Oklahoma Insurance Department Expands Second Pilot Launch of Fortified Grants Program

The Oklahoma Insurance Department said that it has expanded its second pilot launch of OKReady, a program that allocates up to $10,000 in grant funds to residents to strengthen homes to the IBHS Fortified standard.

OID announced that eight new zip codes are being added to the the second pilot for a total of 17 eligible zip codes. The zip codes are in and around the Tulsa metropolitan area: 74014, 74063, 74107, 74114, 74120, 74132, 74437, 74447.

OID said zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The department said it review all zip codes in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area based on certified and evaluator availability. The final selections came down to zip codes that had factors including paid loss ratios, with more than 500 policies in force, average claim frequency, strong wind and hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The pilot launches were designed make sure staff can process full applications, address technology issues and confirm that third parties can handle the grant demand in a new market, OID said.The pilot programs began in March, with several additional pilots planned through 2025.

“We are very pleased with our first three months of activity since launching the program in March,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady.

OKReady provides grants to cover to $10,000 in costs for a home roof upgrade and will be paid directly to the contractor upon completion of the project and submission of required paperwork, including the Fortified certificate from IBHS.

Homeowners must meet several criteria to apply, including that the home is in good repair. More information about how to apply can be found at the OKReady website.

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Oklahoma