Episode Info

Chris Merideth is a seasoned insurance industry professional, public policy strategist, and Republican candidate for Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner in 2026. With a career spanning agency operations, catastrophe response, and legislative advocacy, Chris brings a rare 360-degree view of the insurance ecosystem—having worked with agents, adjusters, consumers, and lawmakers from across the country.

Currently serving in government affairs for a major national carrier, Chris has been on the front lines of some of the most pressing issues facing the market: skyrocketing premiums, litigation abuse, disappearing availability, and the urgent need for property resilience in a high-risk state like Oklahoma.

Chris’s campaign is built on grassroots leadership, free-market reform, and a clear promise: make insurance work for people again. His bold policy agenda includes reducing reinsurance pressure, incentivizing fortified home construction, streamlining regulatory red tape, and launching transparency tools like a Prior Authorization Report Card and a Claims Complaint Scoreboard.

Known for his energy, grit, and straight talk, Chris is leading a grassroots movement of agents and consumers to restore trust and accountability in the insurance system—before it’s too late.

Follow his campaign at www.ChrisMeridethForOK.com

Episode Summary

The video features a conversation with Chris Meredith, a candidate running for the position of Commissioner of Insurance in Oklahoma. The discussion centers around the challenges and solutions related to insurance and fortified homes in the state. Here are the key points covered in the video:

1. Background and Motivation:

   • Chris emphasizes that their campaign is not about politics but about protecting people and doing the right thing.

   • He has extensive experience in the insurance industry, having worked across various states and attended national meetings.

2. Insurance Challenges:

   • There is a nationwide issue with insurance affordability, where people struggle to afford insurance, and carriers find it economically challenging to provide coverage.

   • The frequency and severity of storms, particularly hailstorms, are increasing, making it more likely for homes to be hit.

3. Fortified Homes Initiative:

   • Chris advocates for fortified homes, which are designed to withstand severe weather conditions. This includes using hail-resistant shingles and securing roof decking.

   • They highlight the success of similar programs in Alabama and stress the need for Oklahoma to adopt these best practices.

4. Legislative and Grassroots Efforts:

   • Chris discusses the importance of legislative changes and grassroots efforts to push for fortified home initiatives.

   • He emphasizes collaboration over conflict, urging local agents, roofers, and contractors to work together to influence legislative priorities.

5. Future Plans and Commitment:

   • Chris is committed to implementing these initiatives if elected, drawing on private funding and legislative support.

   • He expresses a personal connection to the cause, having witnessed the impact of insurance in disaster recovery.

Overall
Overall, the interviedw highlights Chris's vision for improving insurance practices in Oklahoma through fortified homes and collaborative efforts.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.