Short answer: Alabama law requires admitted insurers to give a premium discount or rate reduction on the wind portion of a homeowners policy when a home meets an IBHS FORTIFIED standard. Separately, the state's Strengthen Alabama Homes program offers grants of up to $10,000 toward a FORTIFIED Roof for eligible owner-occupied, single-family primary homes in counties where grants are open.
The discount is required by law
Ala. Code §27-31D-2 requires insurers to provide a premium discount or rate reduction for homes retrofitted to IBHS FORTIFIED standards or another approved mitigation standard. The adjustment applies to policies with wind coverage, either to the wind portion of the premium or to the total premium if the insurer doesn't price wind separately.
The Strengthen Alabama Homes site adds an important detail: admitted insurers must honor the FORTIFIED certificate and give the discount, while surplus lines carriers aren't required to under the law. If your policy is written by a surplus lines company, ask before assuming a discount.
The grant
Strengthen Alabama Homes, run by the Alabama Department of Insurance, pays up to $10,000 toward retrofitting a roof to the FORTIFIED Roof standard. The program rules require that:
- The home is an owner-occupied, single-family primary residence (not a condo or mobile home) in a county where grants are being offered
- The home is in good repair, unless the damage came from hurricane, wind or hail
- You have an in-force policy with wind coverage, plus flood insurance if the home is in a special flood hazard area
- An IBHS-certified evaluator prequalifies the home, and you pay the evaluator's fee
- The project is finished within three months of grant approval
The grant pays the contractor after IBHS issues the FORTIFIED certificate. You pay any cost above the grant.
Getting the discount applied
Once you have the certificate, send it to your agent or insurer. The program says it will also confirm that the discount was applied. FORTIFIED designations need to be renewed periodically, so keep track of the expiration date.
Bottom line
A FORTIFIED Roof can lower the wind portion of your premium with an admitted insurer, and the state may cover much of the cost. See what a FORTIFIED roof is.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. Vea insurance in Alabama.
Frequently asked questions
Do Alabama insurers have to discount FORTIFIED homes?
Yes. Alabama law requires admitted insurers to give a wind premium discount or rate reduction for qualifying FORTIFIED homes.
How much is the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?
Up to $10,000 toward a FORTIFIED Roof retrofit; the homeowner pays any costs above that.
Who is eligible for a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?
Owners of owner-occupied, single-family primary homes in participating counties with wind coverage, and flood coverage if in a special flood hazard area.
Do surplus lines insurers have to give the discount?
No. The program notes that surplus lines carriers aren't obligated by the law to give the discount.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.