How Insurance Companies Handle Older Roofs (and What to Ask Yours)

The short answer

Most large insurance companies don’t publish their rules for older roofs. Many use roof age limits, inspections, actual cash value coverage, or roof payment schedules, but the details are usually inside underwriting guidelines you can’t see. The best way to know is to ask your insurer directly, in writing, using the questions below.

What major insurers have published about older roofs

Insurer	Published old-roof rules	What has been reported	Last checked
State Farm	No current direct public disclosure found	A California homeowner reported in 2025 that a State Farm letter said the roof had to be replaced “as evidenced by the granular loss and worn shingles,” or the policy could be non-renewed. After an independent inspection and roof cleaning, the policy was kept. Source: United Policyholders	October 2026
Allstate	No current direct public disclosure found	A 2012 report said Allstate began paying actual cash value on roofs older than 10 years under its House & Home program, starting in Oklahoma, with plans to expand. Current practice may differ. Source: United Policyholders	October 2026
USAA	No current direct public disclosure found	No reliable public report found	October 2026
Farmers	No current direct public disclosure found	No reliable public report found	October 2026
Citizens Property Insurance (Florida)	Yes. Requires a 4-point inspection for homes more than 20 years old, and a roof inspection for shingle roofs older than 25 years showing at least 5 years of remaining life. Source: Citizens	See our Florida rules page	October 2026
Mercury Insurance	No current direct public disclosure found	Generally does not insure homes with roofs older than 25 years, except tile and slate roofs, according to a 2026 San Francisco Chronicle review of insurer filings, reported by Insurance Business.	October 2026
Wawanesa	No current direct public disclosure found	Generally does not insure homes with roofs older than 25 years, except tile and slate roofs, according to a 2026 San Francisco Chronicle review of insurer filings, reported by Insurance Business.	October 2026
California FAIR Plan	No current direct public disclosure found	Does not give full replacement-cost coverage on homes more than 25 years old unless the roof was replaced within that time, as reported by Insurance Business. See our California rules page.	October 2026

We update this table when an insurer publishes its rules or a reliable source reports a change. Company names are used only to identify them. This site is not affiliated with any insurer.

What insurers commonly do with older roofs

Age limits: some insurers won’t write or renew shingle roofs past roughly 15 to 20 years.
Inspections and certifications: asking for proof the roof has useful life left.
Actual cash value or payment schedules: paying less for an older roof after damage. See ACV roof coverage.
Surcharges: charging more for an older roof.
Area-based decisions: some insurers non-renew because of hail or wind risk in an area, not just your roof. See Texas.

Questions to ask your insurer, in writing

What is your roof age limit for my type of roof?
Is my roof covered at replacement cost or actual cash value? Is there a roof payment schedule?
What roof year do you have on file for my home?
Would an inspection or roof certification help me keep coverage? Which inspectors do you accept?
If I repair or replace the roof, what proof do you need, and how would my premium change?
Do you offer discounts for impact-resistant or wind-resistant roofs?

Good to know

Ask by email so you have the answer in writing. If your agent answers by phone, send a short email afterward: “Just to confirm what you told me today…”

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Common questions

Why don’t insurers publish their roof rules?

Underwriting guidelines are usually treated as confidential business information, and they can change often and differ by state.

Can I see my insurer’s rules?

You can ask your agent or insurer to explain the rules that apply to your home and to put them in writing. State insurance departments may also help if a decision seems unfair.

Will you add more insurers?