Why Your Insurance Company Cares About the Age of Your Roof—And You Should Too
When was the last time you thought about how old your roof is? If you’re like most homeowners, the answer is, “When I bought the house… and not since.” But your insurance company thinks about it every year when setting your rates, and if your roof is past a certain age, it can affect everything from your premiums to whether or not you’re even covered.
At Tier-One Roofing, we get calls all the time from homeowners shocked to find out their insurance dropped roof coverage—or raised rates dramatically—simply because of age. Here’s why it matters, what your insurer is looking for, and how to stay ahead of it.
Why Roof Age Matters to Insurers
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. If it fails, damage spreads fast—to drywall, flooring, electrical systems, and even structural components. Insurers know this and set policies accordingly.
Younger Roof = Lower Risk: A newer roof has less wear and tear and is built with up-to-date materials designed to handle modern weather patterns.
Older Roof = Higher Risk: As roofs age, shingles lose granules, flashing deteriorates, and sealants break down. That means leaks are more likely—and claims are more expensive.
Many insurers have cutoff points—often 15 or 20 years—where coverage changes:
Some won’t pay for full replacement, only the depreciated value.
Some exclude hail or wind damage entirely for older roofs.
Some won’t write a policy at all if the roof is too old.
Tier-One Roofing helps homeowners document roof condition to keep coverage active and fair.
How Insurance Companies Determine Roof Age
You might think your roof’s age is between you and your contractor, but insurers check too:
Permit records show when a roof was replaced.
Home inspection reports often list roof age when policies are started.
Aerial imagery can show wear patterns over time.
If your roof was replaced but never properly documented, your insurer might think it’s older than it is. That could cost you money unnecessarily.
We provide written reports and photos for every Tier-One Roofing project so you have proof when your insurance company asks.
What Happens If Your Roof Is “Too Old”
Higher Premiums: Older roofs often trigger higher rates because they’re considered more likely to fail.
Limited Coverage: Many companies switch from replacement cost to actual cash value (ACV), meaning you get less money if you file a claim.
Denied Claims: If your insurer deems the roof uninsurable due to age, even storm damage may not be covered.
Policy Non-Renewal: In some cases, insurers won’t renew your policy until the roof is replaced.
We’ve seen homeowners blindsided by these changes—often in the middle of storm season when they need coverage most.
How to Know Your Roof’s Real Age and Condition
Even if you know when your roof was installed, its condition may tell a different story. A 10-year-old roof with poor ventilation or storm damage might act like it’s 20.
Check for these signs of aging:
Curling or cracked shingles
Bald spots where granules are missing
Frequent leaks or ceiling stains
Sagging rooflines
Moss or algae growth
If you see any of these, your insurer might view your roof as high risk—regardless of actual age.
How Tier-One Roofing Protects Homeowners
We take a proactive approach to help you avoid insurance headaches:
Free Roof Inspections: Know your roof’s condition before the insurer does.
Photo and Written Documentation: Proof of good condition can prevent unfair rate hikes.
Storm Damage Assessments: If there’s damage, we document it for proper claims.
Roof Replacement When Needed: We install high-quality systems designed to last and meet insurance standards.
We also understand how insurance adjusters work and speak their language—so you don’t get stuck paying for something your policy should cover.
The Cost of Waiting
If you wait until your roof fails, you’re looking at:
Emergency replacement costs (much higher than planned replacements)
Interior damage repairs
Potential coverage denial for “neglect”
On the other hand, planning ahead and replacing before your insurer forces the issue often qualifies you for discounts and better coverage terms.
We’ve had clients save hundreds per year just by replacing an old roof on their own schedule instead of waiting for the insurance letter to arrive.
The Bottom Line for Homeowners
Your roof isn’t just a home improvement—it’s part of your financial protection plan. Knowing its age, condition, and documentation status keeps your insurance coverage strong and your rates fair.
Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free roof age and condition report. We’ll give you the documentation you need for your insurer and let you know if it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Because a roof isn’t just about keeping rain out—it’s about protecting everything (and everyone) under it, including your financial future.