Yes, a new roof can lower your homeowners’ insurance, in some cases by as much as 35%. But not every roof qualifies, and not every insurer offers the same discount. Whether or not you’ll save depends on your roofing material, your insurance provider, the condition of your previous roof, and your regional risk profile.
This guide outlines how and when a new roof can lead to reduced insurance premiums, what types of materials qualify for discounts, and the specific steps homeowners must take to secure those savings.
Why Your Roof Impacts Your Insurance Premium
Insurance companies assess risk when setting premiums. Since the roof is your home’s first defense against natural hazards — including rain, hail, wind, fire, and falling debris — it plays a major role in how insurers calculate potential losses.
Older, worn, or flammable roofs are considered high-risk, which may result in higher premiums or even policy exclusions. Replacing your roof reduces this risk, and depending on your insurer’s underwriting guidelines, may result in a lower premium.
For reference:
- The Insurance Information Institute (III) confirms that home features like roof age, material, and condition directly influence premiums
- State Farm and USAA, among others, offer discounts for qualifying roof upgrades, particularly Class 4 impact-resistant materials
How Much Can You Save with a New Roof?
The savings vary, but here are general ranges:
| Roof Upgrade Type | Estimated Premium Reduction |
|---|---|
| Replacing 20+ year-old asphalt shingles | 5%–10% |
| Installing Class 4 impact-resistant shingles | 10%–20% |
| Switching to a Class A-rated fire-resistant roof | 15%–30% |
| Combining roof upgrade with mitigation features | Up to 35% |
Keep in mind, these are averages. Each insurer uses its own internal risk model. Some may require proof of materials or installation certifications, and others may not offer any discount at all.
Which Roof Materials Offer the Biggest Savings?
Insurers evaluate roofing materials based on their resistance to fire, wind, and impact. These factors help determine eligibility for a roofing-related insurance discount.
| Roofing Material | Insurance Discount Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Roofing | High | Non-combustible and impact-resistant |
| Clay/Concrete Tile | Moderate to High | Durable and fire-resistant |
| Class 4 Asphalt Shingles | Moderate to High | Must be UL 2218 Class 4 rated |
| Wood Shake | Low or penalized | High fire risk; often excluded |
| Slate | High (expensive) | Fire-resistant and long-lasting |
More on roofing impact ratings: UL 2218 Impact Resistance Testing Explained
Do You Need to Tell Your Insurance Company?
Yes. Discounts are not applied automatically. You must notify your provider that you’ve replaced your roof and submit documentation.
Be ready to provide:
- Date of installation
- Contractor license and contact info
- Permit details (if required locally)
- Roofing material specs (manufacturer data sheets)
- Proof of impact or fire resistance certifications
Some providers will require photos or an inspection before adjusting your rate. If you don’t report the change, your insurer may continue charging premiums based on the risk of your previous roof.
When a New Roof May Not Lower Insurance
While most roof replacements reduce your risk profile, in rare cases, you may not see savings, such as:
- If the new roof increases your home’s rebuild value, raising your dwelling coverage cost
- If your insurer does not offer roof-related discounts
- If you install a material with lower resilience or fire resistance than the previous one
For example, switching from a non-compliant tile roof to wood shake in a wildfire zone could actually raise your rate or lead to non-renewal.
Regional Risk and Roofing Requirements
Wildfire Risk Areas (e.g., California)
Homeowners in wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones — such as San Jose, Santa Rosa, or areas bordering national forests — must follow stricter roofing regulations.
- California Building Code Chapter 7A requires Class A fire-rated roofing for new construction and significant remodels in WUI zones: Cal Fire WUI Building Standards
- Many insurers in these regions will deny or non-renew policies for homes with wood shake roofs or older, non-rated roofing systems.
Hail and Wind Zones (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma, Florida)
Impact-resistant roofing, especially UL 2218 Class 4 shingles, is recommended. Some states, like Texas, have legislated incentives, and insurers often provide premium credits.
More details: Texas Department of Insurance – Roof Discounts
How to Maximize Savings: Steps to Take
- Contact your insurer before starting the project to ask which materials qualify for discounts.
- Use a licensed roofing contractor with experience in installing roofs that comply with insurance requirements.
- Select a roofing system with a Class A fire rating or a UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 impact rating.
- Document everything, including permits, material certifications, and photos.
- Notify your insurer immediately after project completion and submit all documentation.
- Ask about additional credits, such as multi-policy discounts, storm shutters, or roof-deck attachments.
Final Answer: Does a New Roof Lower Homeowners Insurance?
Yes, installing a new roof can lower your homeowners’ insurance, sometimes significantly. The extent of the savings depends on the material, insurer guidelines, and regional risk. While not all insurers offer roof-based discounts, many do, particularly when you choose fire- or impact-resistant systems.
The key is to plan: verify your insurer’s requirements, select qualifying materials, use a licensed contractor, and provide full documentation once the project is complete.
FAQs
It will depend on the age and wear of the roof. Generally, a roof over 20 years old will need to be replaced. Some signs of wear that call for roof replacement include damage to your shingles or flashings, shingle fragments in your gutters, a sagging roof deck, water damage, and seeing light through the roof. If you have increased energy bills, a worn-out roof might be the culprit.
There are other roof issues where a repair can be done instead of a replacement. These include cracked or curled shingles, leaks in the attic and other signs of leaking, such as blistering interior paint and water stains on the ceiling. It’s important to tend to these issues soon because they may become major issues that make roof replacement necessary.
As part of our process, we will conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to establish the work that needs to be done, whether that be repairs or a new installation.
Here at Top Home Roofers, we install a wide variety of roof materials, with the most common being metal, tile, and asphalt roofs. In terms of installations, we do roof repairs, reroofing, and new installations.
We can work with you to figure out whether to keep the same roofing material or switch to a different one, depending on your needs. No matter what you opt for, our goal is to give you a roof that is durable, affordable, fits the aesthetic of your house, and complies with local building requirements.
That being said, metal, tile, and asphalt roofs have different properties for you to consider. Metal roofs are durable, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient due to their light-reflecting properties. Tile roofs are resistant to water, fire, wind, insects, and rot. Asphalt roofs offer versatility, with shingles coming in a range of colors, styles, and textures.
Yes. If there is wear or damage to shingles on your roof, but the rest of the roof system is intact, re-roofing is an option you can try. This is adding a new roof on top of the existing one. To pursue this option, we must make sure the existing roof is still structurally sound and that the re-roofing complies with San Jose’s regulations.
Some do. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider for coverage specifics.
After our initial phone consultation, we visit your house to get a better idea of your roof’s condition. We then make our recommendations and give you a quote. Finally, it’s time to get down to business! We work around your schedule to get your roof installed or fixed.