Talk With A Metal Roof Expert
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Yes. Many Tennessee insurance companies can give discounts for metal roofs, especially when the roof is documented as a more resilient system (hail impact resistance, fire rating, newer roof age, and verified installation).
The important nuance is that the discount is rarely “because it’s metal” in the abstract. It’s usually because the roof is rated and documented as lower risk, and because your insurer can verify it.
In practice, they can, and the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) specifically notes that in many states, a metal roof can lower homeowners insurance by up to 35%. (metalroofing.com)
That “up to” number is a ceiling and will not apply to every home or every policy in Tennessee, but it confirms the core point: insurers often view quality metal roofing as a risk-reducer.
From what we see on real homes here in Tennessee, the more realistic outcome is usually smaller. As an example from our own customers at The Metal Roofers, we commonly see discounts around 10% to 15% when the roof is properly installed and fully documented, with the exact number depending on the carrier, policy type, and what the insurer is crediting (impact rating, fire rating, roof age, or all of the above). That is not a guarantee, it’s just what we’ve repeatedly seen when the paperwork is clean and the roof system qualifies.
Insurance pricing is risk pricing. Roofs drive a big portion of risk because roofs are involved in so many claims: wind-driven rain, hail impact, falling debris, fire exposure, and long-term wear.
MRA’s own insurance-focused guidance highlights why insurers tend to prefer quality metal roofs: resilience to high winds, a Class A fire rating (the highest), and a Class 4 hail impact rating under the UL 2218 classification system.
Those are exactly the categories insurance underwriters care about because they correlate with fewer claims and less severe losses.
Different carriers apply different discount types. Sometimes a metal roof qualifies for more than one.
Some insurers offer credits for roofs that meet impact-resistant standards, commonly tied to UL 2218 Class ratings.
State Farm, for example, explicitly says that if you use certain impact resistant roofing products, like hail resistant shingles or Class 4 shingles, you may be eligible for a discount, and it lists Tennessee among the states where roofing discounts are available. (State Farm)
State Farm also notes you typically must complete a roofing installation information and certification form to verify eligibility. (State Farm)
Even if your insurer is not State Farm, this is useful because it shows the structure most carriers follow: if you can prove impact rating, you can often unlock credits.
Many quality metal roofing systems carry strong fire performance, and MRA specifically calls out Class A as a key factor insurers like.
Some carriers do not label it as a “metal roof discount,” but they may rate the home more favorably because the roof materially reduces certain fire risks.
Some insurers apply discounts based on roof age and surface type. Nationwide, for example, lists a “Roof rating” discount based on roof age and surface type. (nationwide.com)
That means even when a carrier is not giving a special “metal” credit, a new metal roof can still improve rating because the roof is newer and the material type may be rated more favorably.
Homeowners hear “Class 4” and think it’s marketing. It is actually a defined lab rating.
Owens Corning explains that under UL 2218 impact testing, shingles receive Class 1 through Class 4 ratings, and Class 4 is the highest possible rating.
MRA’s insurance article also describes UL 2218 as the system underwriters use in many areas to evaluate hail impact resistance and notes Class 4 is the highest.
Important detail for Tennessee homeowners: insurers often want proof that the roof product you installed is actually rated, and sometimes they want the rating to apply to the roof system details too, not just one component.
This is where most people lose money. They install a great roof, then never provide the documentation insurers require.
What to request and keep on file every time:
1) A certificate of completion (or paid invoice) with full job details.
It should include the install address, install date, system type (standing seam, Classic panel, metal shingles), and manufacturer or product line when possible.
2) Product documentation showing ratings.
If you are pursuing an impact discount, you want documentation that the product meets the needed impact rating standard. MRA notes insurers look at Class 4 hail impact rating under UL 2218 as a major factor.
If you are pursuing a fire-related credit, you want documentation for the roof’s fire rating, with Class A being the top tier referenced by MRA.
3) Warranty paperwork.
Many carriers respond better when the roof is clearly a professional system with manufacturer warranty documentation, not “metal installed by somebody.”
4) Photos of the completed roof and details.
Ridge, valleys, chimney flashing, penetrations, and overall roof planes. Underwriters and inspectors love simple proof.
5) Contractor license and insurance documentation.
Insurers prefer professional installs, and MRA explicitly notes that insurance companies prefer roof installs performed by a certified, licensed professional and that claims can be denied if the roof was not handled by a professional.
Most homeowners do this backwards. They replace the roof, assume the discount will appear automatically, then wonder why nothing changes.
The clean process is:
Step 1: Ask your agent what credits exist before you install.
Ask specifically: impact-resistant roof credit, roof age credit, and any fire-related or wind mitigation credits.
Step 2: Ask what documentation they require.
Many carriers have a certification form or a required wording format.
State Farm is an easy example because it spells out the process: discounts vary by state, certain products qualify, and you often need to complete their roofing installation certification form. (State Farm)
Step 3: Submit documentation immediately after installation.
Do not wait until renewal. Get it into underwriting while the job is fresh and paperwork is easy.
Step 4: Confirm the discount appears on the declarations page.
Do not accept “it should update later.” Ask to see it reflected.
This is the stuff you can prevent.
1) The roof is not rated the way the insurer requires.
“Metal” alone is not a rating. If they want Class 4 impact, you need proof.
2) The paperwork is incomplete.
No install date, no product info, no warranty, no proof of professional install.
3) The roof was installed as an overlay and the carrier excludes overlays.
Some carriers restrict discounts for roofs installed over existing roofs. State Farm explicitly notes that premium reductions are not available for roofs that have been overlaid onto existing roofs, except for certain qualifying metal roofs. (State Farm)
That means overlay can complicate discounts even when the roof itself is metal.
4) The insurer credits roof age more than material.
You may still see savings, but the driver is “new roof” more than “metal roof.”
If a homeowner is choosing between systems and insurance is a factor, here is the honest way to frame it.
Standing seam: Often the strongest “insurance story” because it is the most storm-resilient design when installed correctly, with fewer exposed failure points. It also tends to come with the cleanest documentation packages and professional installation standards.
Screw-down panels (like our Classic): Can still qualify for discounts, especially when the product is rated and the install is documented. The key is quality fasteners, correct installation, and clear documentation.
Metal shingles: Can be a strong option too, especially when the product has impact rating documentation and is installed as a full system with warranty paperwork.
The theme is the same: the insurer wants proof the roof is a higher-performance system, not just a different-looking roof.
This is the part most homeowners do not want to hear, but it’s true.
A metal roof installed by a non-specialist, without clean flashing details, without correct underlayment strategy, and without documentation can fail early or create claim disputes. MRA’s insurance guidance emphasizes that insurers prefer installations done by qualified professionals and highlights the value of keeping a paper trail of upgrades and notifying your agent because you may qualify for additional savings.
That is exactly why we push the same thing every time at The Metal Roofers: install it correctly, document it properly, and submit everything to underwriting immediately. That is how homeowners actually capture the insurance benefit instead of just hearing about it.
Yes, Tennessee insurance companies can offer discounts for metal roofs. The Metal Roofing Alliance says that in many states, metal roofs can lower homeowners insurance by up to 35%, and they specifically tie insurer preference to resilience characteristics like Class A fire rating and Class 4 hail impact rating. (metalroofing.com)
In the real world in Tennessee, what we commonly see when everything is installed and documented correctly is closer to 10% to 15% with some carriers and policies, and occasionally less or more depending on the insurer’s credit structure.
