Can I get a discount for doing weather mitigation?

I read about a certificate people here can get for doing mitigation on their house to help prevent storm damage from hurricanes and stuff. My roof is getting pretty old and needs to be updated anyway, so I figured I'd pick the strongest type of shingle for it. If I get a discount for this, would it work with all insurance companies and locations in the state? The quotes I've gotten for the roof are pretty expensive, so I'd love to get a discount for trying to protect my home if possible. I'm currently with State Farm, but I shop around every couple of years. Thanks.

This is a great question, and it’s smart to think about how to better protect your home in Louisiana. FORTIFIED isn’t just a general way to say your home is strong. It’s an actual program from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) that sets building standards designed to help homes hold up better in hurricanes and severe storms.

In Louisiana, the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program can help eligible homeowners pay for roof upgrades with grants of up to $10,000. But there’s a catch: the work has to meet the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard, and you need to be approved before the project starts. If you upgrade your roof on your own first, the grant will not reimburse you later.

This matters because meeting basic building code does not always mean a home is built to handle major storm damage. The FORTIFIED program is meant to address those weak points and help reduce the risk of costly damage during hurricanes.

Many insurance companies do offer discounts for wind mitigation or FORTIFIED features, but the savings vary by insurer, home, and location. State Farm, for example, says some discounts may be available depending on the state. Your best bet is to contact a local agent and ask whether FORTIFIED discounts are available in Shreveport.

You can also find more details on the FORTIFIED website, and the Louisiana Department of Insurance may be able to answer questions about eligibility and discounts in your area. If it turns out that you want to shop around and see what discounts other home insurers in your area have to offer, our agents are happy to find you coverage that meets your needs. I hope this helps!