Got a new roof? Here's how it can affect your Kentucky home insurance

Asshield is an independent agency at 2240 Executive Dr Ste 103 in Lexington. We compare home insurance for homeowners across Lexington and Central Kentucky, including Georgetown, Nicholasville, Richmond, Winchester, Paris, Versailles and Frankfort.

Why roof age matters so much to home insurance

The roof is one of the main things a carrier looks at when it decides whether to write a house and how to rate it. Hail and wind are the usual causes of roof claims here. Carriers look at:

• Roof age. Many carriers ask for the year the roof was last fully replaced.
• Material. Architectural or 3-tab asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate, or a flat or low-slope section.
• Condition. Some carriers check with aerial imagery or an inspection.
• Impact rating. Some shingles and metal panels are tested for hail resistance (see below).

As a roof gets older, some carriers change their terms. They may settle roof damage on an actual-cash-value basis (paying depreciated value) instead of replacement cost, use a roof payment schedule based on age, or stop offering new policies on homes past a certain roof age. Those rules differ a lot from carrier to carrier.

What a new roof can change

A new roof doesn't guarantee a lower premium, and we won't promise one. What it can do:

• Widen your choice of carriers. Some carriers that passed on the house with an older roof may now quote it.
• Change how a future roof claim is settled. You may be eligible for replacement-cost roof coverage again, instead of actual cash value or a payment schedule.
• Affect your rate. Many carriers factor roof age and material into pricing. Whether yours goes up, down or stays about the same depends on the carrier, your home and everything else on the policy.
• Qualify for roof-related credits with some carriers. Some carriers offer credits for newer or impact-rated roofs. Not all do, and the rules vary.

The only way to find out is to update your current carrier and compare it with a fresh quote.

Impact-resistant shingles and metal roofs

Some roofing products are tested for hail. The most common standard is UL 2218, where Class 4 is the highest impact rating. FM 4473 is another test you may see.

• If your roofer installed impact-rated shingles or panels, get the product name and rating in writing. The invoice or manufacturer paperwork usually shows it.
• Some carriers may take an impact-rated roof into account. Others don't. Ask us which of the carriers we compare do.
• Metal roofs. Some policies limit or exclude cosmetic hail damage (dents that don't let water in) on metal roofs. Ask us to point out that wording on each quote.

What to send us after a roof replacement

Having this ready makes the update quick and accurate:

1. Roofer's invoice or contract showing the completion date and the address
2. Material and product name (for example, the shingle line) and any impact rating
3. Full replacement or partial repair? Carriers usually care about full replacements. Tell us if only one slope or section was done.
4. Building permit, if your city or county required and issued one
5. A few photos of the finished roof from the ground
6. Your current declarations page, so we can compare like for like

If the roof was replaced through an insurance claim, tell us. It's normal, and it helps us answer carrier questions accurately.

If you're re-shopping after a new roof

Your current carrier may not update your rating until renewal, or until you tell them. Two easy steps:

1. Tell your current carrier about the new roof and send them the paperwork.
2. Ask us to compare. We'll quote the same coverage with carriers such as Liberty Mutual and Grange, along with Progressive, Travelers, National General (by Allstate) and Openly, depending on which can write your home.

If you decide to switch, we'll line up the start date so there's no gap and send your mortgage servicer what they need. See shopping or switching home insurance in Kentucky.

Roof claims: a few things to know

• Wind/hail deductibles. Many policies have a separate wind/hail deductible, sometimes a percentage of the dwelling limit. On a typical home that can be much more than the regular deductible. We'll translate the percentage into dollars.
• Storm-chasing contractors. After big hail events, door-to-door roofers show up. Check licensing and references, and read anything before you sign. An assignment-of-benefits form gives a contractor rights to your claim.
• Report damage promptly and take photos. Most policies require prompt notice, and some limit how long you have to file.
• Our storm help page walks through the first steps after damage.

Questions we hear about new roofs and home insurance

Does a new roof lower home insurance?

It can affect it, but there's no guarantee. Many carriers price in roof age and material, and some offer roof-related credits. Others mostly use a new roof to decide whether to write the home and how to settle roof claims. Comparing your current carrier's updated price with fresh quotes is the only way to know.

How old can a roof be to get homeowners insurance in Kentucky?

There's no single cutoff. Each carrier sets its own rules. Some limit new policies or change roof settlement terms once a roof reaches a certain age, often depending on the material. We can tell you which carriers we work with will quote your roof as it is.

Do I need to tell my insurance company I got a new roof?

It's a good idea. Updating the roof year and material keeps your policy accurate and may affect your rating or roof settlement terms.

Are impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles worth it for insurance?

They're tested to resist hail, which matters in Central Kentucky. Whether a carrier gives any credit for them varies. Ask us before you choose a roofing product, and we can tell you how the carriers we compare treat it.

Will my home insurance go up after a roof claim?

A claim can affect your renewal pricing or eligibility with some carriers, depending on the claim and your history. We can talk it through before or after you file.

Does a metal roof change my coverage?

Sometimes. Some carriers rate metal roofs differently, and some policies limit cosmetic hail damage to metal. We'll point out that wording on each quote.

New roof? Let's take a fresh look at your coverage

Send us the roofer's invoice and your current declarations page, and we'll compare.
Asshield Insurance · 2240 Executive Dr Ste 103, Lexington, KY 40505 · (859) 368-0162
Get a home re-quote · Kentucky home insurance · Lexington home insurance · Storm help

Coverage, credits, eligibility and pricing depend on the carrier, the property and underwriting. This page is general information, not a policy or a quote.