Homeowners insurance premium discount for hurricane or other storm mitigation

How it works

Maryland Insurance Article § 19-210 requires an insurer to offer at least one actuarially justified premium discount on a homeowners policy if the policyholder submits proof of improvements made to the insured premises to mitigate loss from a hurricane or other storm.

What improvements can qualify

The statute lists examples of qualifying mitigation actions, including:

• Hurricane shutters
• Secondary water barrier
• Reinforced roof coverings
• Braced gable ends
• Reinforced roof-to-wall connections
• Tie downs
• Reinforced opening protections
• Repair or replacement of exterior doors, including garage doors
• Repair or replacement of hurricane-resistant trusses, studs, and other structural components
• Repair or replacement of manufactured home piers, anchors, and tie down straps
• Any other mitigation effort that materially mitigates loss from a hurricane or other storm otherwise covered under the policy

Verification and inspection

The improvements must be inspected by a contractor licensed by the Maryland Department of Labor. The insurer is allowed to inspect the improvements and may accept an inspection certificate issued by a governmental agency as verification.

How homeowners learn about it

If an insurer offers the discount, it must provide the policyholder an annual statement about the discount’s availability and how to apply.

Timing and deadlines

The statute does not set an application deadline, a program end date, or a specific dollar amount of discount.

Important limitation

This is a mandated offer of discount, not a state grant or rebate. The actual premium reduction is determined by the insurer and must be actuarially justified.