Roof age
Asphalt roofs: age is only one part of the story.
Learn how service life, condition and insurance guidelines fit together.
Read the guideRoof exclusions & homeowners insurance
An older roof.
A clearer path forward.
A roof-related non-renewal can leave you wondering what comes next. Understand your coverage options, know what to ask, and explore help for a home that is getting harder to insure.
Roof age, condition and policy terms all matter. A request does not bind coverage, and options depend on the property, state and insurer.
Start with your situation
What is happening with your roof?
You do not need to know every insurance term to take a useful next step.
01 / GETTING INSURED
“My insurer says the roof is too old.”
Age and current condition are different questions. Learn what records, inspections and roof details may help explain your situation.
Roof age and insurance
02 / UNDERSTANDING TERMS
“I was offered a roof exclusion.”
An exclusion, actual cash value and a roof payment schedule work differently. Read the written terms before comparing your options.
What a roof exclusion means
03 / FACING DAMAGE
“How could this affect a claim?”
The cause of damage and the wording of the policy matter. Learn what to document and which questions to ask about roof and interior damage.
Claims and roof limitationsKnow the difference
Limited roof coverage can mean different things.
“Roof exclusion insurance” is a phrase people use when an older or difficult roof makes insurance harder to find. It does not describe a single, standardized policy.
Ask for the actual endorsement and compare what it says about the roof, the cause of loss and any resulting damage.
Read the complete roof exclusion guide| Term you may hear | What to check |
|---|---|
| Roof exclusion | Which roof components and causes of loss are excluded, and how resulting damage is treated. |
| Actual cash value | How depreciation and your deductible affect payment for a covered loss. |
| Roof payment schedule | The percentage or amount payable based on the schedule in the policy. |
| Wind or hail limitation | Whether the restriction affects the roof alone, other property or both. |
The policy and endorsements control. A short label is not enough to determine whether a particular loss is covered.
The roof & insurance guide
Useful answers before you decide.
Explore how roof materials, condition and maintenance connect with homeowners insurance.
Roof condition
The signs that deserve a closer look.
Understand visible wear, documentation and questions raised by an inspection.
Read the guideStart here
Your guide to roofs and homeowners insurance.
Explore materials, shape, ventilation and common insurance questions.
Read the guideYour next steps
A little preparation can make the conversation easier.
STEP 01
Identify the issue.
Keep the non-renewal or inspection notice. Note your deadline and whether the concern is roof age, condition, missing documentation or a policy restriction.
STEP 02
Gather what you have.
Roof invoices, inspection photos, repair records and current policy documents can help. If a detail is unknown, say so rather than guessing.
STEP 03
Compare the actual terms.
Ask about exclusions, deductibles, repair requirements and lender acceptance. Keep existing coverage in place until any replacement is confirmed.
When choices feel limited
Considering a FAIR Plan?
A FAIR Plan or another state residual-market program may be an important option when ordinary coverage is unavailable. Depending on your property and state, there may also be specialty private-market options to explore.
Compare the actual protection, roof terms, deductibles, companion-policy needs and total cost. Neither a FAIR Plan nor a private policy is automatically the right fit for every home.
Compare limitations and alternativesCommon questions
A few things worth knowing.
Can a home with an older roof still qualify for insurance?
It may. Insurers use different criteria, and the roof's condition, material, location and other property details can affect the options. An offer may include different roof coverage terms or a requirement to complete repairs.
Does a roof exclusion mean the rest of the home is fully covered?
Do not assume that it does. The endorsement may affect damage involving the roof or resulting water damage. Review the complete policy and ask the insurance professional to explain the specific wording.
Will my mortgage lender accept a roof exclusion?
Acceptance depends on the lender's requirements and the actual policy. Obtain the lender's review before relying on a policy with a roof exclusion or another significant limitation.
Can I request help if I do not know the roof's exact age?
Yes. Provide the information you have and identify what is uncertain. Installation invoices, permits or inspection records may help establish the roof's age and condition.
Your roof may be complicated.
Your next step can be simple.
Tell us what is making homeowners insurance difficult. Start with the facts you know.