Will My Insurance Go Up If I Get A New Roof? Understanding Homeowners Insurance And Roof Replacements

Homeowners often wonder, “Will my insurance go up if I get a new roof?” when planning a roof replacement. A new roof can boost property value, provide better protection, and even impact homeowners insurance premiums. This article breaks down how getting a new roof could affect your insurance rates, what factors insurers consider, and steps you can take to maximize potential savings.

How Insurance Companies View Roof Replacements

Insurance providers closely evaluate roof age, condition, and material when determining homeowners insurance premiums. A new roof often signals lower risk—since it is less likely to leak or succumb to storm damage. Typically, insurers view roof replacements as favorable improvements, however, there are important exceptions that can impact your policy and costs.

Why Roof Condition Is Critical To Homeowners Insurance

The roof is one of the main defenses against the elements. Insurers assess your roof’s condition to estimate the risk of future claims from leaks, wind, hail, or other damage. An older or damaged roof increases the likelihood of filing a claim, which usually results in higher premiums or outright denial of coverage until repairs are made.

Potential Premium Changes After Getting A New Roof

In most cases, replacing an old, damaged, or outdated roof will lower your homeowners insurance premiums, provided the new roof uses approved and high-quality materials. However, some factors might result in no change or even a slight increase in premiums, depending on insurer guidelines and the choices you make.

How New Roofs Can Decrease Insurance Rates

  • Reduced Risk Of Damage: New roofing materials are less likely to fail, leading to fewer claims.
  • Enhanced Materials: Weather-resistant shingles and impact-resistant roofing may qualify for discounts.
  • Updated Building Codes: Meeting or exceeding local codes often makes the roof more resilient against storms and fire.
  • Insurer Incentives: Some insurance companies offer formal discounts for new or certified roofs.

When A New Roof Might Increase Premiums

  • More Expensive Materials: If the new roof uses luxury or specialty materials, replacement costs increase, potentially raising premiums.
  • Expanded Coverage: After a new roof, some homeowners may opt to increase coverage limits to reflect higher replacement value.
  • Insurer Re-Assessment: Installing a new roof may prompt a wider home inspection that identifies unrelated risks, slightly raising premiums overall.
  • Premium Calculation Changes: Some insurers update premium formulas, and any change in rebuilding value may affect rates.

Insurance Discounts For New Roof Installations

Many major insurers offer policy discounts to homeowners who install new roofs, especially those proven to be storm or impact resistant. These discounts typically range from 5% to 35% depending on the age, material, and type of new roof.

Roof Material Type Potential Insurance Discount Notable Benefits For Insurers
Asphalt Shingles (Standard) 5–10% Widely accepted; moderate lifespan
Metal Roofing 5–15% Fire resistance, longevity
Impact-Resistant Shingles (Class 4) 15–35% Hail resistance reduces damage claims
Tile/Slate Varies* Highly durable, but costly to replace

*Tile or slate may qualify for discounts but lead to higher premiums due to higher rebuild costs.

Don’t Overpay for Roofing Services – Call 877-801-4315 Now to Compare Local Quotes!

How Insurance Companies Calculate Premium Adjustments

Homeowners insurance premiums are calculated based on risk, replacement value, and claims history. When assessing your new roof, insurers factor in:

  • Roof age and expected lifespan
  • Type and quality of materials used
  • Compliance with current building codes
  • Location risk factors (e.g., hail or hurricane zones)
  • Contractor certifications or warranties attached to the roof

Notifying your insurer about a new roof is essential. Provide receipts, photos, and warranty information to document the upgrade and secure potential discounts.

Regional Considerations: Weather, Risks, And Local Codes

Your geographic location plays a major role in how a new roof impacts your insurance premium. In areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, or wildfires, insurance companies favor upgrades that dramatically improve resilience to local hazards.

For example, in states like Florida or Texas, insurers may require wind-mitigation features. In Colorado or Oklahoma, hail-resistant materials often earn higher discounts.

Location-Specific Influences On Premiums

  • Hurricane-Prone Zones: Roofs with hurricane straps and sealed decks reduce wind damage claims.
  • Hail Storm Regions: Class 4 impact-resistant roofs can qualify for the largest discounts.
  • Fire-Prone States: Metal or clay tile roofs earn credits for fire resistance.

Roof Material Matters: Comparing Options And Their Insurance Impact

The insurance implications of your new roof depend heavily on its material. Insurers categorize certain roofs as higher or lower risk, affecting both the likelihood of qualifying for discounts and the potential for premium increases.

Material Insurance Discount Potential Replacement Cost Factor Common Insurance Stance
Asphalt Shingle Low – Moderate Lowest Standard, widely covered
Architectural/Dimensional Shingle Moderate Moderate Good storm resistance
Metal High High Premium discounts common
Clay/Concrete Tile Variable High Discounts and higher premiums possible
Slate Variable Very High Premiums may increase due to cost to replace
Wood Shake Often Not Discounted High Seen as high fire risk; may increase premium

Insurance Claim History: How It Ties In

Homeowners with a history of roof-related claims often see the biggest benefit after a new roof installation. By reducing the perceived risk, insurers may lower rates or offer discounts as a form of risk reward. However, too many recent claims may prompt insurers to scrutinize upgrades before passing on savings.

Don’t Overpay for Roofing Services – Call 877-801-4315 Now to Compare Local Quotes!

How To Notify Your Insurance Company About A New Roof

To maximize the chance of securing lower premiums or a discount, promptly notify your insurance provider right after your roof replacement. Here are recommended steps:

  1. Gather Documentation: Retain all receipts, contractor information, permits, photos of before-and-after, and details of materials used.
  2. Contact Your Agent: Call or email your insurance agent with documentation. Ask about available discounts for specific roofing improvements.
  3. Schedule An Inspection: Some insurers may request an inspection or formal proof of work.
  4. Follow Up: Confirm that the changes are reflected in your policy documents and billing statements.

Pro tip: Many insurers require immediate notification—within 30–90 days—to apply discounts retroactively or adjust premiums timely.

Questions To Ask Your Insurer About A New Roof

When it comes to linking your roof upgrade with insurance, ask the following questions to get precise details for your situation:

  • Does my policy offer discounts for new or impact-resistant roofs?
  • Which roofing materials qualify for maximum premium reductions?
  • Is there a required inspection or certification for discounts?
  • Will the insured value of my home increase, and how will that affect my overall premium?
  • Are there any regional requirements (like wind mitigation) that my new roof must meet?
  • Will my claims history affect how much my premium changes after a new roof?

Special Cases: Luxury Roofs, Historical Homes, And Policy Exclusions

If you install a specialty or high-end roof—like slate, green roofing, or solar panels—insurance implications may become more complex. Premiums can rise due to increased replacement costs, so it’s important to have an in-depth discussion with your insurer and possibly adjust coverage to avoid gaps.

For historic homes, insurers may require traditional or approved materials, and discounts may not be available. Coverage exclusions for certain materials—like wood shake in wildfire zones—are increasingly common.

What To Do If Your Premium Increases After Replacing Your Roof

If your premium rises after installing a new roof—contrary to expectations—request an explanation from your insurer. Factors could include:

  • Use of more expensive or custom materials
  • An increase in home replacement value
  • Discovery of other risks during the roof replacement process
  • Changes to the local insurance market or premium calculation methods

You may be able to shop for a more favorable policy with another insurer, provided your roof meets industry standards and offers upgraded protection.

Other Home Improvements That Impact Insurance Premiums

Roof replacements are just one of several upgrades that can influence your insurance rates. Other improvements that may qualify for discounts include:

  • Upgrading electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
  • Adding storm shutters or impact-resistant windows
  • Installing burglar or fire alarm systems
  • Retrofitting for earthquake or flood resistance

Bundling upgrades and providing all proof to your insurer can optimize total premium savings.

Common Myths About Homeowners Insurance And New Roofs

Myth 1: Homeowners Insurance Always Goes Up After A Major Renovation

Fact: Many renovations, especially those that reduce risk—like a new roof—can lower premiums.

Myth 2: All New Roofs Qualify For Maximum Discounts

Fact: Only qualified, approved roofs—often with particular types of materials or certifications—earn significant reductions.

Myth 3: Insurance Companies Don’t Care About The Age Or Condition Of The Roof

Fact: The roof is one of the most heavily weighted factors in premium calculations and risk assessments.

Steps To Ensure Your New Roof Helps Lower Your Insurance Costs

  • Choose high-quality, impact- or wind-resistant materials recognized by your insurer.
  • Work with certified, reputable roofing contractors who follow all local building codes and provide warranties.
  • Document everything: itemized invoices, photos, permits, and certification paperwork.
  • Notify your insurer as soon as work is complete; request an inspection if applicable.
  • Reassess your overall home coverage to align with current replacement costs and new risk factors.

Shop Around: Comparing Insurance Companies After A Roof Upgrade

Not all insurance providers use the same criteria for discounts or policy pricing after a roof replacement. If your current carrier doesn’t offer significant savings, get quotes from competing insurers. Use your new roof project as a negotiation tool for better rates or improved coverage limits. Many American homeowners report larger savings by switching providers after home upgrades.

What To Watch Out For: Potential Pitfalls When Replacing Your Roof

There are situations where a roof replacement may not lead to the desired insurance outcome. These include:

  • Failing to select qualified materials (e.g., non-impact-rated shingles in hail country)
  • Using uninsured or unlicensed contractors, risking denial of claims
  • Neglecting to notify your insurer or provide insufficient documentation
  • Not updating your policy to reflect any changes—leading to coverage gaps or underinsurance

FAQs: Will My Insurance Go Up If I Get A New Roof?

  1. Does A New Roof Always Lower My Premium?

    No. While most often a new roof reduces risk and lowers your premium, increases may occur if replacement costs go up, luxury materials are chosen, or your insured value rises significantly.

  2. What Types Of Roofs Qualify For The Biggest Insurance Discounts?

    Impact-resistant, hurricane-rated, and certain types of metal roofs often qualify for the largest discounts—especially in high-risk areas.

  3. When Should I Notify My Homeowners Insurance Carrier?

    Immediately after the roof is replaced, to maximize discounts and ensure coverage validity.

  4. Can I Change Insurers After A Roof Upgrade?

    Yes. In fact, getting new quotes after a costly roof improvement is a best practice for optimizing savings and coverage.

  5. Is Maintenance Required To Keep My Policy Discount?

    Yes. Insurers may call for periodic inspections or proof of ongoing roof maintenance, particularly for premium discounts.

Summary Table: Key Factors Impacting Insurance With New Roofs

Factor How It Affects Premiums
Material Quality Higher-quality, impact-resistant materials lower premiums; specialty materials may increase them
Age Of Roof Newer roofs typically result in the biggest discounts
Compliance With Local Codes Up-to-date, code-compliant roofs often qualify for additional credits
Location Risk Discounts larger in high-risk zones (hail, wind, fire) if proper mitigation steps taken
Documentation Receipts, permits, and photos are essential for discounts
Claims History Fewer claims often amplifies premium reductions post-upgrade

Key Takeaway

Replacing your roof is one of the smartest ways to reduce home insurance risk and often lower premiums—especially when you select the right materials and communicate with your insurer. By understanding how different factors influence your rates, you can make informed decisions to maximize both savings and protection.

How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes

  • Prioritize Workmanship
    A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road.
  • Compare Multiple Estimates
    Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States.
  • Use Negotiation Tactics
    After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.

Leave a Comment