Why You Should Shop New Insurance After Getting a New Roof
It has always been the goal at The Resource Center to provide upfront, honest advice that actually helps you get more out of your coverage. If you recently had a new roof installed, there is one more step worth taking before you file away the paperwork: give us a call.
A new roof can make a real difference in what you pay for homeowners insurance, and many homeowners never take advantage of that.
Your Roof Age Plays a Bigger Role Than You Might Expect
Insurance carriers look at your roof as one of the highest-risk components of your home. An older roof is more likely to be damaged in a storm or result in a claim, so carriers factor that into your premium. If your roof was 15 or 20 years old before the replacement, there is a good chance your rate reflected that added risk.
Now that you have a brand-new roof, your home’s risk profile has changed. Some carriers will adjust your premium automatically at renewal. Others will not make any changes unless you let them know. And some carriers simply were not competitive on homes with older roofs, which means your current insurer may not be offering you their best rate now that things have changed.
Impact-Resistant Materials Could Unlock Additional Discounts
Not all roofs are priced the same way by insurance carriers. If your contractor installed impact-resistant shingles, you may qualify for a discount that was not available to you before. These materials are rated for their ability to hold up against hail and high winds, and many carriers reward that with lower premiums on the wind and hail portion of your policy.
If you upgraded to Class 4 shingles, metal roofing, or another qualifying material, that is worth mentioning when you contact us. Some carriers offer meaningful credits for impact resistance that can add up over time.
This Is a Good Time to See What Else Is Out There
The insurance market does not stay still. Carriers adjust their rates, change their underwriting guidelines, and sometimes exit markets altogether. The company that was the best fit for your home a few years ago may not be the most competitive option today.
As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers including Progressive, Travelers, Auto-Owners, and Safeco. That means we can shop your coverage across the market and find what makes the most sense for your home as it stands right now. You do not have to switch if your current carrier is still the right fit. The goal is just to make sure you know your options.
What to Have Ready When You Call
Before you reach out, it helps to have a few details about your roof project on hand:
- The installation date
- The contractor’s name
- The type and brand of shingles or materials used
- Any documentation showing the impact resistance rating
- Your material and workmanship warranty information
Having this ready makes the process faster and ensures your policy accurately reflects what was installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my homeowners insurance automatically go down after a new roof?
Not always. Some carriers will adjust your premium at renewal once they are aware of the replacement, but many will not unless you notify them. The safest approach is to contact your agent as soon as the roof is complete so the update can be reflected on your policy.
How much can a new roof save me on homeowners insurance?
It varies depending on your carrier, the age of your previous roof, and the materials used on the new one. In some cases, homeowners see a noticeable drop in their annual premium, especially if the old roof was approaching the end of its rated lifespan. If you also upgraded to impact-resistant materials, additional discounts may apply on top of that.
What are impact-resistant shingles and do they matter for insurance?
Impact-resistant shingles are designed to hold up against hail and severe weather. They are tested and rated on a scale, with Class 4 being the highest rating. Many carriers offer premium discounts for homes with Class 4 shingles because they are less likely to result in a wind or hail claim. If your contractor installed these, ask for documentation of the rating so you can share it with your agent.
Do I need to wait until my policy renews to update my coverage?
No. You can contact your agent at any time to update your policy information and request a re-rate. There is no reason to wait, especially if a new roof may qualify you for a lower premium right now.
Should I shop around even if I am happy with my current carrier?
It is always worth a conversation. Your current carrier may still be the best fit, and that is a perfectly good outcome. But insurance markets change, and what was competitive a few years ago may not be today. As an independent agency, we can check the market for you without any obligation to switch. If your current carrier comes out on top, we will tell you that.
What if my roof was replaced due to storm damage? Does that affect my rates?
A roof replaced after a claim should still be updated on your policy, and you may still qualify for better rates going forward based on the new roof age and materials. However, your claims history is a separate factor that carriers consider when setting your premium. If you have questions about how a recent claim might affect your options, we are happy to walk through that with you.
You Do Not Have to Wait Until Renewal
A lot of homeowners assume they need to wait until their policy renews to make any changes. You do not. You can request a re-rate at any time. If your roof was just replaced, there is no reason to keep paying a premium that reflects your old one.
Give us a call at 417-882-1800 or stop by either of our offices in Springfield or Kimberling City. We are happy to take a look at your current coverage and see what we can find for you.
