Does a Metal Roof Lower Your Insurance in Florida?
Homeowners in Florida know better than most that the Sunshine State’s weather can be unpredictable and often severe, and homeowner’s insurance prices have skyrocketing because of it in the last several years. Now more than ever, protecting your home from hurricanes, wind damage, heavy rains, intense sun, and other weather damage is crucial to getting lower insurance costs.
Many homeowners ask us if a metal roofing system has any insurance benefits, or can lower their homeowners insurance premium in Florida. In this article, we will discuss the different factors that affect insurance rates for homeowners in Florida, and whether a metal roof replacement can help you lower those costs.
The Benefits of Metal Roofing in Florida
Aside from potentially lowering your insurance premiums, there are several other benefits of choosing a metal roof for your home in Florida:
- Longer lifespan: Metal roofing systems have unmatched durability and can last up to 50 years or more, meaning you may not need to worry about a roof replacement as frequently as you would with other materials.
- Longer warranties: Unlike asphalt shingles and most other roofing materials, metal roofing options come with longer warranties, providing added peace of mind for homeowners.
- Energy efficiency: Metal roofs reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, helping to reduce the amount of heat entering your home and lower cooling costs.
- Fire resistant: A metal roof provides better protection against fires than traditional shingles, giving homeowners added protection and potentially lowering insurance costs.
- Environmentally friendly: Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials and can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan, making them a sustainable choice for homeowners.
How Different Roofing Materials Can Lower Insurance Premiums
In general, homeowners insurance premiums are calculated based on the risk factors associated with your home. This includes the location of your home, its age and condition, and the materials used in its construction. The type of roofing material you have also affects your insurance rates.
Metal Roof vs Shingle Roof
For example, a home with a traditional asphalt shingle roof may be more prone to damage from severe weather events like hurricanes or heavy rain, leading to a higher insurance premium. A premium metal roof, on the other hand, has a much higher initial cost and replacement cost but is known for its durability and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, which makes your new roof less risky for an insurance provider. As a result, homeowners with metal roofs may see cheaper insurance premiums compared to those with traditional roofing materials.
Clay Tiles vs Metal Roofs
In Florida, many homes have clay tile roofs due to their aesthetic appeal and durability. While these may also be more expensive than shingle roofs, they are known for their longevity and ability to withstand strong winds. However, metal roofing systems come with longer warranties and can offer an even greater level of protection against severe weather events. This factor may influence insurance providers to offer lower premiums for homes with metal roofs compared to those with clay tiles.
Concrete Roofing vs Metal Roofing
Concrete roofing is another popular choice for Florida homeowners, known for its durability and resistance to strong winds. However, like clay tiles, concrete roofs can be expensive to install and replace. Metal roofs offer a longer lifespan and better protection against severe weather events, making them a more attractive option for insurance providers and leading to lower premiums.
Roof Shape: Hip Roofs vs Gable Roofs
Another factor to consider is the shape of your roof. In Florida, hip roofs are more common and are considered to be less risky than gable roofs due to their aerodynamic design that provide better wind resistance. This can translate to lower insurance premiums for homeowners with hip roofs in Florida.
Other Factors That Affect Insurance Rates in Florida
Aside from the type of roofing material, there are other factors that can save money on your Florida home insurance premiums:
- The age and condition of your home: Older homes may have outdated or deteriorating systems such as plumbing or electrical, which can increase the risk of damage and lead to higher insurance premiums.
- Location: Homes located in high-risk areas for severe weather events or natural disasters may see higher insurance rates.
- Home security measures: Installing security systems, impact-resistant windows and doors, and other protective features can lower your insurance costs.
- History of insurance claims: A history of multiple insurance claims can increase your risk factor and result in higher premiums for your Florida property.
Will My Insurance Company Pay For a Metal Roof?
In many cases, insurance companies in Florida may cover some or most the cost of a new roof if it is deemed necessary due to previous roof damage. However, your insurance coverage can vary significantly depending on your specific policy and may not apply to all types of roofing materials.
For example, some policies may only cover the actual cash value of older roofs instead of the replacement cost of a new roof, It’s important to review your insurance policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent or provider before making any decisions about replacing your roof.
Florida Law Requirements For Insurance Claims
In July 2021, a new law went into effect in Florida to help prevent homeowners from filing fraudulent claims. The new law states that if a homeowner files an insurance claim and the roof’s age is found to be less than 10 years old, the insurance company will only have to pay for repairs or replacement of that specific area instead of the full roof. This means that if you currently have a metal roof that was installed within the last 10 years, your insurance company may only cover a portion of the cost for any necessary repairs or replacements.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection
The first step to having a metal roof replacement and potentially lower your insurance rates is to schedule a free roof inspection with a trusted and reputable roofing contractor in Brevard County, Florida. A licensed contractor here at Williams Roofing Inc can assess your roof’s condition and provide you with options for upgrading to a premium metal roofing system.
By investing in a high-quality metal roof, not only will you potentially save money on insurance premiums but also enjoy numerous other benefits that come with this modern and durable roofing material. Don’t wait – contact Williams Roofing today to learn more about how a metal roof can benefit your home in Florida!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a metal roof lower your insurance?
In Florida, insurance companies are required by law to offer homeowners insurance discounts for certain measures that can help protect against severe weather events. This includes installing impact-resistant roofing materials or wind mitigation devices such as storm shutters. While metal roofs are not specifically mentioned in the law, they can qualify for these discounts if they can withstand high winds and meet other roof requirements set by your homeowners insurance policy.
How long will insurance cover a metal roof?
The length of time your insurance will cover a metal roof depends on your specific policy and the terms outlined in it. Some policies may cover the full cost of a new metal roof if it is necessary due to previous damage, while others may only provide coverage for a certain percentage or amount. It’s important to review your policy and discuss any questions or concerns with your insurance provider.
Will my homeowners insurance increase after replacing my roof?
Replacing your old roof with a more durable material like metal can potentially lower your insurance premiums, but this varies based on factors such as location, home age and condition, and past claims history. It’s best to consult with your insurance provider before making any decisions about replacing your roof to fully understand the potential impact on your insurance rates.
What is wind mitigation and how can it lower my insurance premiums?
Wind mitigation refers to measures taken to protect a home against damage from high winds, such as those often experienced in Florida during hurricane season. This can include installing impact-resistant windows, reinforced garage doors, and securing the roof with stronger materials like metal. By mitigating the risk of damage, homes may qualify for insurance discounts or lower premiums. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer these discounts and what specific requirements must be met in order to qualify.
Will insurance pay for hail damage to a metal roof?
In most cases, insurance companies will cover damages to your metal roof caused by hail. However, your policy coverage may vary depending on your specific policy and the extent of the damage. It’s important to review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent or provider for more information about what is covered and how long the coverage will last. Additionally, some insurance policies may have exclusions for cosmetic damage to metal roofs, so it’s important to understand the details of your coverage.
Is there a discount for a metal roof?
Florida law requires your insurance company to offer discounts for certain protective measures in homes that can help reduce risks from severe weather events. Metal roofs may qualify for these discounts if they meet the requirements set by your insurance policy. Additionally, installing a metal roof can potentially increase the value of your home and make it a more attractive investment for insurers, which could result in lower premiums.