The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition Apr/May 2025

THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION

APRIIL/MAY 2025

PAGE 15

Homeowners Beware: How an Old Roof Could Lead to Insurance Cancellation By Dennis Bree, Owner of Best Choice Roofing Jersey Shore ROOFING REVELATIONS Y

2. Perform Regular Maintenance Simple tasks like cleaning gutters and re placing missing shingles can extend your roof’s life and maintain coverage. 3. Consider Repairs or Replacement If your roof is nearing 20 years old, replac ing it before an insurer cancels your policy might be wise. Protect Your Home and Stay Covered Losing homeowners insurance due to an ag ing roof can leave you vulnerable. By taking action now—through inspections, main tenance, or replacement—you can ensure your home stays protected. Best Choice Roofing has provided quality service for over 15 years as a Platinum Pre ferred Contractor for Owens Corning. For a limited time, we’re offering a free roof in spection with an insurance-grade report and expert advice on repairs or replacements. Scan the QR code in our ad above to see if you qualify for this complimentary offer! Contact Best Choice Roofing Jersey Shore Best Choice Roofing Jersey Shore: Phone: (908) 933-0033 or visit our website at www.bestchoiceroofing.com/jersey-shore.

• 10-15 years – Some insurance companies refuse to cover asphalt shingle roofs beyond this point. • 15-20 years – Coverage may still be avail able but often with higher premiums or re duced payout options. • 20+ years – Many insurers won’t renew policies unless the roof passes an inspection or has been recently replaced. Insurers may offer actual cash value (ACV) coverage, which pays based on deprecia tion, not full replacement cost. Replacing a 20-year-old asphalt roof in New Jersey could cost $12,000, but under ACV, an in surer might reimburse $4,000, leaving you responsible for the difference. Proactive Steps to Keep Your Policy Active 1. Schedule a Roof Inspection A certified contractor like Best Choice Roofing can assess your roof’s condition and provide documentation to help keep coverage active.

our roof is your home’s first line of defense, but if it’s too old, insurers may see it as a risk. Many New Jersey homeowners are finding that insurers are tightening pol icies, reducing coverage, or insurers are tightening pol even canceling policies due to roof age. Un even canceling policies due to roof age. Un derstanding why insurers view older roofs as a liability and how to stay covered is essential. Why Insurers Consider Older Roofs a Liability Insurance companies base their policies on risk. As a roof ages, it becomes more suscep tible to leaks, storm damage, and failures. Even if a roof looks intact, years of exposure can cause unseen issues. New Jersey’s climate of heavy snow, rain,

and hurricane-force winds accelerates roof wear. In 2021, Hurricane Ida caused $75 million in property damage, with roofs tak ing the brunt. In fear of sudden claims for extensive damage, insurers may limit cover age or require homeowners to replace aging roofs before renewing policies. Material affects a roof’s longevity. Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in New Jersey, typically last 15 to 25 years. Metal and slate roofs can last 50 years or more. Knowing your roof’s lifespan helps you plan for insurance requirements. What Age Limit Most Insurers Enforce on Roof Coverage Many insurers set strict age limits on roofs, typically:

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