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Share The importance of modern building codes for resilience and safety August 18, 2025 Severe weather isn’t slowing down—and neither are the costs. Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. endured 115 billion‑dollar weather and climate disasters1, totaling nearly $747 billion in damages.2 Yet, 65% of U.S. communities still don’t have modern building codes, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable.3 See the latest survey results and key data you can use to advocate for stronger, more resilient communities: Download Nationwide’s 2025 Building Codes Insights PDF Why modern building codes matter now The numbers above are telling and the increased frequency of extreme weather events poses significant challenges for property owners across the U.S. Additionally, population growth and development in high-risk areas, such as coastal regions and wildfire-prone zones, are driving up the likelihood of property losses. The potential for catastrophic events isn’t limited to hurricanes and wildfires, though: Tornadoes, high winds, winter storms, hail, earthquakes and flooding are risks throughout the country and our Nationwide research shows it’s a top concern for commercial property owners. Commercial property stakeholders express deep concern about severe weather:4 73% nationally 94% in wildfire-risk states 88% in hurricane-risk states More than 1/3 of commercial property stakeholders have recently experienced damage from a natural disaster: 32% nationally 54% in wildfire-risk states 63% in hurricane-risk state Modern codes aren’t just regulations—they’re one of the most effective tools to protect property and save lives. Communities with stronger codes recover faster, and the results speak for themselves: in Alabama, homes built with roofs suffered little to no.5 Championing resilient communities Nationwide is a proud founding member of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), leading efforts to strengthen construction practices across the country. We support federal initiatives such as FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and innovative offerings like our Better Roof Replacement® endorsement, helping families rebuild stronger after disaster. How agents can use these insights As an insurance agent, you’re on the front lines of risk education. This updated report provides credible data and proof points you can reference when talking with community leaders, stakeholders, and clients about the importance of adopting modern building codes. Sharing these facts reinforces your role as a trusted resource and advocate for resilience. Citations/Disclaimers 1 “The Fifth National Climate Assessment,” ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/ (accessed June 11, 2025). 2 “2021 U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in historical context,” climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2021-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters-historical (January 2022). 3 “Protecting Communities and Saving Money: The Case for Adopting Building Codes,” FEMA, fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_building-codes-save_brochure.pdf (November 2020). 4 “Nationwide Agency Forward Commercial Lines Protection Survey,” https://news.nationwide.com/download/ea5b4633-5946-416e-923d-1b865caa5b0a/2025clprotectionreport-newsroom.pdf (October 2025). 5 Smart Home America: Examples of Success,” smarthomeamerica.org/policy/examples-of-successes Share
Industry trends Nationwide survey: Building resilience against severe weather January 29, 2024 Findings reveal insights on the imperative role of building codes in safeguarding properties against severe weather.
Industry trends Video: Mark Berven and NAMIC on the value of collaborative risk mitigation February 14, 2024 Insights on the role of building codes and Nationwide’s collaboration with NAMIC in predicting and preventing losses.
Industry trends Nailing it down at IBHS: How FORTIFIED roofs and aging shingles impact building resilience April 28, 2025 Mark Berven visits IBHS to dive into FORTIFIED roofing standards and aging shingles with Shawn Macomber and Anne Cope.
