Is there a homeowners insurance discount for a metal roof?
Short answer. Some insurers give a discount for metal roofs, especially panels rated Class 4 for impact under UL 2218, but there is no universal metal roof discount and the size varies widely. Ask your agent before you buy, and get the impact rating in writing from the manufacturer so you can prove it.
What actually earns credit
- Impact rating. UL 2218 Class 4 is the top rating for impact resistance and is what most impact discounts are built on. Not every metal panel carries it; thinner or exposed fastener panels may not be tested.
- Roof age. Any new roof, metal or shingle, can improve your rating through roof age credits.
- Wind and fire performance. Some insurers factor in wind uplift ratings and Class A fire ratings.
Why some homeowners see no discount
- The insurer does not offer one for metal specifically
- The panel is not impact rated, or the paperwork was never sent
- The insurer pairs metal roofs with a cosmetic damage exclusion and prices that in instead; see cosmetic damage exclusions
Questions to ask your agent before buying
- Do you offer a discount for a metal roof, and does it require a Class 4 rating?
- Roughly how much would my premium change?
- Would a cosmetic damage exclusion be added to my roof?
- What documentation do you need?
Proof to keep
- The invoice listing the exact panel name, gauge, and finish
- The manufacturer's product sheet or certificate showing the impact rating
- Permit or final inspection records, if your city required them
- Photos of the completed roof
Discounts can change at renewal, so treat them as a bonus rather than the reason to choose a roof. For how roof age affects pricing, see roof age and insurance.