How do home insurers find out your roof's age?
Short answer. Insurers learn your roof's age from your application, building permit records, prior claims, property data services, aerial and satellite imagery, and in-person inspections. If your roof is newer than their records show, send the insurer the invoice, permit or completion photos so you get the right rate and coverage.
Where the roof year comes from
- Your application: you are asked the roof's age or year when you buy the policy. Answer accurately, since a misstatement can create problems at claim time.
- Permit records: many Georgia cities and counties post roofing permits online, and data vendors collect them.
- Home sale records: inspection reports and listing details often mention roof age.
- Claims history: a paid roof replacement claim marks a new roof date.
- Aerial imagery: insurers review overhead images for staining, patches, missing shingles and debris, and may order an inspection based on what they see.
- Inspectors: exterior inspections at purchase or renewal, sometimes without notice to you.
Why an accurate year matters
Roof age can change your premium, which deductibles you can choose, and whether the roof is paid at replacement cost or actual cash value. An old roof year in their file can also trigger a non-renewal notice you did not deserve.
How to correct it
- Gather the contract, final invoice, permit number if any, and dated completion photos.
- Include the manufacturer warranty registration if you have it.
- Send them to your agent and ask for written confirmation of the updated roof year.
If you only replaced part of the roof, say so clearly. See roof age and insurance and Robust Roofing's guide to insurer inspection letters.