Will Getting a New Roof Lower Insurance? A Complete Guide

Replacing your roof is a major home investment—not just for protection but potentially for insurance savings. This blog explores whether a new roof can reduce homeowners insurance premiums, the factors at play, and how to maximize your cost benefits. You’ll learn how insurers assess roofing, which roof features lower rates, and what steps you can take before, during, and after installation.

How Homeowners Insurance Treats Roofing
Does a New Roof Really Lower Insurance?
Factors That Impact Insurance Discounts
- Age & Condition
- Roof Materials & Underlayment
- Wind, Fire & Hail Resistance
- Contractors & Permit Compliance
How Much Can You Save? Local & National Insights
What Roof Types Meet Insurance Criteria
How to Pursue Discounts
- Timing Your Roof Replacement
- Documentation & Inspections
- Adjusting Coverage & Deductibles
Claims vs. Maintenance: What You Need to Know
Step-by-Step Checklists for Roof Projects
Common Myths Debunked
Will It Affect Your Insurance Renewal/Bill?
Special Considerations for Ashtabula, OH
Case Studies & Examples
Final Tips & Action Plan
FAQs
Summary & Take Action

1. How Homeowners Insurance Treats Roofing

Insurance providers underwrite based on risk exposure. A roof’s age, condition, material, and maintenance history directly influence perceived risk:

Older roofs are likelier to fail, leak, and prompt claims.
Damage or wear (missing shingles, improper flashing, mold) elevates risk.
Quality materials like impact-resistant shingles or metal increase resistance to weather hazards.
Certified installations show workmanship assurance, lowering insurer uncertainty.

Key takeaway: A newer roof with durable material and proper install reduces homeowner’s risk—and increases insurer willingness to offer lower rates.

2. Does a New Roof Really Lower Insurance?

The answer is often yes, but not automatically. The effect depends on these key points:

Roof Age Thresholds: Many insurers consider roofs over 15–20 years “aged.” Replacing an old roof can remove that surcharge.
Material Upgrades: Moving from 3‑tab asphalt to architectural or Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can qualify you for rate discounts of 5–20%.
Proper Documentation: Submitting permits, invoices, and inspection forms after install is essential for getting new quotes or discounts.

Summary: A new roof, especially one made of approved materials, almost always helps—provided you notify the insurer and complete the proper paperwork.

3. Factors That Impact Insurance Discounts

A. Roof Age & Condition

Tiered Risk by Age: Rough estimates for impact are:
- 0–5 years → Preferred rates
- 5–15 years → Standard
- 15–20+ years → High risk
If your roof was close to 20 years old, replacing it could instantly improve your risk tier.

B. Roofing Material & Underlayment

Materials matter to insurers:

3‑Tab fiberglass asphalt → standard premiums
Architectural asphalt → slight discount
Metal, tile, concrete, slate → larger savings (10–15%)
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles → top-tier savings in hail-prone regions

Note: Using approved underlayments like ice/water shields in valleys and overhangs may influence discounts too.

C. Weather Exposure — Wind, Fire, Hail

Insurance companies rate zip codes on weather vulnerability. If you’re in a high-wind or hail zone, installing wind/hail-resistant roofing reduces potential risk.
Some insurers require specific nail patterns, flashing standards, and attachment methods.
For fire risk, materials like metal, tile, slate, or asphalt with fire rating Class A‑C can help lower rates.

D. Contractor Credentials & Permits

Insurers favor licensed, insured contractors with warranties.
Permits reduce liability. DIY or unpermitted work may not be covered and could even raise premiums.

4. How Much Can You Save? Local & National Insights

A. Sample Premium Savings

National stats show:

Replacing an asphalt roof with architectural shingles of similar quality = 5% annual discount
Installing impact-resistant shingles = 10–20% discount in storm-prone locales
Switching to metal, tile or slate = 10–15% discount, with added home value

B. Ashtabula-Area Rates

In Northeast Ohio:

Standard $300,000 home with 1990s roof → ~$1,400/year
Same home with 2025 architectural shingles → ~$1,260/year (10% savings)
Impact-resistant roof → as low as $1,120/year
Depending on insurer, savings can surpass $600 over a 5-year policy.

Basketed savings extend when inflation, leak protection, and water damage avoidance compound.

5. Roof Types That Meet Insurance Criteria

Here are common roofing upgrades insurers prefer:

Materials	Insurance Benefit
Architectural asphalt shingles	5–10% discount
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles	up to 20% discount
Metal (steel/aluminum)	10–15% for durability/fire resistance
Tile or concrete	10–15% for fire resistance
Synthetic slate	10–15%, lightweight + durability
Class A fire-rated asphalt	Lower rates vs lower rated shingle

Underlayments that meet local code—like ice‑water barriers—also help.

6. How to Pursue Insurance Discounts

A. Timing is Crucial

Finish roof, wait 30 days (or per insurer guideline), then contact your provider.
Ask about “wind/hail resistant material discount” or “new roof discount.”
Be proactive—many savings aren’t applied automatically.

B. Compile Documentation

Submit this after install:

Permit copies
Manufacturer invoice and product type
Contractor license information
Final OR inspection documents
Comparison bids for new roof (optional)

C. Adjust Coverage Wisely

If deductible remains high, you can:

Increase deductible slightly
Apply new premium savings to lowered monthly payments—or
Keep flattest premium and use savings for other upgrades

7. Claims vs. Maintenance: Understanding the Difference

A. New Roof = Fewer Claims

A leak from a 30-year-old roof makes claims more likely. Fewer claims means better loss history—leading to lower rates.

B. Regular Maintenance Matters

Insurance discounts only apply to roofs properly maintained. Neglect (missing shingle, unsealed nail holes, clogged gutters) jeopardizes coverage.

8. Checklist: Getting the Most from Your New Roof

During Planning

Confirm material class rating
Use licensed, insured, and warranty-backed contractor
Secure permits before install

During Installation

Take photos before/after
Ensure proper underlayment, flashing, ventilation
Maintain manufacturer and installer warranties

After Installation

Collect documentation: permits, inspection forms, product specs
Submit to your insurer and request discount
Schedule post-install inspection and yearly roof check

9. Common Myths About Roofs and Insurance

Myth: Any new roof means a discount
Truth: Insurers view materials and documentation too.
Myth: DIY or multi-quote bidding lowers price
Truth: Gather permits, licensed installers, and proof of quality.
Myth: All premium materials reduce premiums
Truth: Only approved materials with certifications qualify.

10. Will It Affect Your Renewal or Bill?

New roof alone may not change premium immediately.
Premium impact often shows at renewal after inspection documentation is processed.
Some insurers let you modify policy mid-term after submitting paperwork.
Billing cycles vary; local Ashtabula insurers may require next renewal.

11. Ashtabula, OH Considerations

Class D wind risk zone = more value for Class 4 shingles or metal
Freeze-thaw cycles make ice shields essential
Lake-effect moisture → Mold-resistant shingles or proper attic venting
Local contractors trusted by insurers are valuable—know who has strong insurance relationships

12. Case Studies

A. Asphalt to Impact-Shingle Conversion

→ 2010 home with aging roof → replaced with Demotech-rated Class 4 shingles → saved 12% on annual premium (about $170 saved/year).

B. Standard Asphalt to Metal

→ 1950s ranch with a worn asphalt roof → installed interlocking metal → 12% lower premium & $2,000 annual heating/cooling savings.

C. Title Home with Tile & Ice Shield

→ Costly tile, but insurance discount and energy savings resulted in ROI within 8–10 years due to 8% premium drop and lower cooling/maintenance.

13. Final Tips & Action Plan

Inspect: Get a roofing assessment and materials recommendation
Plan: Use licensed contractors and get permitted
Install: Meet manufacturer and insurer standards
Document: Save every invoice and permit
Submit: Contact your insurer before renewal
Track: Watch your next bill—confirm discount applied
Maintain: Annual checks extend life and coverage benefits

14. FAQs

Will a roof installed yesterday qualify?

Often you must wait until inspection is complete and insurer processes paperwork—usually 30–90 days.

Do I get price breaks for combined renovations?

Possibly: bundling projects may prompt overall homeowner discounts—but roofing impact requires material-based justification.

What if an insurer refuses?

You’ll need to show policy clauses, appeal in writing with documentation, or shop providers—many insurers actively seek high-quality roofs.

15. Summary & Encourage Action

A new roof can reduce insurance costs when it:

Replaces aged or damaged roofing
Uses approved materials rated for wind, fire, or hail
Is professionally installed, permitted, and documented

In Ashtabula, opting for Class 4 shingles, ice shield underlayment, and timely inspection can lead to up to 15–20% savings plus added long-term protection.

Ready to Maximize Your Roof Investment?

At S&K Construction & Remodeling, we specialize in installing insurance-friendly roofs—helping clients reduce premiums and enhance home value. Call us for a detailed inspection and savings breakdown today!

Will Getting A New Roof Lower Insurance?