JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) — A Senate bill that would provide homeowners up to $10,000 to reinforce their roofs has been sent to the governor for his signature.
Senate Bill 24-09, called the “Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act,” would create a program allowing around 1,500 homeowners per year to receive grants to reinforce their roofs.
The Mississippi legislature has tried for several years to put together a mitigation program aimed at helping Mississippians fight the price of home insurance.
Making Mississippi competitive
Mississippi State Senator Scott Delano, vice chair of the legislature’s insurance committee, said the goal is to make Mississippi competitive with neighboring states.
“We’ve had a lot of insurance companies that have pulled out of the state of Mississippi. They’ve gone into Alabama and they’ve gone into Louisiana because of their mitigation programs. We know mitigation works,” Delano said.
Delano said the program is just a start, as some roofs are approaching 20 years of age.
Insurance discounts for fortified roofs
Homeowners whose roofs meet the “Fortified” standard set by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety could apply for a large discount from their insurance company.
Donald Frazer, an IBHS Fortified Inspector, said there are three different levels, and the state is helping out with the first level.
“If you look at fortifying your roof like the one behind me here, you’re looking at anywhere from 17 to 20 percent discount if the home qualifies,” Frazer said.
Frazer said more roofs with better protection may also lead to a competitive price decrease.
“The more houses that you have participate, the more companies that will look at the coast to come back, and what happens when you have more competition? You have lower prices. That’s a huge factor there,” Frazer said.
If enacted, the application process will take place online. After submitting an application, recipients will be chosen through a lottery system.
If signed, the bill will go into effect on July 1.
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Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.