Roof Too Old for Insurance? What Alabama Homeowners Can Do
A “roof too old for insurance” letter from an Alabama insurer usually means one of three things: it won't renew the policy, it will only pay actual cash value (depreciated) for the roof, or it will pay roof claims on an age-based schedule or add a surcharge. You normally have until the date on the letter to respond.
You have three honest options, and a free, dated roof report from a local roofer helps with all of them:
- Document itShow the roof's real condition with dated photos.
- Repair itFix the worn spots the photos reveal.
- Replace itWhen the roof is truly at the end of its life.
SMBy Stephen McDuffie, founder of MAC Construction · AL license #30154 · Updated October 8, 2026
We inspect and document roofs. We don't do 4-point or FORTIFIED evaluations or negotiate with insurers.
Insurance Letter Decoder
A roof too old for insurance shows up in several kinds of letters. Pick yours, plus the roof's age and material, for a plain-English readout.
Decoded
Non-renewal notice
- What it means
- –
- Who to call
- –
- Deadline tips
- –
- MAC next step
- –
–
General information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy, your insurer and your agent decide. Green band: typical life for that material; orange line: your roof's age.
Non-Renewal for Roof Age? Do These Three Things This Week
Insurers send these letters weeks before renewal. Use that time.
- STEP1
Read the Letter Type and Date
Find what changes, and when.
- Non-renewal for roof age?
- Roof coverage moving to actual cash value?
- Photos or an inspection requested?
- STEP2
Call Your Agent and Ask Exactly
Ask what would change the decision:
- Which photos or report, and from whom?
- Would repairs be enough, or only a new roof?
- What's the last day they'll accept it?
- STEP3
Get the Roof Inspected and Documented
Russell & Clark, an Alabama insurance agency, says date-stamped photos and a written roofer's report "can be the difference between renewal and non-renewal" (Russell & Clark).
Your Insurer Asked for a 4-Point or Wind Mitigation Inspection?
Here's who does what, and the roof part MAC handles.
Swipe to see all columns.
| Who | What they check | What you get | When you need them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed home inspector | Roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC | A signed 4-point report | Insurer wants a 4-point |
| Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator | The roof against the IBHS FORTIFIED standard | A FORTIFIED certificate | You want a wind discount |
| Roofer (MAC Construction) | The roof only: covering, flashing, vents, leaks | Dated photos, a Roof Condition Report, a quote if needed | The roof needs documenting, repair or replacing |
| Insurance agent | Your policy and what underwriting wants | Answers, deadlines, other quotes | First call after any letter |
| Insurance adjuster | Damage from a covered event | The claim decision | Storm damage, not aging |
Need a 4-Point Inspection in Dothan?
It covers roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC (Florida DFS) and is usually done by a licensed home inspector; Alabama's Division of Construction Management has a roster. For a 4-point inspection in Dothan, ask your agent which form they want, then book an inspector. If the roof section flags problems, we fix them.
Wind Mitigation Inspection in Alabama: How It Really Works
The familiar form is Florida's OIR-B1-1802 (Florida CFO). A wind mitigation inspection in Alabama works differently: discounts come from an IBHS FORTIFIED designation, which ALDOI says "can only be achieved by enlisting the help of a FORTIFIED evaluator" (ALDOI). Find one through the IBHS provider locator.
Is Your Roof Too Old for Insurance? Age vs. Real Life in Alabama Heat
Insurers count years; roofs wear by sun and humidity, which shorten most materials' life on the Gulf Coast (Roof Decision Guide). Bars show typical inland ranges; dashed lines show where insurers start asking. More: how long a roof lasts in Alabama.
- 11 yearsASI (Progressive) made its roof payment schedule mandatory for Alabama roofs this old in 2026 (ERRRA).
- 15 yearsMany carriers non-renew or refuse new policies, per an Alabama agency (Russell & Clark).
- 20 yearsAlmost none offer replacement-cost roof coverage, the agency says.
Roof Too Old for Insurance but Still Sound? It Happens
A well-vented architectural roof at 17 can have years left; a 12-year-old 3-tab roof in full sun may not. Florida's insurance regulator notes some insurers want proof of at least five years of remaining useful life on shingle roofs over 15 (Florida DFS). Rules vary by carrier, so call your agent.
Why So Many Wiregrass Roofs Are Hitting the Line
Half the homes in each county were built before the year shown (US Civic Data, Census ACS estimates). Many have been reroofed at least once, and any roof put on before 2011 is now past 15 years.
Roof Inspection for Insurance: What's in a MAC Roof Condition Report
Our free roof inspection for insurance ends with something you can hand your agent: a dated Roof Condition Report.
- Date inspected
- The day we were on your roof
- Roof material
- Shingle type or metal panel, layers if visible
- Observed condition
- Covering, flashing, vent boots, valleys
- Remaining life
- An estimated range, never a guarantee
- Repairs needed
- Each item listed, with a photo
Timing: ask when you book, and tell us your deadline. It isn't a roof certification or warranty; only your insurer decides what it accepts.
Full checklist: our free roof inspection page.
What 35 Years on Wiregrass Roofs Actually Teaches You
Stephen McDuffie started roofing in 1985 and founded MAC Construction in August 1991. After 6,000+ roofs, one lesson stands out: an old roof isn't always a bad one. Photos settle it.
This is not a claim to be the best roofer around, just a promise to show you what's on your roof and say plainly whether it needs work. The video is a real MAC Construction project.
We're roofers: we don't sign 4-point forms, we aren't FORTIFIED evaluators, and we can't speak to your insurer for you.
“I enjoy helping people with problems that can be solved.”Stephen McDuffie, founder, MAC Construction
Watch: Real MAC Construction Project Video
Repair, Replace or Upgrade When the Insurer Is Pushing
Document
The roof is sound. Dated photos and the report may be all your agent needs.
- Best when age is the only issue
Repair
Cracked vent boots, lifted shingles, loose flashing: fix them, then photograph the fix. See roof repair.
- Ask your agent if repairs will satisfy them
Replace
At the end of its life, replacing it is the honest answer, and it resets the age question. See roof replacement.
- Ask if replacement-cost coverage returns
FORTIFIED Roof and Class 4 Shingles: Upgrades Worth Asking About
Replacing anyway? A FORTIFIED Roof earns an Alabama wind-premium discount, which insurers must provide (Code of Alabama §27-31D-2). Act 2019-240 also requires insurers to offer an endorsement that pays to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof after a covered loss needing a full replacement (IBHS). MAC is not FORTIFIED-certified, so you'd need a certified evaluator; our FORTIFIED roof guide and Strengthen Alabama Homes explain the steps.
Class 4 impact-rated shingles are an upgrade option, not standard on every roof. Ask your agent whether your carrier credits them.
Costs: our Alabama roof cost guide and Dothan roof replacement cost page, then a binding written quote after a free inspection.
Financing: 0% APR for qualified buyers — subject to credit approval; terms vary. See roof financing options.
Got a Letter From Your Insurer? Book a Free Roof Inspection
We'll photograph the roof and give you a dated report to share with your agent. Crews leave West County Road 70 each morning for Dothan, Enterprise and the Wiregrass.
Storm damage instead? See storm damage roof repair, insurance roof claims and filing a claim in Alabama. Or call or text +1 334-726-6401, answered live 24/7.
Free roof inspection request
Homeowners on Inspections, Paperwork and Honesty
Real Google reviews, quoted exactly.
“Our roof was pushing 20 years and the shingles were lifting... I stumbled upon MAC Construction on Facebook and then saw their Google Reviews. I called Mr. Stephen McDuffie... I requested the documentation to make sure that he was licensed, bonded, and insured, and he provided me with all the documents quickly... Everyone was incredibly friendly. Above all our new roof looks great. They removed all the old shingles and replaced the damaged roof decking with new wood and then installed new shingles. We had no roof vent before so they added that for us as well. They took before and after photos... A few days after they installed the new roof a storm came through. The following morning Mr. McDuffie texted me to make sure that everything was good with the new roof which I appreciated... I highly recommend using this company.”
“Stephen / Sam and their team did a great job. Called them to both inspect the roof and complete some damage repairs and they did a great job. They were quick to respond to not only the request to complete the inspection but were quick to get us on schedule and install our new (great looking) roof. Great support from start to finish and would definitely recommend them.”
“An absolute joy to have these kind people help with my roof installation..not only 100% professional but 100% honest caring folks.. couldn't be any better..”
“Stephen Mcduffie is a trusted contractor and has a great team and shows up to do the work they contract for…”
Read more on our reviews page, check our license at hblb.alabama.gov, or find MAC Construction on:
Roof Age and Insurance Questions
Is my roof too old for insurance at 15 years?
Not automatically. Each insurer sets its own rule, but an Alabama agency reports many carriers get strict past about 15 years. Ask your agent what they need.
Can a roofer do my 4-point inspection?
Usually not the full form. It covers roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and a licensed home inspector typically does it. MAC can document the roof part.
Does Alabama have a wind mitigation inspection form like Florida?
No. Florida's form is OIR-B1-1802. In Alabama, wind discounts come from an IBHS FORTIFIED designation verified by a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator.
Will my insurance company accept MAC's roof report?
We can't promise that. Only your insurer decides. Ask your agent what they need first, and we'll document the roof to match.
Should I repair or replace an old roof to keep my coverage?
Sound with a few worn spots? Repairs plus photos may do. Near the end of its life? Replacing is usually the honest answer.
Can MAC talk to my insurance company for me?
No. Alabama law doesn't let a residential roofer represent you to your insurer or negotiate a claim. We give you photos and a written report to share.
How much does it cost to replace a roof my insurer flagged?
It depends on size, material and decking. Get a binding written quote after a free inspection.