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Arizona Roofs & Home Insurance: What to Know
Disclaimer: The following information is intended for general educational purposes related to insurance considerations. The Arizona Group and its advisors are not roofing contractors or roofing experts. Homeowners should consult with a qualified roofing professional for inspections, maintenance guidance, or technical recommendations regarding their roof.
Tile roofs are one of the most common features of homes across Arizona. While these roofs are known for their longevity, there is more to the roof than just the tiles we can see.
Because tile roofs can last for decades, many homeowners assume their roof will not require much attention. However, an important component of the roofing system often goes unnoticed until a problem appears.
The Part of the Roof You Don’t See
Clay and concrete tiles themselves can last 50 years or more, but they are only one part of the roofing system. Beneath the tiles sits a protective underlayment that helps shield the structure of the home from water intrusion and weather exposure.
“Many Arizona homeowners assume their tile roof will last forever, but the real protection comes from the underlayment beneath the tiles,” says Jordan Wells, one of our licensed Personal Lines Insurance Consultants.
Over time, Arizona’s extreme heat, sun exposure, and seasonal monsoon storms can cause this underlayment to deteriorate. As it ages, the risk of leaks and water damage inside the home increases.
According to the Insurance Information Institute 5.6% of all insured homes file a claim each year. Roof-related water damage is one of the more common sources of homeowner claims, particularly following severe weather. Arizona experiences approximately $500 million in losses from extreme weather and the combination of extreme heat and monsoon storms account for a significant portion of those losses.
Why This Matters From an Insurance Perspective
Home insurance is designed to protect homeowners from unexpected losses. However, understanding potential risks before damage occurs can help homeowners avoid stressful situations and costly claims.
“Insurance is there to help when something unexpected happens, but proactive maintenance can often prevent a loss from occurring in the first place,” Wells explains.
Understanding how these risks develop allows homeowners to take preventative steps before damage occurs. In many cases, small maintenance decisions made ahead of time can help reduce the likelihood of filing a claim and protect the long-term condition of the home.
According to the Consumer Federation of America the average claim increases the insured’s premium by 9%. The larger the claim, the larger the payout, and the larger the potential premium increase. These losses impact the insured’s short-term and long-term financial health.
Protecting Your Home and Your Claims History
Maintaining the integrity of your roof can help protect both your home and your insurance record. Preventing avoidable damage can reduce the likelihood of filing claims, which helps homeowners maintain a cleaner claims history.
A strong claims history may influence eligibility for preferred insurance programs and can help homeowners retain important discounts over time.
“Part of our role as advisors is helping clients think about risk before something happens,” Wells says. “Preventative maintenance, like periodically replacing roof underlayment, can reduce the likelihood of costly water damage claims.”
While every home and roofing system is different, many Arizona homeowners may consider evaluating their roof underlayment around the 20-year mark to ensure it continues to perform as intended.
Guidance Beyond the Policy
At The Arizona Group, we believe insurance is about more than just a policy—it’s about having a dedicated advocate by your side for the long haul. As your Personal Insurance Consultants, our goal is to help you stay appropriately covered through every phase of homeownership.
“Our job isn’t just to help when something goes wrong,” Wells says. “It’s to periodically review your coverage and provide the education you need to protect what you’ve worked hard to build.”
If you aren’t sure how old your roof underlayment is or want to know how preventative maintenance impacts your insurance standing, we are here to help.
Please note that The Arizona Group does not provide roofing inspections, maintenance services, or technical roofing advice. Homeowners should consult with a licensed roofing contractor for a professional evaluation of their roof.
Give us a call at 480-892-8755 or Contact Us online to be paired up with a Personal Insurance Consultant who can help you review your policy and discuss your home’s specific risks.