Insurance and Age of Roof

There can be insurance issues if your roof is more than 20 years old. Here are some common challenges and considerations:

1. Higher Premiums: Older roofs are generally viewed as higher risks by insurance companies. This risk perception can lead to higher insurance premiums as the likelihood of roof-related problems increases with age.


2. Coverage Limitations: Some insurers may limit the coverage they offer for older roofs. This could mean policies that only cover the actual cash value of the roof rather than its replacement cost, resulting in lower payouts for claims.


3. Insurability Issues: In some cases, insurers may not be willing to underwrite a policy at all for a home with a very old roof unless it passes an inspection or is replaced. Insurers might require a roof inspection and could ask for repairs or replacement as a condition of providing coverage.


4. Claims Denial: There’s a higher likelihood of claims being partially or fully denied if the insurer determines that the damage to an old roof is due to wear and tear or neglected maintenance, rather than a covered peril like a storm.

It’s important to review your home insurance policy and speak with your insurance agent to understand how the age of your roof might affect your coverage and what steps you can take to ensure you’re adequately protected.