Roof replacements are never fun – they take time and can be expensive. As a homeowner, you might be wondering, “Can an insurance company make you replace your roof?”
The short answer is yes, they can. In this article, we’ll explain when this can happen and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Let’s dive in!
Homeowner’s insurance and cancelations
As you are well aware, your roof is one of the most crucial elements of your home. A strong, reliable roof is more than just something that completes your property’s look – it ensures your home stays safe, dry, and protected from harm. If your roof is nearing the end of its life or is in bad condition, it’s more likely to fail in severe weather.
For insurance companies, that’s not ideal. They want to protect their financial exposure, which is why they may require homeowners to do a roof replacement, especially if your roof is older than 15 or 20 years. If you refuse to do it, the insurance company may view it as evidence that you are not taking care of your property. This can then lead to your policy getting canceled.
Factors that influence homeowner’s insurance cancelations
When insurance companies assess whether to request a roof replacement or cancel your insurance, they look for these red flags:
- The age of the roof: Most insurers require roofs older than 20 years to be replaced. If it’s been a while since your last roof replacement, your insurance company can see it as a potential risk.
- Signs of wear and tear: Does your roof have a lot of moss growing on it? Are there any missing shingles or cracks? Is your roof leaking? Signs like these indicate that your roof is in bad condition.
- Claims made on your roof: Does your roof have a history of losses? Have you made many claims recently? This may also be seen as a red flag from your insurer’s perspective.
- Poor choice of materials: If your roof is made from materials such as asbestos tiles or wood shakes, it’s considered a high risk for damage. In this case, the insurer may not want to provide coverage.
How to avoid being forced to replace your roof
We can’t guarantee that your insurance company won’t require you to replace your roof. However, there are some proactive steps you can take as a homeowner to reduce the chances of that happening.
Invest time in roof maintenance
The best way to avoid getting on your insurer’s bad side? Maintaining your roof! How long your roof will last depends on how well you take care of it. The good news is that roof maintenance is not something that you have to schedule every day. It can be as simple as scheduling inspections once or twice a year and ensuring there’s no debris accumulating on it. The goal is to identify and address issues before they escalate into bigger problems.
Choose quality materials
Although the age of your roof is a factor, it’s not the only aspect insurance companies consider. You’re more likely to get continued coverage for a 20-year-old architectural shingle roof than a 10 to 15-year-old three-tab shingle roof. Therefore, if you have the option, invest in high-quality materials. Our tip is to opt for roofing materials with a high impact resistance rating. Some insurance companies may even offer incentives for doing so.
Hire professional roofing contractors for inspections
In some cases, you may be able to postpone a roof replacement by making some repairs. To determine whether that’s possible, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor. They’ll inspect your roof and advise you on the best way to move forward. After the inspection, you can schedule a meeting with your insurance agent to discuss whether doing some repairs will make them renew your policy.
Recap: Can an insurance company make you replace your roof
As weather patterns continue to get more severe, it’s becoming more common for insurance companies to demand a roof replacement. The good news is that this can be avoided – as long as you take good care of your roof and fix issues before they turn into major problems. Remember, prevention is always cheaper and easier than a full replacement.
Stay ahead of insurance requirements by keeping your roof in top shape! Schedule a roof inspection with our friendly team at Good Faith Energy today, and let our experts help you protect your home for years to come!
Fact Checked by Lita Legzdina on 11/06/2025