[C. C. Rider]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

I speak with my insurance agent anytime I am planning to make modifications in my home. In this case, I would explain that I am planning a new roof. I would then ask what my rate would be if I replaced with cheaper shingles. I have never met an agent who would not supply a new rate.

I have learned that it is better to be upfront than trying to hide the cheaper modification. They are going to notice the cheaper shingles sooner or later and you will be forced to pay the increased insurance rate. With the information at hand, you can decide which route is better BEFORE spending your money on the modification.

The question seems to be: would you rather have a cheaper roof with possible higher insurance rates and risk OR expensive shingles with possible lower insurance rates and risk?

But there is no guarantee that the answer that you get from your insurance company today will still be their policy a year or two down the road. What's permissible today may be prohibited in a couple of years.

So, if you spend several thousand extra dollars thinking that it will give you a longer life on your roof shingles, a change in requirements by your insurance company a year or two later can mean that the extra money you spent is just money that's down the drain.

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