Do impact-resistant shingles lower your home insurance in Texas?
Often, yes. Many Texas insurance carriers offer a premium discount for a roof with Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. The amount varies by carrier, so ask your insurance agent before choosing a shingle, and keep the product information and invoice from your installation.
What Class 4 means
Impact resistance is rated using the UL 2218 test. A steel ball is dropped onto the shingle from a set height, twice in the same spot, and the shingle passes if it does not crack. Class 4 is the highest rating and uses a two-inch ball dropped from twenty feet.
Insurance carriers generally look for the Class 4 rating when offering a discount.
How the discount works
Many Texas carriers discount the wind and hail portion of the premium for a Class 4 roof. The amount varies, so your insurance agent is the best source for what your policy offers.
Carriers usually need proof of the product and the installation date, so keep your paperwork and confirm the discount has been applied.
What impact-resistant shingles do not do
Class 4 shingles are not hail-proof. Very large hail can still damage them.
They also do not change a cosmetic damage exclusion in your policy, if you have one. Ridge caps are part of the roof too, so ask whether impact-rated ridge caps are available for the shingle you choose.
Questions to ask
Ask your insurance agent what discount your carrier offers for Class 4 shingles and what paperwork is needed.
Ask your roofer which product will be installed, what its impact rating is and whether you will receive the documentation your carrier requires.
Related questions
How much do class 4 shingles cost extra?
They usually cost more than standard architectural shingles. The difference depends on the product, and a free estimate will give you the exact price.
Do class 4 shingles look different?
Not really. They come in many of the same styles and colors as standard architectural shingles.
Will my carrier still pay if a class 4 roof is damaged?
Yes, subject to the terms of your policy.
