How We’ve Helped Oklahomans Save Money and Strengthen Their Homes
By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready
As I look back over the past seven years in office, I’m proud of the real results the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has delivered to Oklahomans. Our focus has been simple: helping people protect their homes, their families, and their financial future. Every program and effort has been aimed at saving Oklahomans money and strengthening consumer protections.
Protecting Homes and Lowering Insurance Costs
Last year, OID launched the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Grant Program, modeled after a successful program in Alabama. This program helps homeowners strengthen their roofs better to withstand Oklahoma’s high winds and severe storms. By installing an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ built to higher standards, homeowners can reduce storm damage, avoid expensive repairs, and save an estimated $700–$800 a year on their homeowners insurance premiums. This program is about more than grants; it’s about building stronger homes so families can recover faster, and everyone benefits from fewer claims over time.
Improving Fire Protection Across Oklahoma
OID’s Fire Protection Services Division also plays an important role in helping communities lower insurance costs. Through the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, fire departments are evaluated on their training, their equipment, and their ability to respond to fires.
Nearly 20% of Oklahoma’s 1,000 fire departments across all 77 counties have improved their PPC ratings. Better fire protection not only saves lives, but it can also lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies use PPC ratings when setting rates, so communities with stronger fire protection often see direct savings.
Recovering Money for Consumers
When Oklahomans have problems with insurance claims, billing, or coverage, OID’s Consumer Assistance Division steps in to help. In 2025 alone, OID helped recover $10.8 million for consumers, money that went directly back into policyholders’ hands. That’s real money returned to Oklahoma families, and it shows our commitment to making sure insurance companies follow the rules and treat people fairly.
Helping Families Find Lost Life Insurance Benefits
OID also helps families search for lost or forgotten life insurance policies through the Life Insurance Policy Locator. Since December 2016, this program has helped match 10,278 policies totaling more than $200 million in benefits.
Building a Stronger Oklahoma
From roof grants to fire protection improvements to money recovered for consumers, OID’s work over the past seven years has focused on one goal: protecting Oklahoma consumers and strengthening our insurance market. With the continued support of our communities’ first responders and industry partners, we are building a stronger and more affordable Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Insurance Department Shares Guidance After Storms Impact State
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is ready to assist Oklahomans affected by the severe storms that impacted the state March 5-6.
“OID is here to help,” said Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “If you have questions about your policy or need assistance with your claim, please contact our Consumer Assistance Division.”
Anyone affected by storms can contact OID’s Consumer Assistance Division at 800-522-0071 or by visiting oid.ok.gov. Commissioner Mulready also reminds Oklahomans to report all damage at damage.ok.gov.
Here are some post-storm tips for victims:
Access and document your damage. Take numerous photos or videos of the damage. Don’t throw anything away unless your insurance company tells you to.
Make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage. Cover broken windows, holes, leaking roofs and damaged walls. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement with them on the cost of appropriate repairs. Move undamaged items to a safe location when necessary to prevent theft or additional loss.
Have your roof inspected by a trusted roofing contractor. If the damages are below or slightly over your deductible, you will want to pay for the repairs. If they exceed your deductible, turn the claim into your insurance carrier.
Contact your insurance company or agent after you have an estimate for repairs. Ask what forms, documents and information you need to provide to process your claim. Remember that replacement cost policies require the work to be completed within six months of the date of loss to receive the replacement cost payments that were withheld.
Save all receipts. If you made repairs to your property, save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs that your insurance policy might cover.
Ask about additional living expenses. If your home is damaged to the extent that it is unlivable, ask your insurance provider if you have coverage for living expenses incurred while repairs are being made.
Remember these tips when you’re dealing with contractors to avoid fraud:
Always get more than one bid.
Check references and phone numbers. The Better Business Bureau collects contractor complaint information. You can contact the Construction Industries Board to verify that the contractor holds a valid license to do business in the state and that they carry liability insurance.
Don’t pay upfront, and don’t make your final payment until the job is complete.
Avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible or promise a rebate (It’s against the law!).
Never sign a contract with blank spaces; always keep a copy for your records.
If you suspect contractor fraud, contact the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit at 833-681-1895.
You can find more information about preparing for storms and reviewing your insurance coverage at oid.ok.gov/GetReady.
Strong Demand for Safer Homes: Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program Fills All Available Applications for First Quarter Rollout
Next Application Period Opens in Early April
The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program announced today that its first application launch of 2026 has reached full capacity, approving 300 applications since opening in early January — reflecting the growing demand among Oklahoma homeowners for storm-resilient housing solutions.
Since launching one year ago, the SOH program has distributed more than $2 million in grant funds to eligible Oklahoma homeowners.
“We are incredibly encouraged by the strong interest from homeowners across Oklahoma,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs. “Filling all available application slots after opening the program up state-wide demonstrates both the demand for this program and the support for building more resilient communities across our state.”
The SOH program provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Oklahoma homeowners to help offset the cost of FORTIFIED roof installations, designed to better withstand the high winds and hail events common across the state. On average, homeowners who complete the program save $749 annually on their insurance premiums — making the long-
term financial benefits just as compelling as the grant itself.
Homeowners interested in the next launch, anticipated to open in early April 2026, are encouraged to begin preparing now. One of the most important steps is ensuring their homestead exemption is on file with their county assessor. The county application period closes March 15, 2026 — homeowners who have not yet filed should do so immediately to avoid any eligibility issues.
To learn more and prepare for the next launch, visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/okready/.
