Homeowners’ insurance used to be something you could count on. But lately, more homeowners across Indiana are finding out that their roof is no longer covered by their homeowners’ insurance, or worse, their policy is being dropped entirely. No storms, no claim filed, just an unexpected drop, and the question: Now what?
At Hoel Roofing, we’ve seen tons of homeowners caught off guard by changes in their insurance coverage, and we’ve helped dozens of homeowners protect their coverage or get it reinstated without immediately shelling out thousands of dollars.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why insurers are dropping roof coverage more often in 2025, how to avoid major out-of-pocket costs if it happens to you, and what you can do right now to protect your home and your wallet.
We’ve seen dozens of cases where insurance canceled coverage after a simple drive-by. No one got on the roof. And in many of those cases, the roof still had 5 to 10 years of life left. Here are some of the common reasons why:
A lapse in homeowners’ insurance leaves your home and belongings unprotected from fire, storms, theft, or accidents, meaning you would be responsible for any repair or replacement costs out of pocket. For example, if a tree falls on your house during a storm while your policy is lapsed, you would have to pay for the full repair yourself. If you have a mortgage, your lender requires continuous coverage; without it, they can force-place insurance at a higher cost, add premiums to your mortgage, or flag your account for non-compliance. Maintaining uninterrupted coverage ensures financial protection, compliance with your loan, and peace of mind.
If your homeowners’ insurance lapses, your mortgage lender immediately considers your home at risk, because the property itself serves as collateral for the loan. Most lenders include a clause in your mortgage agreement requiring continuous insurance coverage. Without it, several consequences can occur:
If your insurance is canceled, there are typically three ways forward:
Sometimes, your insurer might give you a list of repairs instead of a full cancellation. Completing those repairs might allow you to keep your policy.
If your roof is too far gone, replacement might be the only path. In these cases, replacing the roof promptly can help you:
Often, a contractor’s professional assessment is all that is needed to reverse a non-renewal. As we’ve seen at Hoel Roofing, sometimes if we determine the roof still has 5+ years of good life left, we can write a formal report. A lot of times, that’s enough to help homeowners keep their insurance.
Can You Get Reinstated With Your Insurance Company After You’re Dropped?
Sometimes. Insurance providers usually won’t budge unless a certified roofer steps in with documentation. Negotiating coverage without a repair or inspection won’t get you far. But with the right partner, you can build a case to keep or reinstate your coverage.
What Roofing Issues Trigger Non-Renewals or Cancellations?
Most non-renewals stem from age or visible damage that the homeowner was unaware of. We’ve seen insurers:
And it’s not just older roofs. Even some 10-year-old systems are getting flagged, especially if algae streaking, granule loss, or missing shingles are visible from the street.
How Do Insurers Evaluate Roof Risk?
Insurance companies use aerial imaging, AI-powered roof scans, and claims databases to assess roof condition, often without ever setting foot on your property. They may label your roof “high risk” based on:
But here’s what they won’t tell you: you have more control than you think, especially if you take the right steps before a cancellation or claim happens.
When your insurance drops your roof, or your entire policy, you risk:
It’s not just the cost of a roof. It’s the domino effect. Your roof protects every other asset under it, your home, your furniture, and your finances.
If your coverage is at risk, don’t wait until it’s too late. Let us inspect, document, and help you take the smartest next step, before you’re stuck footing the entire bill yourself. Contact us for an inspection. It comes with a free estimate, so you know what you’ll need to get your insurance on track. If you need financing to meet up with paying for your roof, check out our article on the best roofing companies in East Central Indiana that offer payment plans.
Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.
