The Connecticut Insurance Department published a consumer advisory informing homeowners of how insurers evaluate roofs in determining whether they will issue a homeowners policy.
Insurers have a right to inspect the property to determine the risks involved. The inspection can be an in-person inspection, done with aerial imagery, or a combination of both.When looking at roofs, the two biggest factors are the roof's age and the roof's condition.
Insurers look at the roof's material to determine eligibility limits. Asphalt, wood, rubber, and similar materials typically have eligibility limits of 15 to 20 years.Architectural shingles may have a period of 25 years or more, and tile and slate roofs generally are considered lifetime materials.
Insurers examine the condition of the roof to look for things like missing or deteriorated shingles, number of layers of roofing material, unrepaired damage, debris,and overhanging tree limbs that could pose a danger, among other things.
Insurers can cancel or nonrenew a policy based on the roof condition. Insurers must give at least 60 days notice to an insured of a nonrenewal, but they are encouraged to give notice as far in advance as possible to give homeowners time to make repairs.
Insurers must include a clear explanation of why a policy is being nonrenewed. Policyholders can question whether the information is accurate and provide updated information. Insureds are encouraged to shop around with other insurers and if coverage can't be found in the private market,the CT FAIR Plan is available.
The consumer advisory can be found here.