FORTIFIED Roof Benefits: NC Insurance Explained

The FORTIFIED Home™ program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), is a nationally recognized standard for building stronger, more resilient homes. In North Carolina, the program has become especially important as coastal and inland homeowners face rising wind and hail insurance costs.

FORTIFIED certification comes in three tiers: FORTIFIED Roof™, FORTIFIED Silver™, and FORTIFIED Gold™. Each tier adds layers of protection against severe weather.

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.

How to Get FORTIFIED Certified in Eastern NC

The FORTIFIED certification process is straightforward:

1. Schedule an inspection — An IBHS-trained evaluator assesses your roof and home envelope.
2. Meet the standards — Work with a licensed contractor to upgrade your roof to FORTIFIED specifications. This includes sealed roof deck, proper nail patterns, and fortified edge metal.
3. Get certified — Once the work passes inspection, you receive an official FORTIFIED designation from IBHS.
4. Submit to your insurer — Provide your FORTIFIED certificate to your insurance company to receive the approved premium credit.

Eastern NC has a growing network of contractors experienced in FORTIFIED construction. Harbor Insurance works with homeowners in Craven, Pamlico, Jones, Carteret, Beaufort, and Onslow counties to coordinate the certification process and ensure you receive every available discount.

Certain mitigation credits (or discounts) may be available for qualifying homeowners insurance policies in North Carolina's beach and coastal territories. Utilizing the FORTIFIED program could mean eligibility for mitigation credits from your homeowners insurance company. To find out if your home could be eligible for discounts or mitigation credits, please contact your agent or insurance company.