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Non-Renewal Notice for Your Roof? Take These Three Steps

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Non-Renewal Notice for Your Roof Take These Three Steps

Did your insurance company just tell you they won't renew your home insurance because of your roof? You might feel shocked and stressed. You may even wonder if it's a scam.

Most of the time, these notices are real. If this happened to you, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this same problem, often without any warning and with little time to fix it.

At Equity Roofing, we help homeowners in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan deal with insurance issues. We've made hundreds of detailed roof inspection reports. We also help homeowners appeal these decisions and find ways to save money. Often, we help them avoid getting a new roof when they don't really need one.

In this article, you'll learn a simple three-step plan to keep your insurance coverage. This might mean getting an inspection, asking for more time, or replacing your roof before the deadline.

Clickable Table of Contents

Why Did I Get a Non-Renewal Notice for My Roof?

Your insurance company likely flagged your roof due to its age, visible condition, or material type. Insurance companies have specific timelines when they start requiring action:

  • 3-tab shingles: 10-15 years 
  • Architectural shingles: 15-20 years 

At these ages, insurers want either a full replacement or an inspection showing at least five years of remaining life. Even a visibly rusted metal roof could trigger cancellation, even if it's still functional. 

The inspection process changed significantly after COVID. Previously, insurance agents would conduct visual inspections themselves. Now, most companies rely on third-party inspectors who may visit your property without advance notice as part of the renewal process.

What Happens If I Ignore the Non-Renewal Notice?

If you ignore the notice, your insurance company will cancel your policy. Then you'll have very little time to find new insurance.

If you have a mortgage, here's what happens when your policy gets canceled:

  • Your mortgage company finds out
  • They might sign you up for their own insurance, which can cost four times more than what you pay now

If you don't have a mortgage, the problem is even worse. No one will make you get insurance, but without it, your home has no protection at all. 

If you receive this notice because of your roof, don't let worry stop you from taking action. You can resolve this issue with three simple steps. We'll show you how below.

What To Do if Your Insurance Sends You a Non-Renewal Letter Due to Your Roof

If you receive a non-renewal notice, your first step should be to contact your insurance agency to confirm their specific requirements. The sooner you begin, the more time you’ll have to resolve the issue and avoid losing your insurance. 

Step 1: Understand What Your Insurance Company Is Actually Asking For

Don't assume that a non-renewal notice means you have to get a new roof. Insurance companies may have different requirements depending on your situation.

Before taking action, contact your insurer to confirm:

  • Do you require a full replacement or just proof of life expectancy? 
  • Can I submit a professional inspection report? 
  • Can I get a deadline extension if I have work scheduled?

Insurance companies often just want documentation that the roof is still in good condition. Sometimes, when damage is obvious from satellite images or visual inspection, they do require a new roof to continue coverage. 

Understanding exactly what your insurance company needs can save you time and money in addressing their concerns.

Step 2: Get an Insurance-Grade Roof Inspection if Eligible 

Be sure to confirm with your roofer that this is a formal report and not just an estimate. An insurance-grade inspection includes detailed documentation that regular estimates don't provide.

A professional insurance inspection includes:

  • Detailed photos of all roof components 
  • Notes on materials and their condition 
  • A life expectancy assessment 
  • Proper formatting that insurance companies recognize

Expect to pay around $250 for a formal insurance report. Providing this documentation to your insurer may reverse a non-renewal. 

Step 3: Collect One to Three Quotes for Roof Work if Needed

If you need a roof repair or replacement, begin researching your options for local roofers. You should choose your roofer based on whether they are:

  • Licensed and insured 
  • Top Certified Contractors
  • Rated five stars on Google with at least 100 reviews 
  • Able to offer warranties and workmanship guarantees 
  • Established with a commercial business location and marked vehicles 

A free Golden Standard Checklist PDF is available to help you rank your potential contractors, no matter where you’re located. 

Compare Quotes Like a Pro

Getting new insurance might seem like the cheapest choice, but it's only a short-term fix. Most insurance companies use the same people to check roofs. So you'll probably face the same problem with a new company in a year or two.

The truth is, you can't really avoid roof problems with insurance. It's usually better to address the problem directly than to continue searching for different insurance companies.

How to Avoid Getting Another Non-Renewal Notice for Your Home

Insurance companies have become more selective about roofs due to adverse weather conditions and increased repair costs. Severe weather that was relatively rare 20 years ago is now more common, resulting in $30 billion in roof-related claims in 2024.

To stop this from happening again:

  • Keep records of when your roof was put on
  • Have someone check your roof every five years
  • Fix small problems right away before they get bigger
  • Tell your insurance company when you get a new roof

Taking care of your roof helps you avoid problems. If you see shingles in your yard, address the issue immediately. Don't wait for your insurance company to find problems when they check your roof.

FAQs About Roof Non-Renewals and Insurance

Can I appeal a non-renewal?

Yes. If you provide a valid inspection showing the roof is in good condition, insurers may reverse the decision. However, success rates are relatively low, with only about two out of ten inspections resulting in renewed coverage.

Can I delay the replacement?

Often, yes. If you show a signed contract, financing approval, or work in progress, most insurers will grant extensions.

What happens if I do nothing?

Your policy will be canceled, and your lender may force costly coverage—or you may go completely uninsured if you don't have a mortgage.

Can I submit my roof certification instead?

Not typically. Insurance companies don't usually ask for certifications. They want detailed inspection reports with specific documentation.

Are certain roofing materials considered lower risk?

All roofing materials are considered acceptable when they're new. The key factor is age and condition, not the type of material. Whether you have metal, shingle, or flat roofing, insurers focus on how much useful life remains.

How to Find the Best Roofing Contractor for Your Roof

If your insurance company won't renew your policy because of your roof, don't panic. You're not helpless, and you might not need a new roof right away.

Discover exactly what your insurance company requires and have your roof inspected by a professional. This will help protect your insurance and stop you from making a quick decision you might regret.

Your roof might be flagged just because it's getting old or doesn't look good to the person who checked it. That's annoying, but it can be fixed.

The next step is to find a reputable roofer to inspect your roof. Look at our 2025 list of the best roofers in Central PA, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan. These roofers meet the standards that insurance companies want.

Ready for a Roofer? We've Done The Research For You This pre-vetted roofer list is the perfect starting point, ranked by our 5 Golden Standards.  

At Equity Roofing, we help hundreds of homeowners deal with these insurance problems. We write detailed reports, give professional advice, and tell you the truth about your roof. Whether you want to fight the notice or figure out what to do next, we're here to help keep you covered.

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