The SF Chronicle has very useful research on insurers and their requirements on roofing. First of all, author Megan Fan Munce lists 19 admitted insurers by 2024 market share, of which 16 are still writing new policies (as of May-2026). If you are looking for insurance, this list may help guide you on who to call.

Secondly, the list reveals issues about roofing that affect your insurability. As if being in the WUI weren’t bad enough, things that people used to do with their roofs are no longer acceptable to insurers. Such as: wood shake roofs, flat roofs, putting a new roof over old shingles, vegetation overhanging roofs, copper or tin roofs, roof age greater than 20 years, or roofs within 5 years of life span. Good condition is also a requirement, and insurer questions may be triggered by satellite or drone images.

It made me realize that buying composition shingles with a claim of 35-year life may no longer be efficient if insurers insist you replace your comp roof after 20 years. Bottom line, keep copies of your roof permit and receipts for proof of age. Verisk recently reported that 29% of US homes with asphalt shingles have less than 4 years of remaining useful roof life.

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