How your roof affects your home insurance

Your roof is your home’s primary protection against hail, wind, fire, and other hazards. That’s why insurance companies are concerned about the age, condition, material, and shape of your roof and change your price accordingly.

Roof factors that can impact your price

Roof type and material

Insurers often factor the type of roof and quality of material into their rebuild costs. Roofs made of slate, tile, concrete shingles, or metal offer the best protection, but also cost the most to replace. Still, roofs that perform better will generally cost less to insure because you’re less likely to have a claim.

Here’s how roof types rank for most states (from lowest to highest insurance cost):

Metal

Durable and fire resistant, metal roofs are usually the most appealing to your insurance company.

Slate/Tile

Slate is resistant to fire, rotting, and insects, and requires little maintenance. Tile may crack more easily, but it provides quality insulation and won’t rot or burn.

Asphalt shingle

The most common roof type based on affordability and relatively long life span, but will decay more easily than metal or slate roofs.

Wood

Comprised of shingles or shakes, wood roofs aren’t fire resistant. Some insurance companies may not cover a wood roof or may require you to apply a fire retardant to get coverage.

Age

It goes without saying—the newer the roof, the better your home insurance rate. Old roofs are insurance risks, and some insurers may refuse to cover an old roof.

Shape

While it may not be as important as the material, your roof’s shape could also impact your home insurance price. The most common roof shapes are gable and hip.