Oklahoma homeowners in Newcastle and statewide now have an opportunity to significantly reduce storm damage risk and lower their insurance costs through a proven state grant program.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) opened statewide applications for its Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Grant Program at noon on Monday, January 1. Eligible homeowners can still apply for grants of up to $10,000 to upgrade to storm-resistant FORTIFIED roofs, improvements that can reduce severe storm damage by up to 80% while lowering insurance premiums by up to 42%.
For Oklahoma families who take advantage of this opportunity, the benefits are substantial: pilot program participants are saving an average of $850 per year on insurance premiums.
Over 10 years, that adds up to $8,500 in savings, while providing peace of mind during one of the nation’s most active storm seasons.
“Oklahoma is one of the most storm-prone states in the country, and strengthening homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce damage and control insurance costs,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “This program is working, and now we’re bringing it to homeowners statewide.
“The opportunity is here, and homeowners who act now can protect their homes and their budgets for years to come.”
The statewide expansion follows a highly successful pilot phase that helped more than 100 Oklahoma homeowners upgrade their roofs in approved zip codes.
Through the pilot program, OID invested more than $1 million in mitigation efforts, demonstrating both strong demand and measurable results for Oklahoma families.
What the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program Offers
The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program offers grants of up to $10,000 to eligible homeowners who wish to upgrade to Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED Home – Roof standards. These upgrades enhance the resistance of roofs to severe weather, qualifying homeowners for substantial insurance premium discounts.
Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs Ashley Scott emphasized the program’s real- world impact.
“The pilot phase proved that Oklahomans want to invest in protecting their homes when the opportunity is available,” Scott said. “With statewide access, even more families can fortify their homes, reduce risk and see real longterm financial benefits.”
Industry leaders say Oklahoma’s approach is setting a strong example for mitigation programs nationwide.
“The 100th FORTIFIED designation funded by the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program reflects a thoughtful, homeowner-focused approach to resilience,” said Fred Malik, managing director of the FORTIFIED program at IBHS. “By scaling the program carefully, OID has helped ensure strong participation, smooth implementation and lasting benefits for homeowners. We look forward to seeing even more FORTIFIED homes across Oklahoma in 2026.”
How Oklahoma Homeowners Can Take Advantage of the Grant Program
Applications opened at noon on Monday, January 12 at oid.ok.gov/okready. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funding allows, making early preparation essential.
To qualify, homeowners must have a homestead exemption on file with their county assessor. Exemptions can be filed starting in January.
Prepare Now:
• Verify or establish a homestead exemption with your county assessor (required for eligibility)
• Review full eligibility requirements at oid.ok.gov/ okready
• Apply now at oid.ok.gov/ okready OID emphasizes that mitigation remains one of the most reliable ways to lower long-term insurance costs. By strengthening homes before storms strike, homeowners who take advantage of this opportunity can reduce damage, avoid costly claims and protect their investment well into the future.
For more information about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, visit oid.ok.gov/okready or email [email protected].
