FORTIFIED Roof Program in Beaufort County, NC

Beaufort County sits squarely in North Carolina's 18-county coastal wind pool territory, making homeowners here especially vulnerable to rising insurance rates. If you live in Washington, Chocowinity, Belhaven, Aurora, or anywhere in Beaufort County, FORTIFIED Roof™ certification is one of the most effective ways to offset premium increases and protect your home.

Hurricanes Florence and Dorian both hit Beaufort County hard, and the insurance market has responded with significant rate increases. The N.C. Rate Bureau had requested a statewide overall increase of 68.3% over a two-year period. Commissioner Causey negotiated an average statewide increase of 5% per year over the next two years. The settlement includes mitigation credits for consumers who invest in fortified homes and roofs. FORTIFIED certification can strengthen your home against the next storm.

Why FORTIFIED Matters More Than Ever in Beaufort County

Certain mitigation credits (or discounts) may be available for qualifying homeowners insurance policies in North Carolina’s beach and coastal territories. The mitigation credits can provide premium discounts for wind and hail coverage on homes with qualifying construction features that help mitigate damage and insurance losses.

The FORTIFIED Process in Beaufort County

1. IBHS-approved inspection — An evaluator trained by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety inspects your current roof and identifies what upgrades are needed.
2. Licensed contractor work — A contractor experienced in FORTIFIED standards performs the upgrades: sealed roof deck, proper nail patterns, fortified edge metal, and other wind-resistance improvements.
3. Certification — After passing the post-construction inspection, you receive your official FORTIFIED designation.
4. Submit documentation — Provide your certificate to your insurance carrier or NCIUA. To find out if your home could be eligible for discounts or mitigation credits, please contact your agent or insurance company.

FORTIFIED and the NCIUA Wind Pool

Many Beaufort County homeowners are insured through the NCIUA (NC Insurance Underwriting Association) wind pool because private carriers have pulled back from the coast. Certain mitigation credits (or discounts) may be available for qualifying homeowners insurance policies in North Carolina’s beach and coastal territories. The mitigation credits can provide premium discounts for wind and hail coverage on homes with qualifying construction features that help mitigate damage and insurance losses. To find out if your home could be eligible for discounts or mitigation credits, please contact your agent or insurance company.

Local Resources

Harbor Insurance Agency works with Beaufort County homeowners throughout the FORTIFIED process. We can connect you with IBHS-approved evaluators and experienced contractors in the Washington NC area. To find out if your home could be eligible for discounts or mitigation credits, please contact your agent or insurance company.