TDI Wants Insurers to Discount Stronger, FORTIFIED Roofs

The short answer

On September 16, 2026, the Texas Department of Insurance issued Commissioner's Bulletin B-0008-26 encouraging residential property insurers to develop actuarially supported premium discounts for homeowners who invest in loss mitigation—explicitly including building or retrofitting to IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ standards, using impact-resistant roofing, and protecting against wildfire. A same-day TDI news release framed the bulletin as one response to a Governor Abbott directive on insurance affordability. This is encouragement and filing guidance, not a promise that every East Texas policy already carries a FORTIFIED credit—or that a stronger roof is free.

What the bulletin actually says

Addressed to property and casualty companies writing residential property insurance in Texas, B-0008-26 states that effective loss mitigation reduces claim frequency and severity, and that homeowners who invest should share in the financial benefit. Actions TDI lists for companies include:

• Explicitly incorporating each loss-mitigation item into rating plans and premium calculations.
• Informing policyholders of credits available for windstorm, wildfire, and other mitigation.
• Minimizing redundant surveys or inspection paperwork when certificates or official designations already exist.
• Filing new or expanded discounts through SERFF.

TDI notes that under Insurance Code Chapter 2251, companies may group risks by classification, and that rating plans distinguishing resilient structures align with risk-based rating. The bulletin's closing line: rates must be based on risk, and when a homeowner spends money to prevent tomorrow's claim, insurers should recognize that investment with meaningful premium savings.

How this differs from last week's roof-age clarification

TDI's September 29 roof-age message (covered in our age-vs-condition post) is about access to coverage: companies should not deny or nonrenew solely because a roof is older; they may still underwrite on physical condition. Bulletin B-0008-26 is about pricing recognition when you upgrade resilience. One is a fairness rule on age; the other is a push for discounts when you harden the home. East Texas owners often need both conversations—especially after hail or wind seasons.

Questions to ask your insurer (and your roofer)

1. Does my current policy already file a credit for impact-resistant shingles or a FORTIFIED designation?
2. What documentation do you need (IBHS certificate, product approval numbers, photos, contractor affidavit)?
3. If I am replacing the roof after a storm, can the scope be written to a mitigation standard without promising a specific premium savings I have not confirmed in writing?
4. Will any discount apply at renewal only, or mid-term after proof is filed?
5. Separately: is my roof's condition (not just age) documented? Condition still drives underwriting decisions.

TDI's consumer Help Line remains 800-252-3439 for insurance questions (tdi.texas.gov).

What a roofer’s inspection is for

Through East Texas Roof Quotes you can request a free quote from a local roofer—for storm damage, leaks, missing shingles or aging wear. East Texas Roof Quotes doesn’t handle insurance claims. An inspection documents condition with photos. It does not guarantee a carrier will approve a claim, grant a FORTIFIED credit, or lower your premium. Use the report to talk factually with your insurer and to compare repair vs. full-replacement scopes. Related reading: tree-on-roof coverage basics and matching-shingles / policy language.

What we are not claiming

• The bulletin does not force every insurer to offer a named FORTIFIED discount tomorrow.
• TDI also said it is recommending legislative changes so companies must consider wind, hail, and wildfire mitigation in rates—the next session begins in January; that is not current law.
• We do not invent savings percentages, contractor results, or claim outcomes.

Bottom line

Texas regulators are telling insurers that stronger roofs should show up in the premium, not only in the claim file. Ask your carrier what credits are already on the books—and get the roof's condition documented before the next East Texas storm.

Want a local roofer to look at the roof? Request a free roof quote. Your request is sent to one participating local roofer who pays for the referral. The quote is free to you, with no obligation.