Short answer: For Alabama homeowners, wind is the defining issue, especially in Baldwin and Mobile counties on the Gulf Coast. If the regular market won't cover wind, the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA) is the residual market. Alabama law makes insurers' wind mitigation discounts mandatory in Baldwin and Mobile counties for homes built to fortified or hurricane-resistant standards, and AIUA policyholders there can apply for a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant of up to $10,000. Insurers must accept or deny a claim within 30 days after proof of loss.
This guide is general information for Alabama homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
Step 1: Look at the wind deductible and exclusions
Coastal Alabama policies often carry a separate hurricane or named storm deductible, and some exclude wind entirely. See hurricane deductibles explained. Flood isn't covered; quote a policy through FloodSmart.
Step 2: Ask for the wind mitigation discount
The Alabama Department of Insurance windstorm mitigation handout explains that insurers must offer a discount or rate reduction when a home is built in compliance with the 2006 International Residential Code, including its hurricane provisions, or to FORTIFIED standards. These discounts are mandatory for property in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Keep your FORTIFIED certificate and send it to your insurer.
Step 3: AIUA, the coastal residual market
The Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association writes property coverage, including wind, when the regular market won't, mainly in the coastal area. Compare its coverage with any private ex-wind policy you hold, and make sure your deductibles and limits fit together.
Step 4: Strengthen Alabama Homes grants
According to Strengthen Alabama Homes, the program, administered at the Alabama Department of Insurance, offers grants for residential wind mitigation on existing homes in Baldwin and Mobile counties. If your home is insured by AIUA, you may get a grant up to $10,000 regardless of income. It's a grant, not a loan, so it doesn't have to be repaid. Check the program site for current eligibility rules before applying.
Step 5: Non-renewal notice
Alabama regulation 482-1-136-.05 requires 120 days' notice for category or group non-renewals. We couldn't confirm a statutory notice period for non-renewing an individual homeowners policy, so check your policy's conditions section. Details: Alabama homeowners non-renewal rules.
Step 6: Claim deadlines
Under Alabama regulations 482-1-125-.06 and 482-1-125-.07, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days, accept or deny within 30 days after properly executed proofs of loss, and pay within 30 days after accepting liability and agreeing on the amount. More: Alabama insurance claim deadlines.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Alabama.
Frequently asked questions
Are fortified roof discounts required in Alabama?
For property in Baldwin and Mobile counties, the Alabama Department of Insurance says the wind mitigation discounts are mandatory for homes built to the 2006 IRC hurricane provisions or FORTIFIED standards.
How much is a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant for AIUA policyholders?
Up to $10,000, regardless of income, for wind mitigation on an existing home in Baldwin or Mobile County, according to the program.
How long does an Alabama insurer have to decide a claim?
30 days after properly executed proofs of loss, under Ala. Admin. Code r. 482-1-125-.07.
Does Alabama set a notice period for individual homeowners non-renewals?
We couldn't confirm one. A regulation requires 120 days for category or group non-renewals.
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.