Is Your Insurance Company Requiring You to Replace Your Roof?

Understanding Home Insurance and Roof Replacement Policies

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

Your home is one of your most valuable assets, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Part of that is making sure the roof is in good shape. Replacing a roof can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but it can pay off in the long run by increasing your home’s value and energy efficiency. However, there are cases where home insurance companies can require your roof to be replaced in a certain time frame, regardless of the expected lifespan of your roof. Failure to comply with these policies could lead to non-renewal of your home insurance policy, or even cancellation of the policy for non-compliance or homeowner negligence. In this article, we outline the most common solutions to ensuring a roof replacement is compliant and worthwhile.

What do home insurance companies look for in a roof replacement?

When it comes to roof replacements, home insurance companies are primarily concerned with two things: compliance and safety. In terms of compliance, home insurance policies typically have specific requirements for when a roof must be replaced. These requirements are usually based on the age of the roof or the type of roofing material. For example, most home insurance policies require a roof to be replaced every 20-25 years, regardless of the type of material. This can play a huge role in the decision making process when trying to find the right type of roof for your home insurance policy.

Safety is also a major concern for home insurance companies. A safe and compliant roof replacement will ensure that your home is protected from weather damage, leaks, and other potential hazards. When inspecting a home, insurance adjusters will look for a litany of tell-tale signs that your roof could be in need of a replacement sooner than later, which could affect the timeframe of your policy. Cracked or loose roofing material and water marks on interior walls are a good sign that your roof could be in need of repair or replacement. This will play a vital role in the insurance process, as many insurance companies will not renew or grant an insurance policy for a damaged roof, or even a roof that is approximately 20 years or older. There have even been instances where a homeowner will lose their insurance or be served with a notice of non-renewal based on the condition or age of the roof. The older the roof, the more likely it is to have a claim filed for damage. Ensuring that your roof is properly maintained and replaced in a timely manner can often keep your policy from changing or becoming more expensive due to claims for repair. 

Tips for Ensuring Your Roof Replacement is Compliant with Home Insurance Policies

There are a few things you can do to make sure your roof replacement is compliant with many home insurance policies.

1. First, be sure to keep all receipts and documentation associated with the replacement. This will help to prove that the work was done in a timely and professional manner. This will ensure you have a record of when the roof was replaced, the materials and time that was utilized for the project, and you will have an itemized report of the cost incurred when the project was completed.
   
   
2. Second, be sure to use a licensed and insured contractor for the job. This will ensure that the work is up to code and meets all safety requirements. We have all heard the horror stories of contractors completing a job, only for the homeowners to find that corners were cut and are left in jeopardy of lacking compliance with their policy, or even code based violations. Ensuring you hire and observe a professional roofing contractor will give you peace of mind when dealing with the insurance companies.
   
   
3. Finally, be sure to have the job inspected by your home insurance company once it’s complete. This will give them the opportunity to verify that the work was done properly and that your home is now safe and compliant. Failure to do so can lead to surprises down the road, as damage caused to the home can go overlooked by the contractor, and inevitably be noticed by the inspector, leading to an increase in premiums or even being labeled as non-compliant. 

The Benefits of a Compliant Roof Replacement

There are many benefits to having a roof replacement that is compliant with home insurance policies.

1. First, it will help to protect your home and belongings from weather damage. Compliant roofing will give you the confidence in your home that you are safe, and will limit the necessity for further repairs in the short term.
   
   
2. Second, it will help to keep your home insurance policy active and in good standing. The last thing any homeowner wants is to be lacking the proper insurance on their home, leaving them at risk to cover all damages, not only to the roof, but for the structure in its entirety.
   
   
3. Third, it will increase the value of your home. Having a new, compliant roof, will not only improve the curb appeal of your home, but also lets potential buyers know that they will have one less project on their hands if they were to purchase your home. 
   
   
4. And finally, it will make your home more energy efficient, which can save you money on your utility bills. So, if you’re considering a roof replacement, be sure to keep these things in mind to ensure a smooth and compliant process.

Long story short, it’s extremely important to be aware of home insurance requirements for roof replacements. Most policies have specific requirements for when a roof must be replaced, and failure to comply can lead to non-renewal of your policy. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your roof replacement is compliant. Following these tips will help to protect your home and belongings, and keep your home insurance policy in good standing.

If you are in need of a roofing consultation, look no further! Our team at New Hampshire Roofing is well equipped to inspect any style of roof, and can provide insights into your roof’s condition. We can then repair, or replace, any roof no matter the size or material if needed!

Sources