Is that because contractors think we are rich and we can afford to pay more?

That was what most homeowners thought when we lived in Va/

Hi we are also Brits in TV. We will need to replace our roof in the next few years so good advice. Maybe see you somewhere sometime.

Your authoritative account sounds like what should happen. For whatever reason, the majority of roof replacements here are considered to be wind/storm damage and are covered.

I received notice from my insurance company that my policy was going to be discontinued because my roof was almost 16 years old and 15 is their maximum. I got bids from three companies and their inspectors all found covered damage. In the end, I only had to pay my deductible. About half of the folks in my neighborhood have had new roofs lately and they had the same experience.

The roofers did find a rotten section of wood under the shingles, but my guess is that's not uncommon or necessarily indicative of storm damage.

I don't know why more insurance companies aren't rejecting these claims, or who's in cahoots with who. Premiums are definitely going up.