Insurance discount? Maybe!

Did You Know a New Roof Could Help Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premium?

Metro Detroit Homeowners: Don't Replace Your Roof and Forget to Tell Your Insurance Company

Replacing your roof is a major investment in your home. A new roofing system can improve the condition of your home, provide better protection from Michigan weather and potentially affect how your homeowners insurance company evaluates your property.

But here's something many homeowners don't realize: after installing a new roof, you should contact your insurance company or agent and let them know about the improvement.

Depending on your insurance company and policy, a newer roof or certain roofing characteristics may make you eligible for a premium discount or other underwriting consideration. There is no guarantee that your premium will decrease, because every insurance company has its own rating and underwriting rules. Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) specifically notes that insurers may consider factors such as the home's age and physical condition when determining premiums.

So if you've recently installed a new roof, don't assume your insurance company already knows about it.

Why Should You Notify Your Insurance Company?

Insurance companies need accurate information about the property they insure.

If your old roof has been replaced, your insurance company may need updated information regarding the home's condition and roofing system.

It's worth contacting your insurance agent and asking:

"I recently replaced my roof. Does my new roof qualify me for any premium discount or updated rating?"

Your agent can tell you whether your particular policy and roofing system qualify.

Even if there isn't a discount available, keeping your insurance records up to date is a smart part of maintaining your homeowners policy.

What Should You Give Your Insurance Company After a New Roof Installation?

When you complete a roof replacement, don't just tell your insurance company that "the roof is new."

Provide documentation.

Here are some items you should keep and provide to your insurance company or agent when requested:

1. Your Roofing Invoice

Keep a copy of the final invoice showing that the roof replacement was completed.

The invoice should identify the contractor, the work performed and the date of completion.

2. Roof Completion Certificate

A roof completion certificate can provide your insurance company with documentation showing that the roofing project was completed.

At Covered Construction Inc., we can provide appropriate project documentation for completed roofing projects.

3. Shingle Manufacturer and Product Information

Keep documentation identifying the manufacturer and specific roofing product installed.

This can help your insurance company document the characteristics of your new roofing system.

4. Roofing Material Information

Your insurance company may ask what type of roofing material was installed.

Keep records showing the roofing system and materials used on your home.

5. Before-and-After Photos

Photos can be valuable documentation.

Consider keeping photographs of:

• The roof before replacement

• The roof during installation

• The completed roof

• Flashing

• Roof penetrations

• Ventilation

• Other relevant roofing components

Keep these records with your home improvement documents.

6. Building Permit or Final Inspection Documentation

If a permit was required for your roofing project, keep copies of the permit and any applicable final inspection documentation.

Your contractor should be able to help you understand what documentation applies to your project.

7. Contractor Information

Keep the roofing company's:

• Company name

• Phone number

• Address

• License information, where applicable

• Certificate of insurance, if provided

• Warranty information

This information can be useful if your insurance company needs to verify details about the project.

Ask About Your Insurance Company's Roof Discount

Don't assume that every insurance company offers the same discounts.

Michigan DIFS explains that insurance companies establish their own rating and underwriting rules, and the discounts available can vary from one company to another.

That's why it's important to ask your own insurance agent.

Some questions to consider:

Does my new roof qualify for a discount?

Does the age of my roof affect my premium?

Does the roofing material or construction affect my premium?

Do you need documentation from my roofing contractor?

Do you need photos, an invoice, permit information or a completion certificate?

When will the updated information take effect?

Your insurance agent is the person who can tell you what applies to your specific policy.

A New Roof Can Be About More Than Curb Appeal

A new roof isn't simply an improvement that makes your home look better.

Your roof is one of your home's primary defenses against Michigan's rain, wind, snow and ice.

A properly installed roofing system can help protect the structure and everything inside your home.

And when you invest in a new roof, you should make sure you also document that investment.

Your insurance company can't properly account for improvements it doesn't know about.

Covered Construction Inc. Can Help

At Covered Construction Inc., we understand that replacing your roof is a significant investment.

That's why we focus on more than simply installing shingles.

Our team can inspect your existing roof, explain what we find and provide documentation related to your completed roofing project.

We also use in-house installation crews—not subcontractors—and remain involved throughout the project.

Our goal is to provide homeowners with a quality roofing installation and the documentation they need to maintain their home improvement records.

Already Have a New Roof?

If you recently replaced your roof, take a few minutes to contact your insurance agent.

Ask whether your new roofing system could qualify for a premium adjustment or discount and find out what documentation they need.

It may not lower your premium—but it's worth asking.

And if you're considering a new roof, start with a professional inspection.

Schedule Your FREE Roof Inspection Today

Covered Construction Inc.

📞 248-883-7663📧 sales@coveredconstructioncompany.com

Serving Metro Detroit, Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County and surrounding areas

Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Windows • Exterior Maintenance

FREE Inspections & Estimates

In-House Crews — No Subcontractors

Call Covered Construction Inc. today to schedule your FREE roof inspection and find out what your home needs before Michigan weather takes its toll.