I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen a few insurers start to take energy upgrades into account—just not as much as we’d hope. It’s rare, but some companies are starting to offer small discounts for things like solar or upgraded insulation, especially if you can show it reduces fire risk or electrical issues. Still, you’re right, it’s nothing compared to what you get for wind mitigation or impact-rated shingles.
Funny thing is, I’ve inspected homes where folks spent a fortune on fancy solar setups and high-end insulation, but their roof still had old-school felt and rusty flashing. Insurance adjusters barely blink at the “green” stuff if the basics aren’t solid. It feels backwards sometimes, but I guess from their side, water intrusion and wind damage are just way more expensive to fix.
I do think it’ll shift eventually—maybe as more homes go solar and the data catches up. For now though, yeah... hurricane clips and proper flashing are still the insurance darlings. Not glamorous, but they do save folks a ton in the long run.
- Totally agree on the basics mattering most. My last inspection, the guy barely glanced at my new attic insulation but spent ages poking around the roof edges and flashing.
- Upgraded to architectural shingles a couple years ago—insurance dropped by about 8%. Not huge, but hey, I’ll take it.
- Kinda wild how solar panels get all the attention in ads but not from insurers. I asked mine if the panels helped. They said “not unless you can prove it’ll survive a hurricane.” Guess that’s fair, but still a little annoying.
- Had to replace some rusty drip edge last spring. Cost me less than $200, but apparently that’s what got me the discount, not the fancy stuff.
- Feels like you have to play the game—do the un-glamorous upgrades first, then maybe get creative later when/if insurance ever catches up.
- Wish they’d factor in energy savings a bit more, but until then, I’m sticking with what gets me the best bang for my buck… and keeps water out of my living room.
It’s interesting how the insurance companies seem to care way more about the “boring” stuff like flashing and drip edge than anything that actually feels like a big upgrade. I’ve managed a few properties where we swapped out old three-tabs for architectural shingles, and the inspector basically ignored the shingle brand—he spent most of his time checking for soft spots at the eaves and making sure gutters weren’t dumping water right against the foundation.
I get why they’re so focused on water intrusion, but it does feel a little backward when you’ve just spent thousands on something like solar or upgraded insulation. The energy savings are real, but unless you’re in a high-wind zone and can prove your panels are hurricane-rated, it’s like they don’t even exist for underwriting.
Curious if anyone’s actually gotten a break for adding impact-resistant skylights or reinforced roof decking? I’ve heard mixed things—sometimes you get a discount, sometimes they just shrug. Maybe it depends on the carrier or even the specific inspector.
Funny thing, I’ve actually seen a few insurance folks get pretty picky about shingle type, especially after a big hail year. Maybe it’s just around here (I’m in the Midwest), but I’ve had customers get a small break for impact-resistant shingles or reinforced decking—though it’s never as much as you’d expect given the cost. The “boring” stuff does seem to matter more for them, but I guess from their side, water claims cost way more than the odd energy upgrade going wrong. Still feels off when you’ve just shelled out for fancy upgrades and barely see a difference in your premium.
Funny thing, I’ve actually seen a few insurance folks get pretty picky about shingle type, especially after a big hail year.
That’s interesting—didn’t realize insurers cared so much about the “boring” stuff like shingle type until I bought my place last year. I got a similar tiny discount for impact-resistant shingles, but the premium barely budged after I upgraded attic insulation. Kind of odd since energy upgrades are supposed to help long-term. Has anyone actually seen a meaningful rate drop from things like new gutters or better flashing, or is it mostly just the roof covering that matters?
