Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) Commissioner Andrew N. Mais (pictured) has provided an update on the state’s Severe Weather Mitigation & Resiliency Advisory Council, outlining ongoing efforts to improve resilience against climate-related risks.
The council, established in October 2024, is working to develop a statewide program focused on protecting homes and businesses from weather-related damage.
Mais said the council is advancing its strategy with the goal of enhancing community resilience through a focus on prevention and mitigation. He said these efforts aim to limit losses, protect residents, and contribute to a stable insurance market.
August last year saw heavy rainfall that led to significant flooding in western Connecticut, causing approximately $300 million in damage.
The council includes representatives from the insurance industry, regulatory agencies, consumer advocacy groups, environmental and climate science, construction, academia, and emergency management. Its latest progress report details the formation of three subgroups, each tasked with developing a specific component of the overall strategy.
The program design subgroup is focused on mitigation strategies, particularly those related to wind and flood risks, with attention to education and outreach. Meanwhile, the funding and financing subgroup is evaluating sources of financial support, including insurance-based incentives, public funding, and private-sector or philanthropic contributions.
Finally, the education and communications subgroup is responsible for creating engagement strategies for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities regarding risk mitigation.
The Advisory Council has consulted with national experts including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) to incorporate effective strategies from existing programs.
Ongoing discussions have addressed regulatory complexity, retrofitting challenges for older properties, and the need for cooperation from the insurance sector.
The council is expected to deliver final recommendations by mid-2025.
Elsewhere in the state, lawmakers are also reviewing two bills that could reshape long-term care insurance regulations by imposing a four-year rate freeze, increasing transparency, and introducing automatic hearings for certain rate increase requests.
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