The short answer
If your insurer has raised a problem with your roof, follow these five steps in order. Read the letter, find out how old your roof really is, get an independent inspection, choose between repair, certification, or replacement, and then confirm your renewal or line up new coverage. Each step links to a plain-English guide.
Is this you?
- You got a letter, call, or email from your insurer about your roof.
- You are not sure what to do first.
- You are helping a parent and want a simple plan to follow together.
Step 1: Read the letter carefully
Find three things: the reason (roof age, roof condition, or an aerial photo), what the insurer wants, and the deadline. Circle the date. Then email your insurer or agent and ask exactly what would satisfy them.
Step 2: Find your roof’s real age
Insurers often guess roof age from records or photos, and they can be wrong. Old permits, invoices, or a roofer’s estimate can prove the real age.
- How to find out how old your roof is
- How old can a roof be for insurance?
- Roof age vs. roof condition
Step 3: Get an independent inspection
Have a licensed roofer or inspector look at the roof and give you a written report with photos. This is your evidence, whatever you decide next.
Step 4: Choose repair, certification, or replacement
A full replacement is not always needed. Depending on the report and your insurer, a repair plus a roof certification may be enough.
- Repair or replace: what your insurer will accept
- Roof certification for insurance
- My roof failed inspection: your options
- Questions to ask a roofer
- Does insurance cover roof replacement?
Step 5: Confirm your renewal or find new coverage
Send your insurer proof of the work and ask for written confirmation that your policy will renew. If it will not, shop early and make sure a new policy starts before the old one ends.
- Ask your insurer to reconsider
- Getting new insurance with an older roof
- What major insurers say about older roofs
Good to know
Keep everything in one folder: the letter, emails, reports, photos, and receipts. Your state department of insurance has a free consumer helpline if anything seems unfair.
Want a local roofer to take a look?
A local roofer can check your roof and tell you whether a repair, a roof certification, or a replacement makes sense. Free, with no obligation.
Independent consumer education. We may earn a fee or commission when you contact a partner or buy through links on this site, at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
Which step is most urgent?
Step 1. The deadline in your letter controls everything else. Once you know it, you can plan the rest.
Do I need to do all five steps?
Most people do. Some can skip ahead, for example if the insurer only wants a certification and your roof is in good shape.
Where can I get help if the insurer won’t budge?
Call your state department of insurance. Consumer groups like United Policyholders also publish free guides for people who were dropped by their insurer.
Where to go next
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