The Connection Between Your Roof and Your Home Insurance Rates in Oklahoma City

When Greg and Alisha bought their first home in Yukon, just outside Oklahoma City, they were excited to finally plant roots. But when they started shopping for homeowners insurance, they were shocked to see how much their roof impacted the cost of their premiums.

​Their inspector noted that the roof was 18 years old and made of basic asphalt shingles—still intact, but certainly aging. The insurance quotes they received were significantly higher than they expected. One company even declined to offer coverage until the roof was replaced.

That surprise led Greg and Alisha down a rabbit hole of learning how a roof can make or break your home insurance policy in Oklahoma. If you're a homeowner in Oklahoma City or any of its surrounding areas like Moore, Edmond, or Mustang, knowing how your roof affects your policy could save you a lot of money—and frustration.

get the best oklahoma city home insurance!

Why Insurance Companies Care So Much About Your Roof

Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. In a place like Oklahoma where severe storms, hail, and strong winds are common, roofs take a serious beating. Insurance companies know this. So when they underwrite a homeowners insurance policy, they look closely at the age, condition, and material of your roof.
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A newer roof generally means less risk for damage, fewer claims, and lower payouts for the insurance provider. An older roof? That usually means a higher risk of problems and possibly more expensive claims, which can result in higher premiums or limited coverage.

How Roof Age Impacts Your Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies use the age of your roof as a factor in determining your homeowners insurance rates. In general:

• Roofs less than 10 years old are considered low risk.
  
• Roofs between 10 and 20 years old may lead to moderate increases in premiums.
  
• Roofs over 20 years old might make your home ineligible for coverage under a standard policy.
  

Some insurance providers in Oklahoma City may even require a roof inspection or proof of a full replacement before issuing a new policy or renewing your existing one.

Material Matters: What Your Roof Is Made Of

The material used in your roof also plays a big role in how your homeowners insurance policy is priced and structured.

• Asphalt Shingles: The most common type, but also one of the more vulnerable to hail damage, which can drive premiums up.
  
• Metal Roofs: These are more durable and can often lead to lower premiums due to their resistance to fire, wind, and hail.
  
• Tile or Slate Roofs: These may hold up well against storms but are expensive to replace, which can mean higher replacement costs factored into your policy.
  
• Wood Shakes: Rarely used in Oklahoma due to their susceptibility to fire and storm damage. These often result in increased premiums or policy limitations.
  

Roof Shape and Installation Quality

Surprisingly, the shape of your roof can also affect your insurance costs. Hip roofs, which slope on all four sides, are more wind-resistant than gable roofs and are viewed more favorably by insurance companies. In regions like Oklahoma City that experience high winds, roof shape can make a noticeable difference in rates.
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Installation quality matters, too. If your roof was installed by a licensed contractor using proper methods and materials, you may qualify for better coverage options or discounts. Poor installation, on the other hand, may lead to denied claims later.

Common Roof-Related Claims in Oklahoma City

Roof damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file insurance claims in Oklahoma. Hail damage, wind-blown shingles, leaks after ice storms, and fallen branches during severe thunderstorms are all issues seen frequently in claims.
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However, not all of these are always covered. For example, damage that results from lack of maintenance or gradual wear and tear may be excluded from your insurance policy.

How Roof Upgrades Can Lower Your Premium

If you’re already planning to replace your roof, choosing storm-resistant materials like impact-resistant shingles could qualify you for discounts. Some insurance companies offer significant savings for roofs that meet certain durability standards. You might also want to install other protective features like:

• Roof clips or straps
  
• Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
  
• Secondary water resistance barriers
  

Always talk to your insurance agent before making changes to see which upgrades could make the biggest impact on your insurance premiums.

What to Do After a Roof Replacement

After replacing your roof, it’s critical to notify your insurance provider. Failing to do so could leave you with outdated policy terms that don’t reflect your home’s current risk profile.
Make sure to:

• Submit documentation, including invoices and photos
  
• Ask if you now qualify for lower premiums or additional coverages
  
• Request a new replacement cost estimate for your home
  

Updating your insurance policy after a major improvement like a roof replacement is one of the easiest ways to avoid headaches during a future claim.

Serving Oklahoma City and Its Suburbs

Whether you're in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Mustang, or anywhere nearby, Oklahoma Insurance Professionals is here to help. We understand the weather challenges unique to our region and how your roof affects your home insurance coverage and rates. Our independent insurance agents will work with you to find a policy that protects your investment without breaking your budget.
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If you’ve made improvements to your home—especially a roof replacement—or if you’re shopping for your first homeowners insurance policy, now is a great time to reach out.
Contact Oklahoma Insurance Professionals today and let us help you review your roof, your coverage, and your confidence moving forward.

get the best oklahoma city home insurance!

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members. Home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, and more. We can help you find the coverage you need. ​​​​