How Roof Coverage Changes as Your Roof Ages

In Colorado, your roof can have a big impact on your homeowners insurance. Its age and material can affect your eligibility, your premium, and how much a claim pays.

Why Roof Age Matters to Insurance Companies

With frequent hail and high winds along the Front Range, roofs are one of the most common sources of home insurance claims in Colorado. As a roof ages, it becomes more vulnerable to damage, so many insurance companies look closely at roof age and condition when writing and renewing policies.

How Coverage Can Change Over Time

• Eligibility: Some insurance companies limit new policies for homes with older roofs or require an inspection.
• Premium: Newer roofs and certain materials may qualify for lower rates or discounts.
• Claim settlement: Some policies pay replacement cost for newer roofs but switch to actual cash value, or a depreciation schedule based on roof age, for older roofs. That can reduce a hail claim payment significantly. Learn more about replacement cost vs. actual cash value.
• Cosmetic damage: Some policies exclude cosmetic damage, such as dents to metal roofing that do not affect how the roof functions.

Roof Materials Common in Colorado

• Standard asphalt shingles: Common and affordable, but more vulnerable to hail as they age.
• Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles: Designed to better withstand hail. Some insurance companies offer discounts for qualifying roofs.
• Metal roofing: Durable, but check whether your policy covers cosmetic dents.
• Wood shake: May be treated differently by some insurance companies, especially in wildfire-prone areas.

Tips for Colorado Homeowners

• Know your roof’s installation year and keep the invoice or permit. Insurance companies often ask for it.
• Review how your roof is covered on your declarations page and any roof-related endorsements.
• Consider impact-resistant materials when replacing your roof, and ask whether they qualify for a discount.
• Tell your agent after a roof replacement so your policy reflects the new roof.
• Check your wind and hail deductible. See how wind and hail deductibles work in Colorado.

How McCloskey Advisor Group Can Help

Roof coverage terms differ from one insurance company to the next. We compare options from multiple companies and explain how each one would handle your roof, so there are no surprises after a storm.

This article is for general educational purposes only. Coverage, deductibles, and settlement terms vary by insurance company and policy. Always refer to your policy documents or contact us for help reviewing your specific coverage.