Last week, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) announced a comprehensive package of 2026 legislative
policy proposals that it said are designed to provide Oklahomans with stronger consumer protections, enhanced transparency and meaningful relief from rising homeowners insurance premiums.
In a press release, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said the proposals reflect ongoing efforts to collabor
ate with lawmakers, industry stakeholders and consumer advocates. The goal, he said, is to ensure fair treatment, handle claims faster and improve access to affordable coverage.
“Oklahomans deserve an insurance market that is transparent, responsive, and accountable,” Mulready said. “This package addresses consumer frust
rations—including slow claims responses, limited disclosure from insurers and premium increases—while helping stabilize the state’s insurance market.”
Mulready stated that the purpose of the 2026 legislative package is not only to give homeowners greater peace of mind but also to support a stable a
nd competitive insurance market. Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, both expressed support for the policy proposals.
According to the press release, the OID will work closely with legislat
ors during the 2026 legislative session, which begins in February, to advance these proposals.
Key components of the legislative package are outlined below.
Faster Response and Claims Handling
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Shortened Response Deadlines for Complaints
Insurers must respond to OID consumer complaint inquiries within 14 days (reduced from 20 days).
Insurers must respond to insureds’ claims questions or information requests within 14 days (reduced from 30 days).
Faster Claim Acknowledgment & Estimates
Insurers must acknowledge the filing of a claim within 14 days (reduced from 30 days).
Once an adjuster’s estimate is generated, a detailed estimate must be provided to the policyholder within 7 days.
Quicker Claim Decisions
Claim acceptance or denial required within 30 days (reduced from 60 days).
Final claim resolution deadline reduced from 120 days to 90 days.
Allows interest at 10% on untimely payments, mirroring life and health statutes.
Strengthening Consumer Rights
Homeowner Bill of Rights
Establishes, in statute, a clear set of rights and timelines for homeowners during the claims process, along with guidance on what steps consumers should tak
e when filing a claim.
Mandatory FORTIFIED Roof Discounts
Requires insurers to offer a discount for homes built or retrofitted to IBHS FORTIFIED standards, helping homeown
ers lower premiums through proven risk-mitigation upgrades.
Protection from Aerial Imaging Misuse
Prohibits insu
rers from denying claims, refusing coverage, non-renewing policies, or reducing coverage based solely on aerial images.
Roof Age Fairness Requirements
Insurers may not non-renew, refuse to issue, or reduce coverage solely because a roof is 15 years or older.
Homeowners may obtain an independent inspection (at their own cost) to appeal roof-age determinations.
Insurers may not deny or non-renew solely due to roof age if an auth
orized inspection confirms at least 5 years of useful life remaining.
Clarified Build
ing Code Requirements
Updates statutory language to ensure insurers must provide coverage consistent with applicable building codes, whether local municipalities enforce those codes.