Is a homeowners insurance roof schedule worth the lower premium?
Short answer. A roof schedule, or roof surface payment schedule, lowers your premium by paying only a set percentage of the roof's replacement cost based on its age and material. The savings are real but usually modest, while the gap on a claim can be thousands of dollars on an older roof. It can make sense on a newer roof or when replacement cost is not available anyway.
How the trade works
The endorsement contains a table that pays a lower percentage each year the roof ages, with different columns for different materials. The percentages vary by insurer, so read the actual table on your endorsement. Your deductible is then subtracted from that reduced amount.
Run your own numbers
- Get the premium with and without the schedule from your agent.
- Find your roof's percentage in the table for this year and the next few years.
- Multiply that percentage by a realistic replacement cost; for many North Georgia homes, roughly $8,000 to $16,000.
- Compare the shortfall on one hail claim with the premium you save over the years you expect to keep the policy.
When it can make sense
- The roof is fairly new and the schedule still pays a high percentage for several years.
- You have savings to cover the gap and want lower fixed costs.
- No carrier will offer replacement cost on your roof anyway.
When it usually does not
- The roof is in its second decade and hail is common where you live.
- Your budget could not absorb a large out of pocket share after a storm.
Learn more about payment schedule endorsements and how they compare to ACV and RCV. If you already have one, note when each percentage step drops so a replacement can be planned before the biggest cuts.