Kentucky mandatory FORTIFIED premium discounts / rate reductions

How it works

House Bill 256, enacted as Kentucky’s Strengthen Kentucky Homes Act, creates a statewide insurance-based incentive tied to FORTIFIED certification. The enacted bill summary says property insurance companies must provide a premium discount or rate reduction for properties certified as complying with applicable FORTIFIED Home or FORTIFIED Multifamily construction standards under certain circumstances.

The bill also authorizes the insurance commissioner to establish standard discount amounts, targets, or benchmarks. The act applies to insurance policies and contracts issued or renewed on or after March 1, 2026.

What the money covers

This is an insurance premium discount or rate reduction, not a cash grant.

Upgrade rider

The enacted bill summary also says insurers must offer an optional rider, endorsement, or supplemental policy provision to upgrade non-FORTIFIED single-family dwellings under certain circumstances.

Timing

The bill summary states the insurance provisions apply to policies and contracts issued or renewed on or after March 1, 2026.

Notes for homeowners

The statute is tied to proof of certification: the bill text says an insurer that offers the discount must provide it for covered property in Kentucky if it obtains or receives a certificate of compliance. The commissioner may also set standard discount amounts, targets, or benchmarks.