Will insurance cover a 25 year old roof?

Asked by: Dr. Jaleel Greenfelder II  |  Last update: March 9, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (11 votes)

Roof requirements for homeowners insurance A newer roof may mean a lower rate. A roof that's 20 years old or more may be ineligible for coverage or only be covered for its actual cash value. Condition: Insurance companies are looking for roofs that are in good condition with no visible signs of wear or tear.

What makes a roof uninsurable?

Signs of wear and tear, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, sagging, or rot, can make a roof uninsurable. Leaks and Water Damage: A roof that frequently leaks or allows water penetration is highly undesirable to insurance companies.

What is the cash value of a 20 year old roof?

A 5-year-old roof might be valued at $8,500. A 10-year-old roof could be valued at $7,000. A 20-year-old roof could be valued at $4,000 After deducting your deductible, you might end up paying out of pocket for the majority of the replacement cost.

Is a 25 year old roof old?

If your asphalt roof is 20-25 years old, it's simply time for a replacement because the materials have maxed out. However, your asphalt roof doesn't need to be at the end of its lifespan to experience constant leaks. This usually means there are bigger problems that can only be fixed by getting a replacement.

Will insurance companies replace old roofs?

No, insurance will not pay for your roof because it's old. Same way they won't buy you a new car to replace your current car just because it's old. Insurance exists to protect your investment against damage/theft/other loss, but it doesn't replace your investment because it's aged.

Insurers dropping policy holders due to roof age

24 related questions found

How much does insurance pay for roof replacement?

You have a 20-year-old roof that costs $10,000 to replace. The insurance company sets the actual cash value of your roof at 20% of the cost to replace it. In this case, you'll only get $2,000 from the insurance company, after you pay your deductible, to fully replace your roof.

How old can your roof be for insurance?

A roof that's 20 years old or more may be ineligible for coverage or only be covered for its actual cash value. Condition: Insurance companies are looking for roofs that are in good condition with no visible signs of wear or tear. Material: A slate roof is considered more stable and may earn you a lower rate.

Can you file an insurance claim on an old roof?

Insurance companies won't just pay to replace a roof because it's old, but if your old roof has significant damage caused by insurable events (storms, fires etc.) then it's likely that they'll pay for roof repairs or a roof replacement.

How long does a 25 year roof really last?

Typically, a 30 – year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. 25 – year roofs lasting 9-12 years on average.

Can you sell a house with a 20-year old roof?

Yes, you can sell your house with a 20-year-old roof. However, you need to disclose the roof's condition to potential buyers, which might affect the sale price and buyer interest.

Why do insurance companies ask how old your roof is?

Generally, the older your roof, the higher the amount depreciated…or not covered under your policy. If your policy is for RCV, your insurance company will pay the replacement cost value of your roof at the time of a covered loss. This means the replacement cost value minus your deductible.

Is $30,000 too much for a roof?

Whether $30,000 is too much for a roof depends on several factors: Home Value: For a larger, more expensive home, $30,000 may be proportionate to maintaining and enhancing its value. Material Choice: Premium materials like slate or tile can justify higher costs due to their longevity and aesthetic benefits.

Do you have to pay a deductible for roof replacement?

No matter what you hear or what a roofing company says, you must pay your deductible for your insurance roof replacement once your claim is approved. Trying to avoid this leads to one of the biggest scams in the roofing industry. You'll hear some roofing companies offering to pay deductibles, but this is illegal.

Can homeowners insurance drop you for an old roof?

Yes, insurance companies often have roof exclusions in their policies, which means they may refuse coverage if your roof is old or worn-out. If your roof is approaching or exceeds its expected lifespan, insurance companies may view it as a potential risk and decide not to renew your coverage.

Is it worth claiming roof damage on insurance?

Too Many Insurance Claims

However, It's almost always worth filing a roof claim if the type of damage or the extent of the damage is extensive. The cost of replacing a roof often outweighs the cost of higher premiums.

How hard is it to get homeowners insurance after being dropped?

It's a daunting task to find new coverage, especially with California fire insurance rates on the rise. Many insurance companies are becoming more selective in the areas they choose to insure, and some are even pulling out of the market altogether.

What color roof lasts the longest?

Do Either Darker or Lighter Shingles Last Longer? Many mistakenly believe certain colors might make the roof last longer, but this is a common myth with no data behind it.

What can I spray on my roof to rejuvenate it?

Roof Rejuv is a plant based spray on solution used to treat asphalt shingles that dries clear. Applying the proprietary solution every 5 years will lengthen the lifespan of a shingle roof 10-15 years depending upon treatments. Roof Rejuv is engineered to rejuvenate and strengthen asphalt shingles.

What time of year is best to replace a roof?

Fall has Perfect Weather

Any day the temperature is above 45 degrees is perfect for roofing. Asphalt shingles need time to adhere correctly to your roof for good thermal sealing. Installing your new roof in the fall makes sure you have a few months before it gets too cold.

Can homeowners insurance force you to replace your roof?

While an insurance company cannot force you to repair or replace your roof, they can significantly influence your decision through policy terms, safety concerns, and lender requirements. Understanding your insurance policy, the claims process, and your rights as a homeowner is essential in navigating these situations.

Will my insurance go up if I file a claim for a new roof?

The truth is that filing a roof claim can indeed result in a higher insurance premium, but the extent of the increase depends on various factors. For instance, if you have filed multiple claims in the past, your insurance company may consider you a higher risk and increase your premium accordingly.

How to determine age of roof for insurance?

Is Your Roof Old? 4 Ways to Assess Your Roof's Age
  1. Ask the Previous Owners. A quick check with the previous owners may be what you need to get the roof's age. ...
  2. Find the Roofer That Installed the Roof. ...
  3. Check the Building Permit. ...
  4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection.

Is 25 years old for a roof?

If your roof is celebrating its 25th birthday, then a new one might be in store. Most asphalt shingle roofs are ready to be repaired or replaced prior to that.

How often can you claim roof damage on insurance?

It's not unusual for a homeowner to file one or two claims every 10 years or so. But someone who files a claim every year or two is going to get slammed with higher rates. They may even get dropped after a while.

What is the actual cash value of a 20 year old roof?

Once the adjuster has calculated the value of the damage and the depreciation, they can calculate the ACV. So if your roof is warrantied for 30 years, but it's 20 years old, in an ideal world we would say that it has depreciated by 66%. In that case, the ACV would be 34% of the replacement or repair cost.