Louisiana Homeowners See Insurance Savings with Fortified Roofs
Louisiana homeowners are reaping the benefits of upgrading their roofs to meet Fortified standards, according to a new report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. The audit revealed that homeowners who made these improvements saw, on average, a 22% reduction in their annual insurance premiums.
The auditor’s survey, conducted in 2025, provided further insights. It showed that 25.2% of participants in the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program experienced annual premium reductions of $2,000 or more. Notably, only 3.3% of the participants saw their premiums increase.
The state initiated its home-hardening grant program in 2023, following a similar program implemented in Alabama. Although Louisiana’s Fortified certification program was launched in 2008, it wasn’t until 2021 that the state integrated the standard into its building code and insurance discount framework.
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) was established in 2022 but didn’t receive funding until 2023. At the time of initial funding, the state had 313 Fortified-certified roofs. As of February 1, 2025, that number had surged to 5,413, representing a remarkable 17-fold increase over two years. The report also notes that 64% of these certifications were not funded by the LFHP.
These Fortified standards are part of major insurance reforms passed by the Louisiana legislature, aimed at stabilizing the market. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has been a vocal proponent of these reforms, highlighting that the state has seen 10 new homeowners insurers entering Louisiana. He also mentioned a decline in both the cost and frequency of rate filings. According to Temple, approved homeowners insurance rate increases in 2024 averaged 6.6%, a significant drop from 14% in 2023 and 16.2% in 2022.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety sets the Fortified standards. These standards involve several requirements designed to fortify roofs, including stronger fasteners and connectors, as well as improved water resistance, according to the auditor’s findings.
Beyond direct premium reductions, the auditor’s report suggested that a greater concentration of Fortified-certified properties could attract more insurers to the Louisiana market. This increased competition could potentially drive down costs. The report also noted that reinsurers view Fortified homes favorably, which could improve reinsurance terms for insurance carriers.
