What Are Endorsements?
A homeowners insurance endorsement, sometimes called a rider, is an addition to the standard insurance policy that changes the coverage, terms or conditions. Endorsements can add or reduce coverage, alter policy limits, or address needs that may not be fully covered by the base policy. They allow you to customize your protection and your premium.
FORTIFIED Roof Endorsements Add Coverage
A FORTIFIED Roof endorsement is an optional amendment to a homeowners insurance policy that provides additional funds to help cover the cost of upgrading to a FORTIFIED Roof when a roof must be replaced due to a covered loss. Because a FORTIFIED roof typically costs more than a standard replacement, the endorsement helps bridge that gap, making it easier for homeowners to rebuild stronger after a storm. The endorsement only applies when covered damage is severe enough to require a full roof replacement; it does not apply to partial roof repairs.
Coverage details, costs, documentation requirements, and availability vary by insurance carrier, policy, and state.
Make the Claims and Designation Process Smoother
To help make both the claims process and the FORTIFIED evaluation smoother, IBHS offers a fact sheet homeowners can share with their insurance adjuster. This resource provides guidance for estimating a roof replacement that includes a FORTIFIED Roof upgrade, helping to ensure it includes the key features that will strengthen it against future storms.
Adding a FORTIFIED Roof Endorsement Can be as Easy as a Phone Call
If your roof is new and not in need of replacing, then upgrading to FORTIFIED Roof can be a significant investment. Purchasing an endorsement won’t immediately give you the next level protection of a FORTIFIED Roof, but it can reduce the likelihood that you’d have to deal with storm damage a second time.
The specific coverage, limit and premium charged for a FORTIFIED endorsement is determined by the individual insurer and varies by company and state. Contact your agent for specific details.
Stay In The Know
Do you want to keep up with the latest resiliency research? Would you like timely tips and reminders to keep your home safe from Mother Nature? Are you interested in the science behind the FORTIFIED standard? Then sign up for the FORTIFIED Update, today!