Impact-Resistant Roof Insurance Discounts

In hail-prone parts of North America, many home insurers reduce premiums for roofs that have passed a recognised impact test. The rating most often required is UL 2218 Class 4, though some programs also credit lower classes or accept FM 4473 for tile. The aim is to reduce claims: hail is one of the largest causes of insured roof losses in the central United States.

How programs work

Discounts are usually set by each insurer within rules approved by the state regulator. Texas is a well-documented example. The Texas Department of Insurance explains that the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) gives credits for roofs rated Class 1 to 4 under UL 2218, with Class 4 receiving the largest credit. To qualify, the product must be labelled with the testing laboratory's mark, impact class, manufacturer, brand and year of manufacture, and the contractor must fill out TDI form PC068 after installation. Other insurers set their own criteria and discount amounts.

Other states and insurers run their own hail or wind mitigation credits. Programs change often, so details should be checked with the state insurance department or the insurer.

What owners usually need

• product documentation showing the impact class and test standard
• labels or packaging marks on the installed material
• a contractor's certificate or state form confirming the installation
• sometimes photos or an inspection

Things to know

• Discount size varies. There is no standard percentage. It depends on the insurer, state, deductible and policy type.
• Cosmetic damage exclusions. Some insurers that credit Class 4 roofs also add exclusions for cosmetic hail damage, especially for metal roofs, so a dented but watertight roof may not be covered.
• Ratings are not identical. A Class 4 rating under UL 2218 is not the same as a good result in the IBHS shingle hail ratings, and insurers may prefer one or the other.
• Wind credits are separate. In hurricane states, discounts often relate to wind mitigation features (roof-to-wall connections, roof deck attachment, secondary water barriers) rather than hail, and may be linked to FORTIFIED designation.

Outside the US

Impact-resistance credits are mainly a US practice. Insurers in other hail-prone regions, including parts of Canada and central Europe, use their own approaches, and owners should ask their insurer which ratings, if any, are recognised.