Do You Need a Roof Inspection Before Renewing Your Policy?

Prepare for Your Insurance Inspection

Get a professional roof inspection before your insurance company's visit. We'll identify and address issues proactively to ensure a smooth renewal.

Free Pre-Inspection: (843) 877-5539

1. When Do Insurance Companies Require Roof Inspections?
2. What Insurance Inspectors Evaluate
3. Benefits of a Pre-Insurance Roof Inspection
4. Myrtle Beach Coastal Considerations
5. How to Prepare for the Inspection
6. What Happens After the Inspection
7. Frequently Asked Questions

When Do Insurance Companies Require Roof Inspections?

Insurance companies are increasingly requiring roof inspections as part of the policy renewal process, especially in coastal areas like Myrtle Beach where storm damage is common. Understanding the triggers for these requirements helps you plan ahead.

Common Triggers for Mandatory Inspections

1.
Roof Age Over 15-20 Years: Most insurers require inspections when your roof reaches this threshold, as the risk of failure increases significantly
2.
New Policy Purchase: When buying a new homeowners policy or switching carriers, an inspection is almost always required
3.
After Major Storm Events: Following hurricanes or widespread hail events, insurers may require area-wide inspections
4.
Previous Claims History: If you've filed roof-related claims, expect more frequent inspection requirements
5.
Coastal Location: Properties in wind-pool zones or near the coast in South Carolina face stricter inspection requirements

South Carolina Insurance Market Reality

The SC insurance market has tightened significantly since recent hurricane seasons. Several major carriers have exited coastal markets entirely, while those remaining have implemented stricter underwriting requirements. Roof inspections that were once rare are now standard practice for homes in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and surrounding areas.

What Insurance Inspectors Evaluate

Insurance roof inspections differ from contractor inspections. Insurers focus on risk factors that could lead to claims. Understanding their perspective helps you prepare effectively.

Key Inspection Areas

Inspection Area	What They Check	Red Flags
Roof Age	Original installation date, material lifespan	Roofs over 20 years, asphalt shingles past expected life
Shingle Condition	Curling, cracking, granule loss, missing shingles	Widespread deterioration, bare spots, visible wear patterns
Flashing	Chimney, vent, skylight, and valley flashing integrity	Rust, separation, improper sealing, visible gaps
Structural Issues	Sagging, uneven surfaces, ridge line integrity	Any visible sagging, wavy appearance, dips
Ventilation	Ridge vents, soffit vents, adequate airflow	Blocked vents, inadequate ventilation causing heat damage
Gutters	Attachment, condition, proper drainage	Sagging, detachment, granule buildup, damage

Documentation Requirements

Insurance inspectors document everything with photos and detailed notes. Their reports typically include:

Overall roof condition rating (usually A-F or numerical score)
Estimated remaining useful life
Specific deficiencies requiring repair
Photos of problem areas with annotations
Recommendations for immediate vs. future repairs
Wind mitigation features (important for SC coastal discounts)

Benefits of a Pre-Insurance Roof Inspection

Getting your own professional inspection before the insurance company's visit offers significant advantages. Think of it as a practice run that gives you control over the outcome.

Why Get Inspected First:

✓
Identify problems before they find them: Fix issues proactively rather than scrambling after a failed inspection
✓
Get repair documentation: Show the insurer that issues were professionally addressed
✓
Understand your roof's true condition: Make informed decisions about repair vs. replacement
✓
Negotiate from knowledge: If the insurer's assessment seems harsh, you have professional documentation to reference
✓
Plan financially: Know in advance if major repairs or replacement is coming

Pro Tip: Timing Matters

Schedule your independent inspection at least 30-60 days before your policy renewal date. This gives you time to address any issues found before the insurance inspector arrives. Rushing repairs at the last minute often leads to incomplete work or missed problems.

Myrtle Beach Coastal Considerations

Living on the South Carolina coast adds unique factors to insurance roof inspections. Insurers pay special attention to wind resistance and storm preparedness in our area.

Wind Mitigation Features

Insurance companies offer significant discounts for homes with verified wind mitigation features. During inspection, they look for:

Roof deck attachment: How is the plywood or OSB attached to the trusses? Ring-shank nails and adhesive score highest
Roof-to-wall connections: Hurricane clips or straps that connect the roof structure to walls
Roof covering: Impact-resistant shingles rated for high winds (130+ mph)
Secondary water barrier: Sealed roof deck that prevents water intrusion if shingles blow off
Opening protection: Hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors

Myrtle Beach Wind Mitigation Savings

Homes with proper wind mitigation features can see insurance savings of 15-45% on wind coverage. If you're replacing your roof, investing in hurricane clips, a secondary water barrier, and impact-resistant shingles often pays for itself through premium reductions within a few years.

We recommend having a separate Wind Mitigation Report completed alongside your roof inspection to maximize available discounts.

How to Prepare for the Insurance Inspection

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your inspection goes smoothly. Here's a checklist for Myrtle Beach homeowners:

Before the Inspector Arrives:

1.
Clean your gutters: Remove debris, ensure proper drainage, check for sagging or damage
2.
Clear vegetation: Trim overhanging branches, remove moss or algae if present
3.
Address visible damage: Replace any obviously missing or damaged shingles beforehand
4.
Check flashing: Ensure flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights is properly sealed
5.
Gather documentation: Have records of any recent repairs, roof age documentation, and previous inspection reports ready
6.
Clear access: Move vehicles, unlock gates, and ensure the inspector can easily access all sides of your home

Documents to Have Ready

Roof installation date and contractor information
Warranty documentation
Records of any repairs or maintenance
Previous inspection reports
Permits for any roof work performed
Wind mitigation report (if you have one)

Professional Pre-Inspection Service

Let WeatherShield Roofing inspect your roof before the insurance company does. We'll identify issues, provide repair recommendations, and help ensure your renewal goes smoothly.

Schedule Pre-Inspection: (843) 877-5539

What Happens After the Inspection

The insurance company's next steps depend on the inspection results. Here are the common outcomes and how to handle each:

Possible Outcomes

Approval - No Issues

Your roof passes inspection. Your policy renews normally, potentially with a good roof discount applied.

Conditional Approval

Minor repairs required within a specified timeframe (usually 30-90 days). Complete the repairs, provide documentation, and your policy continues.

Roof Exclusion

Your policy renews, but roof coverage is excluded until repairs or replacement is completed. This leaves you uninsured for roof damage.

Non-Renewal

The insurer declines to renew your policy due to roof condition. You'll need to find coverage elsewhere or replace the roof first.

If You Disagree with the Results

If you believe the insurance inspection was unfair or inaccurate, you have options:

Request a copy of the inspection report and photos
Provide your own professional inspection report as a counter
Request a reinspection, potentially by a different inspector
File a complaint with the SC Department of Insurance if needed
Shop for coverage with other carriers while addressing issues

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do insurance companies require roof inspections?

Insurance companies typically require roof inspections for homes with roofs over 15-20 years old, when purchasing a new policy, or if the home is in a high-risk area like coastal South Carolina. Some insurers require inspections every 3-5 years for older roofs. Your specific requirements depend on your policy, roof age, and insurance carrier.

What happens if my roof fails an insurance inspection?

If your roof fails an insurance inspection, the insurer may require repairs before renewing your policy, exclude roof coverage from your policy, increase your premium significantly, or decline to renew your policy altogether. Getting repairs done promptly and providing documentation of the work usually resolves these issues.

Can I get my own roof inspection before the insurance inspection?

Yes, getting a professional roof inspection before the insurance company's inspection is highly recommended. This allows you to identify and address any issues beforehand, potentially avoiding policy complications. A licensed roofing contractor can also provide documentation of your roof's condition and any repairs made.

What do insurance inspectors look for during a roof inspection?

Insurance inspectors evaluate roof age and remaining lifespan, missing or damaged shingles, signs of water damage or leaks, flashing condition around chimneys, vents, and skylights, gutter condition, ventilation adequacy, structural issues like sagging, and evidence of previous storm damage or repairs.

Does a new roof lower my insurance premium?

Yes, a new roof can lower your insurance premium by 5-20% in many cases. Impact-resistant roofing materials may qualify for additional discounts. In hurricane-prone areas like Myrtle Beach, roofs installed to current building codes with proper wind resistance can result in significant savings.

Prepare for Your Insurance Roof Inspection

Don't leave your policy renewal to chance. WeatherShield Roofing provides professional pre-insurance inspections to identify and address issues before they become problems. We've helped hundreds of Myrtle Beach homeowners maintain their coverage.

Call (843) 877-5539 Schedule Free Inspection

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Do You Need a Roof Inspection Before Renewing Your Insurance Policy?

Written by David Karimi