Why Your Home Insurance Rates Are Climbing (And How a New Roof Can Lower Them)

It seems like every bill is going up these days, and for homeowners in Central Pennsylvania, few increases are as frustrating as the rising cost of home insurance. Whether you live in Port Matilda or are running a business in Lock Haven, insurance is a necessary expense—but why is it getting so expensive? The answer often lies directly above your head: the age and condition of your roof.

Insurance companies are keenly aware of the severe weather patterns we face in this region. The increasing frequency of heavy storms, high winds, and hail in areas like State College and Bellefonte means higher risk for them. And where does the risk manifest most? In the liability associated with aging roofs. If your roof is old, your insurance company views it as a major accident waiting to happen, and they price that risk into your premium.

At Stoltzfus Bros Roofing, we help homeowners across our service areas, from Mill Hall to Lemont, understand that a new roof isn't just a maintenance expense—it’s a powerful tool for risk mitigation that can actively lower your home insurance rates. By investing in the right kind of asphalt roofing, you shift your risk profile from high to low, often qualifying for significant premium discounts.

The Insurance Liability Problem with Aging Roofs

In the eyes of an insurance carrier, a roof older than 15 years is a liability. It is more susceptible to common damage and less likely to withstand a significant weather event in Boalsburg or Pleasant Gap. Insurers know that even a small amount of wind damage or hail damage on an older roof can require a full roof replacement, leading to huge payouts.

To counter this risk, they do two things that affect your wallet:

1. Raise Premiums: They charge more across the board for older homes to cover potential losses.
2. Limit Coverage: They may refuse to insure the roof at its replacement cost, or they may only offer coverage for the Actual Cash Value (ACV), leaving you with a massive out-of-pocket expense if you need an emergency roof repair or replacement.

This is why, for homeowners in Centre Hall and Pine Grove Mills, replacing an aged roof is often framed by insurance companies not as a choice, but as a necessary investment to maintain comprehensive coverage.

The Solution: Investing in Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles

The single most effective way to lower your home insurance liability and potentially earn premium discounts is by installing a roof rated for superior durability, specifically Class 4 Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles.

• What is Class 4? The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) assigns ratings based on resistance to impact. A Class 4 rating means the shingle has successfully withstood testing where a two-inch steel ball is dropped repeatedly onto the material. A standard asphalt shingle does not meet this benchmark.
• The Insurance Incentive: Because a Class 4 roof is demonstrably better at resisting hail damage—a major source of insurance claims—many insurance providers offer substantial premium savings. We often see homeowners in high-storm risk areas like Port Matilda and State College save up to 20% or more on their annual insurance premium just by installing this high-impact resistant roofing.

When you choose Stoltzfus Bros Roofing for your roof replacement, we can provide and install these top-tier Class 4 asphalt shingles. This frames your roof replacement not as a maintenance cost, but as an investment with a guaranteed financial return through insurance savings.

How Stoltzfus Bros. Helps You Claim Your Discount

Getting the new roof is just the first step; getting the discount requires documentation. As your local roofing contractor, we ensure you have everything needed to claim your lower rates:

1. Proper Materials: We source and install Class 4 rated shingles and the complete, required roofing system components.
2. Worry-Free Installation: Our expert installation ensures the roof longevity and integrity that insurance companies require.
3. Documentation: After installation, we provide you with the necessary documentation, including the invoice detailing the materials used and, in some cases, the official manufacturer's certification. You submit this to your agent to activate your discount.

By choosing a high-quality, impact-resistant asphalt roofing solution from Stoltzfus Bros Roofing, you are actively telling your insurance company that you are serious about risk mitigation. You're replacing an aging liability with a modern, durable asset. This investment is particularly smart for homes in Lock Haven, Mill Hall, and other areas prone to severe storms. Don't simply pay the ever-increasing home insurance rates; use your new roof to force those rates down.



If your roof is over 15 years old and your insurance premiums are climbing, it’s time to call us. For a free roof inspection and a consultation on the long-term savings of installing an impact-resistant roof in State College, Bellefonte, or any of our service areas, please contact us today!