What do insurance companies think of metal roofs?
Short answer. Insurers generally like metal roofs for wind and fire resistance and long life, and some give a premium credit for them. The catch is hail: many policies or endorsements exclude cosmetic damage such as dents in metal roofing, so a dented roof that still sheds water may not be paid.
What insurers like
- Wind performance. Properly fastened standing seam and screw-down panels resist uplift well when installed to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Fire. Metal does not burn, which matters for embers and nearby fires.
- Lifespan. Metal often lasts 40 years or more, so age-based roof restrictions arrive much later.
What makes them cautious
- Cosmetic dents. Hail can dent metal without causing leaks. Many carriers attach a cosmetic damage exclusion that pays only when damage affects function: holes, split seams, broken fasteners or water entry.
- Repair cost and matching. Replacing panels on an older metal roof is expensive, and matching faded paint is hard.
- Fastener wear. Exposed fastener roofs depend on rubber washers that age. Leaks from worn washers are maintenance, not a claim.
Premiums
Whether metal lowers your rate depends on the carrier. Some credit any metal roof, some credit only panels with an impact rating, and some rate metal like any other roof once age is factored in. Get a quote both ways before you choose a material.
Questions to ask your agent first
- Will hail dents on a metal roof be covered, or is there a cosmetic exclusion?
- Is there a discount, and does it require a specific impact or wind rating?
- Does the roof settlement change to actual cash value at a certain age? See roof age and insurance.
For the materials side of the decision, see metal roofing in Georgia.