Renewing a FORTIFIED designation is often as easy as scheduling an inspection. Call a FORTIFIED Evaluator to get the process started today.
How often must FORTIFIED designations be renewed (re-designated)?
Every 5 years.
How do I know if my designation has expired?
The expiration date can be found in the bottom right-hand corner of the designation certificate. If you can’t find your certificate, IBHS can provide you with a duplicate. Simply email a request to redesignation@ibhs.org (be sure to include both your name and the property address).
Why are re-designations required?
A FORTIFIED designation declares that a home met the standards established by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) at the time it was issued. Because the condition of a home will change over time, it is important to periodically confirm the home continues to provide the rigorous protections of the FORTIFIED standard.
What is required to get re-designated?
Most homes can have their designation renewed with a simple inspection.
To renew a designation, a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator must verify the home still meets the FORTIFIED requirements. If the roof covering (shingles, metal, tile, etc.) is in good condition, and no additions or modifications have been made to the home since the last designation was issued, then the inspection is likely the only step that will be required.
Do some homes require more than just an inspection to get re-designated?
Yes. If your home has been modified in the past 5 years―perhaps you enclosed an attached porch or added a new bedroom, or maybe you recently replaced your roof―the evaluator will work with you to determine whether your home still meets the FORTIFIED standards. Typically, this will involve discussing the changes with the contractor who made them and documenting the building materials and construction techniques used. Each situation is unique, and a certified evaluator will be able to provide an assessment specific to your home.
Do insurance companies provide discounts for homes with active FORTIFIED designations?
Sometimes yes. Please contact your agent for more information.
Because FORTIFIED homes meet standards that are scientifically proven to withstand severe weather better than ordinary building codes, insurance companies sometimes provide a discount on the wind premium. To maintain the discounts, many of those companies require the designation to be renewed every 5 years. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, we encourage you to contact your agent directly.