Bermuda's international insurers have welcomed a bill introduced in the US Congress that would give homeowners incentives to "storm-proof" their homes.

The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) was one of several insurance industry bodies to applaud Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, for introducing the proposed legislation.

Tests have proven that simple and relatively cheap measures — such as shutters and roof ties — to retrofit buildings can dramatically reduce damage incurred in a storm, thus cutting down on injuries, loss of life and insurance claims.

Insurers have long argued that financial incentives, such as state grants and tax breaks, would encourage property owners to take hazard mitigation measures.

Rep. Thompson's proposed Pre-disaster Hazard Mitigation Enhancement Programme would encourage states to adopt innovative initiatives from other states, such as the My Safe Florida Home Programme and a similar scheme in South Carolina. Both have proved successful in encouraging investment in hazard mitigation. ABIR, as well as the American Insurance Association, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and the Reinsurance Association of America, endorsed Rep. Thompson's three pieces of proposed legislation, "that will go a long way towards making America a more disaster resistant nation", the trade associations said in a joint statement.

The proposed Hazard Mitigation For All Act will provide incentives for the retrofitting of housing. And the insurance bodies also praised Rep. Thompson's First Responder Innovation & Support Act 2009.

"As a former fireman, Congressman Thompson knows that first responders understand best the unique disaster recovery needs of their community," the statement said. "The proposed grant programme would provide much needed funding for innovative programmes to help first responders address the needs of special populations such as children or the elderly."

The insurance industry statement goes on to say: "We wholeheartedly urge other members of Congress to recognise the Congressman's leadership on these issues by supporting his proposed hurricane mitigation legislation."