Hurricane Season Preparation

🔧🧼 10 Helpful Home Tips from ATP SoftWash

In Florida, many homeowners insurance companies are becoming significantly stricter about roof age and condition when it comes to renewing or continuing coverage. This shift is driven largely by the state’s history of hurricane damage, a surge in claims (especially for roof repairs and replacements), and insurance fraud. Here's a breakdown of what most insurers are doing: 🔍 1. Refusing to Renew Policies for Older Roofs Typical cutoff: Many companies will not renew policies if the roof is 15 years old or older, even if it's still functional. Why? They assume the risk of storm damage or failure increases with age, especially for shingle roofs. 🧾 2. Requiring Roof Inspections or Proof of Condition Some insurers now require a certified roof inspection report showing that the roof has at least 3-5 years of useful life left. You may also be asked for: Roof permit records Photos showing condition A roofer’s certification of life expectancy 3. Dropping Coverage After Routine Inspections Insurers may send inspectors or use aerial imagery (via drones or satellite) to review roof condition. If they see visible damage, moss, missing shingles, or patchwork, they may: Send a non-renewal notice, or Require repairs or full replacement before renewing. 📉 4. Limiting or Denying Roof Claims Some newer policies in Florida include: Actual Cash Value (ACV) instead of Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for older roofs (especially over 10 years). Roof-only deductibles, which can be higher than your standard hurricane deductible. Exclusions for cosmetic damage or “wear and tear.” 🏛 5. Encouraging Preventive Maintenance or Roof Certification To keep coverage, homeowners are sometimes offered incentives for: Getting a new roof Getting a licensed roofer’s certification Performing professional cleanings or repairs 🚫 6. Flat-Out Refusing to Write New Policies In many cases, if your roof is too old, especially if it's made of 3-tab shingles, insurers won’t even quote you for new coverage. Some large carriers like State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers have pulled back from issuing new policies altogether in parts of Florida. ✅ What You Can Do Have your roof professionally cleaned and inspected. Keep documentation (receipts, inspection reports, permits). Consider switching to: Architectural shingles, metal, or tile roofing, which are seen as more durable. A state-run insurer like Citizens Property Insurance Corporation if private carriers deny you.

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