Louisiana fortifies roof program gains insurer interest amid global discussions

The Insurance Senate Committee in Louisiana convened on March 14, 2025, to discuss the impact of the fortified roof program on homeowners' insurance options and the overall insurance market in the state. A key focus of the meeting was the availability of insurance companies willing to offer policies to homeowners who have installed fortified roofs, which are designed to withstand severe weather.

During the discussions, it was revealed that there are currently 43 property writers with filed discounts in Louisiana, indicating a growing number of options for consumers. Among these, SageSure emerged as a notable insurer, attracting many customers who switched to benefit from savings. However, the committee acknowledged that while there has been some interest from insurers and reinsurers regarding the fortified roof program, the overall increase in filings and reinsurance remains unclear.

The committee emphasized the importance of the fortified roof initiative, noting that it has garnered attention from both local and national insurers. The program aims to mitigate future damages from severe weather events, which have historically led to significant insurance claims in Louisiana. Comparisons were made to California, which is currently revising its building codes in response to recent wildfires, highlighting the need for proactive measures in Louisiana as well.

Despite the positive developments, the committee recognized that only about 5,000 fortified roofs have been installed in Louisiana, a small fraction compared to the total number of homes. This raises concerns about the need for increased investment in the program, with estimates suggesting a 275% increase in funding would be necessary to significantly expand the initiative.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the dual challenges of affordability and availability in the homeowners' insurance market. The fortified roof program is seen as a step in the right direction, but further action and investment will be crucial to enhance its effectiveness and ensure broader participation among homeowners in Louisiana.