Homeowners in three coastal states can now upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof™ thanks to their insurance company. What began in North Carolina as a way to strengthen homes if they are damaged after a hurricane, has spread to Mississippi and Alabama. The approaches diverge somewhat, but the results are the same. If a home is substantially damaged after a storm, a roof endorsement will kick in to upgrade it to a more durable, FORTIFIED Roof. These endorsements add additional coverage to existing insurance policies.
The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA) will provide FORTIFIED Roofs to covered homes when 50% or more of the roof is damaged and needs to be replaced. The MWUA will reimburse the cost of the upgrades. Read more about the MWUA FORTIFIED Roof endorsement here https://bit.ly/2YDWGyN.
In Alabama, a new FORTIFIED Roof Endorsement went into effect on January 1, 2020, for policyholders throughout the state. Homeowners with an admitted insurance carrier will now have the option to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof if their home is damaged. This endorsement is a cost to the homeowner and must be added at renewal or when buying new insurance. However, the benefits of upgrading typically outweigh any costs. Benefits can include tax credits and insurance discounts depending on the level of FORTIFIED chosen. Learn more about the Alabama FORTIFIED Roof Endorsement here https://bit.ly/31xdUks.
The endorsement created by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriters Association (NCIUA) works much like the MWUA endorsement. Learn more about the NCIUA Roofing Endorsement here https://bit.ly/2BPUhJU.