NAIC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with IBHS, Obtains Access to Top-Tier Building Science Research

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 31, 2023) – The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that provides state insurance regulators access to IBHS member-only content and additional opportunities to collaborate on select topics concerning disaster preparedness. 

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for NAIC Members and insurance consumers,” said NAIC President and Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance Chlora Lindley-Myers. “Having full access to exclusive research, training, and resources will help us better inform the consumer on how to be better prepared in the event of a natural disaster.” 

The NAIC has been building on its partnership with IBHS since 2018.

“State insurance regulators are leaders in expanding access to resilience through programs like Strengthen Alabama Homes, Fortify Louisiana Homes, and Strengthen Minnesota Homes,” said IBHS CEO Roy Wright.

“The NAIC’s role in educating regulators and consumers on the effects of severe weather and the built environment, along with its commitment to modern building codes, provides critical support for IBHS’s research and our FORTIFIED and Wildfire Prepared Home programs,” Wright said.   

IBHS hosted a group of NAIC Members at the IBHS Research Center in Chester County, South Carolina, on July 26. The event provided education and training regarding the impact of natural hazards driving losses for the insurance industry.

State insurance regulators reviewed the latest science for severe convective storm damages caused by hail and wind and recognized opportunities to bring this science to regulatory operations and property mitigation to reduce potential losses. The event and the continued partnership provide a mechanism to share resources for risk awareness, mitigation, and engagement with policyholders.

(Above) The IBHS Research Center includes a hail laboratory where researchers create artificial hailstones to test roof shingles. (Top) State insurance regulators, NAIC staff, and IBHS staff gather in the main chamber, which features a six-story-tall wind tunnel. Photo courtesy of IBHS.

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more about IBHS at ibhs.org.

About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.

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