The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, Glen Mulready, has called on homeowners to take more proactive steps to safeguard their properties, emphasising that mitigation measures can significantly reduce both physical damage and insurance premiums. His comments come amid growing concern across the United States about the rising cost of home insurance and the impact of severe weather on residential properties.
In a communication issued this week, Mulready highlighted that homes are “often our biggest investments” and argues that protecting them must remain a household priority. He said that commissioners within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) had been reviewing the issue closely and had reached a shared position that mitigation is essential to managing long-term risk.
What Mitigation Means for Homeowners
Mulready defined mitigation as taking action “before disaster strikes,” noting it involves strengthening a home to withstand storms, fires or other hazards. “These improvements lower your risk of future losses, which helps keep insurance costs down,” he added.
To support this goal, the Commissioner outlined several practical steps homeowners can take to reduce vulnerability and improve overall resilience. Security improvements—such as alarms, smart locks and monitored systems—may deliver premium discounts of between 5% and 20%. Upgrades to fire-safety infrastructure, including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinklers, can similarly reduce risk.
Mulready also pointed to the increasing role of smart home technology in preventing losses. Leak sensors connected to automatic water shut-off systems can limit damage from burst pipes or plumbing failures, which he identified as a leading cause of insurance claims. Replacing outdated wiring and plumbing, he noted, helps lower the risk of fires and leaks, while routine maintenance such as gutter cleaning and removal of dead trees reduces exposure to future damage.
Oklahoma’s Heightened Exposure to Weather Events
While these steps apply across the US, Mulready stressed that homeowners in Oklahoma face additional challenges due to the region’s severe weather patterns. “Oklahoma knows severe weather,” he said, citing threats ranging from convective storms to tornadoes that strike the state year after year.
For this reason, he encouraged residents to consider more advanced protective measures. Impact-resistant roofing materials can defend against hail and high winds, often qualifying homeowners for premium discounts while reducing the likelihood of costly repairs. Fire-resistant building materials and maintaining cleared vegetation around homes can also improve resilience against wildfire risks. In flood-prone areas, elevating utilities and installing flood openings can reduce losses and lower flood insurance premiums.
Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program Gains Momentum
Mulready drew particular attention to the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Grant Program, launched earlier this year. The initiative supports homeowners seeking to upgrade to FORTIFIED roofing systems—construction designed specifically to “keep the roof on and the rain out.”
According to Mulready, the programme has seen strong demand across the state, with hundreds of applications received in the first six months. Projects are now being completed statewide. Early figures show that homeowners installing a FORTIFIED roof can save an average of $700 to $800 annually on their insurance policies. “That’s real savings, knowing your home is safer and more secure,” he said.
Building a More Resilient Future
The Commissioner argued that wider adoption of mitigation practices will not only benefit individual homeowners but also contribute to broader economic resilience. He believes that reducing the severity of future losses helps stabilise insurance markets and keeps premiums more manageable across the community.
“Every Oklahoman can contribute to creating a safer, more resilient state,” he stated. “Investing in home mitigation today, you protect your biggest asset, reduce future losses, and help keep insurance costs reasonable for everyone.”
Residents seeking further details about the SOH Grant Program are encouraged to visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website at oid.ok.gov/okready. The department is also available via telephone at 800-522-0071 for additional support or guidance.
Mulready concluded his message with a reminder that safeguarding a property is an ongoing responsibility. “Protect your home. Understand your coverage. Find ways to save,” he said.
