Can I Get House Insurance With T-Lock Shingles On Roof? If you own a home with T-lock shingles, you may have encountered difficulties when trying to get home insurance coverage. These shingles, once a popular roofing material, have become obsolete, and many insurance companies refuse to insure homes with T-lock shingles due to their high risk of damage.
But does that mean you can’t get house insurance at all? Not necessarily. In this guide, we’ll explore:
- Why T-lock shingles are problematic for insurance companies
- Whether you can still get house insurance with T-lock shingles on your roof
- Steps to improve your chances of securing a policy
- What to do if your insurance company denies coverage
Read too: Is It Reasonable to Ask the Seller to Replace the Roof?
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how T-lock shingles affect home insurance and what options you have.
What Are T-Lock Shingles and Why Are They a Problem?
T-lock shingles were widely used between the 1930s and early 2000s due to their unique design, which was supposed to provide superior wind resistance. Their interlocking “T” shape made them different from traditional asphalt shingles.
However, T-lock shingles were discontinued for several reasons:
- Poor durability – They become brittle over time and are prone to cracking.
- Difficult repairs – Since they are no longer manufactured, replacing damaged shingles is nearly impossible.
- High wind damage risk – Despite their design, they are not as wind-resistant as modern shingles.
- Insurance risks – Due to their susceptibility to damage, most insurers consider them a high risk, making it difficult to get or renew coverage.
Because of these issues, many homeowners find themselves asking:
Can I Get House Insurance With T-Lock Shingles on Roof?
The short answer is: It depends on the insurance company and the condition of your roof.
1. Some Insurance Companies May Deny Coverage
Many insurance companies do not offer policies for homes with T-lock shingles because:
- They are considered an outdated and high-risk roofing material.
- The inability to replace individual shingles makes repairs costly.
- The likelihood of claims for wind and hail damage is higher.
2. Some Companies May Offer Limited Coverage
In some cases, an insurance provider may still offer coverage but with conditions:
- Higher premiums – You may be charged more than average due to the increased risk.
- Roof exclusions – Some policies may cover the home but exclude the roof from coverage.
- Short-term policy approval – Your policy may be approved only if you agree to replace the roof within a certain timeframe.
3. Specialty Insurers May Provide Coverage
If mainstream insurance companies deny coverage, you may have better luck with specialty or high-risk insurers. These companies charge higher premiums but may be your best option if replacing your roof is not immediately possible.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting House Insurance With T-Lock Shingles
If you are struggling to secure a policy, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting insured.
1. Get a Roof Inspection
A professional roof inspection can provide documentation on the condition of your T-lock shingles. If your roof is still in good shape, some insurers may reconsider coverage.
🔧 What to do:
- Hire a licensed roofing inspector to assess your roof.
- Get a written report stating the condition of the shingles.
- Provide this report to potential insurance providers.
2. Consider a Higher Deductible
If your insurer is hesitant, offering to take on a higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) may convince them to approve coverage.
🔧 What to do:
- Ask your insurance provider if they would approve coverage with a higher deductible for roof-related claims.
3. Look for a Policy That Covers “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) Instead of Replacement Cost
Some insurers may be more willing to provide coverage if they only have to pay the depreciated value of the roof, rather than the full replacement cost.
🔧 What to do:
- Ask insurance companies if they offer ACV policies instead of full replacement coverage.
4. Negotiate with Your Current Insurance Provider
If your existing insurer refuses to renew your policy, ask if they will grant a short-term extension to give you time to replace the roof.
🔧 What to do:
- Request a 6-month policy extension while you save money for a new roof.
What to Do If Your Insurance Company Denies Coverage
If you are unable to get house insurance due to T-lock shingles, here are your options:
1. Replace Your Roof
The best long-term solution is to replace your T-lock shingles with modern, insurable roofing materials, such as:
- Architectural asphalt shingles
- Metal roofing
- Wood shakes (if permitted in your area)
🔧 Cost considerations:
- Roof replacement costs can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on your location and materials.
- Some insurance companies offer discounts if you upgrade to an impact-resistant roof.
2. Seek Coverage from High-Risk Insurers
If replacing the roof is not an option, consider high-risk or specialty insurers that offer policies for older homes. These insurers charge higher premiums, but they can provide temporary coverage until you replace the roof.
3. Join a State Fair Plan
Some states offer Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans, which provide coverage for high-risk properties that cannot obtain standard insurance.
🔧 What to do:
- Check if your state offers a FAIR Plan and apply if necessary.
4. Consider a Home Warranty for Additional Protection
If your home insurance policy excludes your T-lock shingle roof, you may still protect it with a home warranty that covers roof repairs.
Will Insurance Cover Roof Replacement for T-Lock Shingles?
If your T-lock shingles were damaged by a covered event (such as hail or wind), your insurance may cover replacement. However, this depends on:
- The age and condition of the roof before the damage.
- The specific terms of your insurance policy.
- Whether your insurer still provides coverage for T-lock shingles.
If your claim is approved, most insurance companies will pay for a full roof replacement since individual T-lock shingles cannot be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Getting house insurance with T-lock shingles on your roof can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. While many insurers refuse to cover homes with T-lock shingles, some may provide limited coverage, especially if your roof is in good condition.
If your insurance company denies coverage, consider replacing the roof, seeking high-risk insurance, or checking state-sponsored insurance programs.
Taking proactive steps—such as getting a roof inspection and comparing multiple insurance quotes—can increase your chances of finding a policy.
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