Strengthening Resilience: The FORTIFIED Roof Program in Connecticut
Josh Hershman, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID), recently spotlighted the FORTIFIED Roof program. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), this initiative aims to strengthen homes against high winds and severe storms. The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of the Connecticut River Region organized its introduction, engaging local builders and roofing professionals with the certification requirements to enhance home resilience.
Hershman emphasized that boosting Connecticut's resilience involves equipping communities with practical tools to minimize risks. The FORTIFIED standards offer a comprehensive framework for homeowners, builders, and communities to better prepare their properties for the state's challenging weather. Supporting this initiative, George Bradner, assistant deputy commissioner and director of the CID's Property and Casualty Division, stressed the importance of proactive measures, especially as severe weather events become more frequent.
Eric Person, CEO of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association, recognized the vital role that local builders play in helping homeowners mitigate weather-related risks. He expressed pride in facilitating the introduction of the FORTIFIED program to regional professionals, enhancing local resilience efforts.
Nationwide Adoption and Impact
Nationally, the FORTIFIED program is gaining momentum, with IBHS reporting over 100,000 designations across 34 states by 2025, marking a significant increase from previous years. These resilient construction standards are on track to achieve 120,000 designations by the end of 2026. This widespread adoption underscores the growing commitment to risk management and weather resilience.
Research commissioned by the Alabama Department of Insurance and conducted by the University of Alabama's Center for Risk and Insurance Research found significant benefits to homes adhering to FORTIFIED standards during Hurricane Sally in 2020. The study indicated these homes experienced reduced damage and claims, projecting that broader adoption could have saved insurers over $105.6 million in losses.
Alabama has legislated wind mitigation discounts for homes meeting FORTIFIED standards, while Kentucky plans to require insurers to offer premium discounts for compliant homes by March 2026. However, Connecticut’s regulatory environment does not mandate such discounts. While state regulations allow insurers to offer windstorm or hail damage deductibles, offering mitigation credits remains voluntary and varies among carriers.
The recent CID event, which introduced Connecticut builders to the FORTIFIED standard, did not include mandatory discount requirements. Despite the lack of automatic premium reductions, this state-endorsed benchmark provides brokers with a valuable reference point for advising on roof replacements.