How does your roof affect homeowners insurance quotes?
Short answer. Your roof is one of the biggest factors in a homeowners insurance quote: its age, material, shape and condition affect the premium, the deductible options and whether the roof is paid at replacement cost or a depreciated value. Older roofs can mean higher prices, roof payment schedules or a declined policy.
What the insurer asks about your roof
- Year replaced: many carriers tighten terms as a shingle roof passes the mid teens in age.
- Material: architectural shingles, 3-tab, metal, tile or a mix.
- Shape: hip roofs generally hold up better in wind than gable roofs, and some carriers price that in.
- Impact rating: a Class 4 impact-resistant shingle may earn a discount with some insurers.
- Condition: many insurers now check aerial imagery for missing shingles, staining or patched areas.
Compare more than the premium
Two quotes with similar prices can treat your roof very differently. For each quote, ask:
- Is the roof paid at replacement cost, actual cash value, or on a roof payment schedule?
- Is there a separate wind and hail deductible, and is it a percentage?
- Is there a cosmetic damage exclusion for hail dents?
- Is there ordinance or law coverage for code-required items?
Have your roof paperwork ready
A replacement invoice with the completion date, the permit, the shingle product and the manufacturer warranty registration can move you into a better rating tier. If you are not sure of your roof's age, a roofer can often estimate it from the shingle style and condition. For more on how age changes your options, read roof age and insurance.