State lawmakers seek solutions to Oklahoma’s rising homeowner’s insurance costs

Summary:

– Oklahoma homeowners pay $6,100 annually, double U.S. average.

– Lawmakers examine severe weather, regulation and competition.

– Experts suggest reforms to bring costs closer to neighbors.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma lawmakers Tuesday probed why Oklahoma consumers face the highest insurance rates in the nation and what steps they can take to mitigate those soaring costs.

The bipartisan legislative interim study is expected to be the first of two interim studies, digging into why Oklahomans have seen their homeowner’s insurance premiums top $6,100 annually, more than double the national average. Lawmakers often use interim studies to help craft legislation on issues.

The high insurance costs hurt everyone, said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, who led the study. Home