Latest news with #StrengthenOklahomaHomesProgram
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oklahoma homeowners can apply for grants to strengthen roofs against storms
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather; tornadoes, hail and wind can bring costly damage. The Oklahoma Insurance Department recently launched a pilot program offering eligible homeowner up to $10,000 to fortify their homes. 'The program is really created to assist consumers and homeowners with mitigating and fortifying their roofs, so that they will be stronger and be able to withstand some of the severe weather that we see here in Oklahoma,' said Ashley Scott, director of Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, OID. The first phase of the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program covers eight zip codes: 73049 – Jones 73051 – Lexington/Slaughterville 73065 – Newcastle 73069 – Norman 73111 – East OKC 73127 – West OKC 73129 – Southeast OKC 73135 – Southeast OKC/I-240 Homeowners in these areas can apply for the grants. 'We've been able to kind of focus on areas where we've seen tons of storm damage, but also higher premiums,' said Scott. Once selected, homeowners will work with approved evaluators and contractors to complete the upgrades. Storm shelter registry available for Oklahoma City residents 'When it's finished, they'll receive a certificate to help lower insurance premiums. We really thought with the type of storms that we've been seeing more and more of and with the insurance market being so hard right now, this is a great opportunity for us to try and step in and do something we can do about it,' said Scott. For the first phase, the OID is looking to award 100 grants. 'We plan on doing a second pilot project shortly after with about 250 applications. A third pilot project with another roughly 250 applications and then finish out the year with 400 more,' said Scott. With each phase, more zip codes will be added to the list. The program is capped at $10 million and all funding comes directly from the insurance industry. The OID says the program started because of a bill that was signed into law last year. To check your eligibility to apply for the grant, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OK Insurance Commissioner comes to Claremore
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready says his department can save Oklahomans time and money. Mulready told residents during a meeting Friday at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum that one of the insurance department's primary functions is assisting Oklahoma residents with troublesome insurance claims. He said people can file a complaint with his department by visiting or by calling 800-522-0071. "It's a short form: basic contact info, basic box for narrative that authorizes us to contact that insurance company on your behalf and go to bat for you," said Mulready. "A lot of folks don't know." Mulready, whose visit was sponsored by the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce, has served in his role since 2019. He often travels around the state to promote his department's services; he said he spoke to city leaders in Shawnee on Wednesday. The Oklahoma Insurance Department levies a 2.25% premium tax on insurance policies. Mulready said this tax brings in about $400 million per year, making the insurance department one of the state's largest revenue generators. He said 55% of this tax funds pension plans for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders; the state legislature reaps the remaining 45% and appropriates it in the regular budget process. The insurance department also coaches Oklahoma fire departments on how to improve their Insurance Services Office fire protection score. This score, which ranges from 1 (best) to 10 (worst), ranks how quickly and effectively a fire department responds to fires. Mulready said nine fire departments have an ISO rating of 1 — Claremore is class 2. "The better your fire protection class, the lower that your premiums are," Mulready said. He said the department is rolling out a pilot program Monday that will help Oklahoma residents get lower premiums on homeowner's insurance: the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program. The program, approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt last May, authorizes the insurance department to provide homeowners up to a $10,000 grant to protect their roof from storm damage. "We get wind and hail [in Oklahoma]," Mulready said. "After six years, I've discovered I cannot affect the weather — I'm a little slow — but we can do something to help folks fortify their home." Applications for the grant opened up Monday in eight Oklahoma City and Norman-based zip codes. He said the department will expand to more zip codes in phases with the goal of providing 1,000 grants by year's end. Mulready said insurance companies will charge lower premiums to homeowners with fortified roofs, and homeowners will be less likely to have to pay out the deductible. Mulready said the Oklahoma Insurance Department can also help Oklahomans: — Navigate Medicare. He said Medicare is complicated, and people can call the insurance department for help sifting through the various options. — Verify if a deceased relative has a life insurance policy. Mulready said people can fill out a form on the department's website and will receive an answer within 90 days. He said his office has connected Oklahomans to $165 million in life insurance benefits during his tenure.
