Factors Influencing Roof Risk

June 4, 2026 / 2 min read

Roof claims are one of the biggest cost drivers in residential property insurance—and the pressures behind them aren’t letting up. Verisk’s newly released U.S. Roof Report examines the weather patterns, housing stock realities, and economic forces shaping roof risk in 2025. Here’s a glimpse at what the data reveals.

Roof Report Article Houses

Costs are rising faster than the headlines suggest

The 2025 hurricane season was historically quiet, which pulled total roof claim volume down from recent highs. But look past that anomaly and the underlying trend is clear: average roof replacement costs hit $17,631 in 2025—up 33% from the 2021–2024 average. Repair costs rose 25% over the same period.

At the same time, non-recoverable depreciation now represents nearly 20% of total roof claims, up from 16% in 2021. As ACV settlement strategies become more common, that number has real consequences for policyholders and carriers alike.

Hail hit hard—and broadly

Sixteen states had 20% or more of their roofs impacted by severe hail in 2025, up from 12% the year prior. Oklahoma led all states, with 64.7% of roofs affected. But the story isn’t just about the Plains states. Year-to-year volatility at the local level means even traditionally moderate-exposure areas can face unexpected loss emergence—a challenge for any carrier relying on historical averages alone.

The aging stock problem isn’t going away

Roughly 29% of U.S. homes with asphalt shingles have less than four years of remaining useful roof life. Roofs in that condition can experience 50% more damage in a severe weather event than better-maintained ones. In high-hail regions like the Midwest, where nearly 1 in 5 roofs is more than 30 years old, the concentration of aging stock creates meaningful portfolio risk.

There’s good news on mitigation

Data from FORTIFIED-designated homes shows loss frequency reductions of 55–74% compared to standard construction. Legislative momentum is building too, with several states launching or expanding grant programs in 2026. The economic case for mitigation has never been stronger.

The full report goes deeper on peril distribution, regional loss settlement patterns, roof condition scoring, and the 2026 regulatory outlook. If roof risk is on your radar, it’s worth the read.

Download the U.S. Roof Report

Factors Influencing Roof Risk in 2025

Costs are rising faster than the headlines suggest

Hail hit hard—and broadly

The aging stock problem isn’t going away

There’s good news on mitigation