How does a new roof affect homeowners insurance, and is there a discount?
Short answer. A new roof resets the roof age your insurer uses, which can lower your premium, restore replacement cost settlement on the roof, and remove age based endorsements. Many insurers give credit for a new roof, and some add a discount for impact rated shingles, but you usually have to report the replacement to get it.
A new roof changes more than the premium. It can change how a future roof claim is paid, which is often worth more than the discount itself.
What a new roof can reset
- Roof age rating. Many insurers rate by roof age bands, so going from 18 years to zero can make a noticeable difference.
- Settlement terms. If an older roof put you on actual cash value roof terms or a roof payment schedule, a new roof may qualify you to return to replacement cost. Ask, because it rarely happens automatically.
- Eligibility. A new roof can make you attractive to insurers that would not write an older roof, which helps when shopping.
Discounts to ask about
- A new roof or roof age credit
- An impact resistance discount for shingles rated Class 4 under UL 2218
- Credits some insurers offer for enhanced wind resistance or a fortified roof design
What to send
Your agent will usually want the final invoice with the install date and exact product name, a permit or final inspection where your city requires one, and photos of the finished roof. For an impact discount, include the manufacturer's documentation of the rating.
Questions for your agent
- Will my roof be settled at replacement cost now?
- Can the roof endorsement be removed?
- Is there an impact resistance credit, and what proof do you need?
For background, see roof age and insurance and ACV versus RCV.