How Your Roof's Age Impacts Your Insurance Rate — What Southwest Missouri Families Need to Know After April's Hail Storms
- John Schaeffer
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Republic, West Springfield, and beyond saw a surge in hail claims from the storm in April. Most people know someone who has had damage. The roofers, adjusters and contractors have been juggling insurance paperwork, supplies and workers. With so many families getting new roofs after the storm, a common question comes up: How does a new roof affect your homeowners insurance? More importantly, what should you watch for as insurers shift toward depreciated roof schedules and higher wind/hail deductibles?
How Insurance Rates Reflect Roof Age
Your roof isn't just shingles to your insurance carrier—it’s one of the biggest factors in determining premium and eligibility.
Newer Roof = Lower Risk: Carriers see brand-new roofs as less likely to leak, collapse, or need replacement after mild storms, so they often reward you with lower premiums.
Aging Roof = Higher Surcharges: If your roof is older or shows wear, expect higher rates—sometimes even denial of coverage or special requirements.
Most policies in Missouri ask for roof “age and shingle type.” Some carriers offer tiered discounts that fade as your roof ages.
This spring, Greene County was battered by baseball-sized hail, leading to thousands of claims on cars and homes.
What Happens When You Get a New Roof
If you’ve replaced your roof:
Documentation Is Key: You’ll need to send invoices, before-and-after photos, and details on materials to your insurance agent.
Notify Your Carrier Promptly: Don’t wait until renewal; contact your company to update your roof age for possible discounts.
Typical Premium Adjustments: Many carriers review your roof’s age (to the install date) and may lower your bill; others may change coverage terms or deductibles. If you pay your insurance annually, you may receive a refund check.
Policy Review: Ask your agent for a revised declarations page; don’t assume the roof change is reflected until you see it in writing.
Bonus Tip: New Roof = Big Savings. If you haven’t shopped your insurance in the last 3 years, getting a new roof might be the BEST time to check rates with a local independent agent.
The Changing Landscape: Depreciated Roof Schedules
A major trend across Missouri is the shift to depreciated (Actual Cash Value/ACV) roof settlements for wind and hail claims:
ACV (Actual Cash Value) Coverage: ACV pays only the depreciated value of your roof, not the full cost to replace. So, a 10-year-old roof claim amount will be much lower than what you will owe for your roof to be installed.
Replacement Cost Coverage: Replacement Cost covers the entire cost to have a new roof installed (minus your deductible). Some carriers may charge higher premiums, require roofs to be ‘new’ or charge a higher deductible.
Why the Change? High loss frequency means carriers need to manage risk, especially in hail-prone zip codes like 65807 and 65804.
Higher Wind or Hail Deductibles: What It Means For You
Another big Missouri trend—higher wind/hail deductibles on policies:
Flat vs. Percentage Deductibles: Instead of your standard $1,000 deductible, you might see “2% of dwelling amount”—meaning a $6,000 deductible on a $300,000 home.
Local Impact: Cheap online quotes often bury this feature. After a storm, families find out they’re responsible for much more out-of-pocket.
Review Your Policy: Always check your policy’s declarations page and ask your agent to clarify deductible structures and caps.
Action Steps for Local Homeowners
Keep your coverage sharp after a roof upgrade:
Send Your Roof Docs: Give your agent the invoice, photos, and warranty—don’t rely on contractor promises alone.
Ask About Deductibles and Roof Coverage: Clarify if your policy pays “replacement cost” or ACV for your new roof, and what your wind/hail deductible is.
Shop and Compare: If your carrier switches to ACV or high deductibles, ask for quotes from other companies; some still offer replacement cost coverage.
Annual Review: Treat your homeowners policy like your roof—renew, inspect, and update annually.
New roof? Great news for your home and potentially your wallet—but only if your insurance coverage matches your investment. With Missouri carriers moving toward depreciated roof schedules and higher storm deductibles, Springfield homeowners must stay alert: document the upgrade, review your policy, and talk with your agent regularly.
Got a new roof after April hail? Contact Safer with Schaeffer for a free policy check—we’ll make sure your coverage and discount are right for Springfield. No surprises, just clarity.
Catch John Schaeffer’s show "Safer With Schaeffer" at 9 am on KOLR’s Unscripted.
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