Can Your CT Insurer Drop You Just Because Your Roof Is
Some Connecticut homeowners are getting non-renewal letters that vaguely say “roof condition” or “roof age.” Here’s the bottom line: Connecticut regulators do not allow carriers to drop you over cosmetic issues or ambiguous aerial photos, and they must follow strict notice and proof standards. If an insurer tries to non-renew you based only on “age” (with no evidence of actual, material deterioration), you have leverage to challenge it.
What Connecticut Requires (in plain English)
* Cosmetic issues aren’t enough. The CT Insurance Department (CID) has told carriers that things like natural discoloration or streaking do not justify non-renewal. Aerial images that show only cosmetic concerns can’t be the sole basis, and the Department has said this practice “will not be tolerated.” Insurers need evidence of material damage or degradation that increases the risk of loss.*
* If they’re using roof age/condition, they need filed rules. Before a company takes underwriting action tied to roof age and/or condition, it must have filed underwriting guidelines with the state; the Department reviews these to ensure they’re reasonably predictive of future loss.**
* They should verify beyond flyover photos. When aerial imagery isn’t crystal-clear, the CID expects carriers to add guardrails—like a physical inspection or accepting a licensed contractor/roofer’s written report from the policyholder. *
* You must get a detailed, timely notice. By law, insurers have to give you at least 60 days’ notice and spell out the specific reason(s) for non-renewal. Vague phrases like “underwriting judgment” aren’t acceptable. ***
*Other “sole-reason” bans exist—just not roof age. State law already forbids non-renewals based solely on certain things (e.g., catastrophe-related losses, a prior owner’s claim, or inquiries/claims under $500). Roof age isn’t on that statutory list, which is why the CID’s roof guidance above matters so much.****
Reality check: Connecticut does not have a statute that flat-out bans non-renewals “solely because of roof age.” But regulators have drawn a firm line: age or flyover photos without proof of material deterioration isn’t good enough to drop you. Recent reporting shows carriers have still tried—so knowing your rights is key.*****
What To Do If You Get a Roof-Related Non-Renewal
1. Read the letter for specifics. It must say exactly what is wrong and why it increases risk. If it doesn’t, ask the carrier (in writing) to provide the specific roof condition(s) that justify non-renewal under their filed guidelines.*
2. Get a licensed roofer’s report. A written inspection from a licensed contractor can directly address the alleged issues (e.g., no leaks, no soft decking, no ponding, flashing intact). The CID explicitly points to contractor reports as valid evidence. (Brown Roofing can help with this.)*
3. Request a re-inspection / underwriting review. Submit your report and photos. Ask the carrier to withdraw the non-renewal if there’s no material damage.
4. Escalate to the CT Insurance Department. If the company refuses, file a complaint with CID and include the letter, photos, and your roofer’s report. The Department has already pushed back on non-renewals that relied on cosmetic streaking or inconclusive aerials.*
5. Shop your coverage if needed. Some carriers weigh roof age more heavily than others; the CID acknowledges roof age/condition can affect pricing, but that’s different from an unsupported non-renewal.******
Signs an Insurer’s Non-Renewal Is Weak
1. The only “evidence” is an aerial image showing discoloration or streaks—no inspection, no measurable deterioration.*
2. The notice uses vague reasons (“hazard increased,” “claims experience”) without pointing to specific roof defects. *******
3.The carrier can’t produce filed underwriting guidelines that allow action based on the exact issue cited (e.g., “roof age > 20 years,” regardless of condition). ********
FAQs
Can they drop me just because my roof hit 20 or 25 years?
Not automatically. Connecticut doesn’t ban “age” outright, but regulators require material evidence of deterioration and filed, reviewed guidelines—and they reject purely cosmetic or ambiguous aerial justifications. Challenge any “age-only” letter that lacks proof. ********
What must the letter include?
At least 60 days’ notice and specific reasons—enough detail for you to fix the issue or dispute it. ***
What counts as “material” roof problems?
CID points to things like ponding, incomplete patching, or tarping—issues that actually increase loss risk. Streaking/discoloration alone doesn’t qualify. ***
How Brown Roofing Can Help
1. Licensed, written roof inspections focused on the conditions insurers care about (deck integrity, flashing, penetrations, active leaks, ponding, wind/hail impact).
2. Photo documentation and a contractor report you can send to your carrier or the CID. (The Department specifically notes contractor reports as acceptable validation.) *
3. Repairs or replacements only when truly warranted—backed by our materials and workmanship standards.
If you’ve received a non-renewal tied to “roof age” or vague “roof condition,” call Brown Roofing. We’ll inspect, document, and help you contest unsupported actions—because Brown Won’t Let You Down.
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This blog is for general information and isn’t legal advice. If you need legal guidance, consult an attorney. Sources: CT Insurance Department Notice on Roof Condition & Aerial Imagery (Mar. 19, 2024); CGS § 38a-323 (non-renewal notice); CGS § 38a-689 (filed underwriting guidelines); CGS § 38a-316d (prohibited “sole-reason” non-renewals); CT Insurance Department consumer pages; and recent reporting on roof-related non-renewals in Connecticut.
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