-15% beginning in 2025.

First reported by the Oklahoma Voice, Oklahomans will soon be able to apply to a grant program that would provide severe hail-resistant roofs, impact-resistant shingles and rain-resistant attic vents.

House Bill 3089, introduced by Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, and sponsored by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee has been signed by Governor Kevin Stitt.

The law is set to go into effect Nov. 1, but applications will not be available until early 2025.

Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, chairman of the Insurance and Retirement Committee, said the goal is to bring insurance costs down.

“It’ll bring the cost of rebuilding down and hopefully impact insurance rates for all of us across the state of Oklahoma, because right now, insurance is God-awful high,” Pemberton said.

He estimated the program could support 5,000 grants per year.

To qualify applicants should be prepared to provide:

• An Oklahoma Insurance Department-approved home inspector visit
• Homes must be in good condition unless there has been severe weather damage
• Proof of an active homeowners insurance policy with wind coverage
• If the house is in a special flood hazard area, an in-force flood insurance policy is also required

Once the project is approved and completed, participants can expect the Oklahoma Insurance Department to pay the contractor's directly. Applicants should be aware the grant will not cover the home inspection cost.

Currently, costs associated with upgrade materials are covered under the program, however the program does not include the costs of the entire roof placement. If enhancements are made to homes through the grant program, discounts could be available.

“I’m looking forward to helping Oklahomans make their homes more resilient to disasters and bringing some relief amid rising prices through this pivotal new program launching next year,”

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

The grants are intended to help homeowners achieve safety standards outlined by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The grant program is set to end Nov. 1, 2027, if not renewed.

For more information, click here.