Class 4 Shingles: Do They Lower Your Insurance Premium in Texas?

Class 4 impact-rated shingles are the highest impact rating available for asphalt shingles. In Texas, many insurance companies offer premium discounts if you install them and provide proof. Here's how it works.

What Class 4 means

Class 4 is the highest rating under the UL 2218 impact test. A steel ball is dropped onto the shingle from 20 feet, and the shingle must not crack or break. Class 4 shingles survive hail impacts that would split a standard architectural shingle.

Do they actually lower your premium?

In Texas, yes, most major carriers offer a discount for Class 4 impact-rated shingles. The discount varies by carrier, but we've seen reductions of 10 to 27 percent on the wind and hail portion of the premium. Some carriers require a certificate of installation, which we provide after every job.

The math matters here. If you're in Round Rock or Pflugerville and your roof is 15+ years old, the premium savings over the life of the roof can offset a significant portion of the replacement cost.

What to ask your insurance agent

Before you replace your roof, call your agent and ask:

1. Do you offer a discount for Class 4 impact-rated shingles?
2. What documentation do you need to apply the discount?
3. Is there a deductible reduction for impact-resistant roofing?

Then get a free inspection and a quote that includes Class 4 shingles. We install GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration Flex, both rated Class 4.

The catch

Class 4 shingles cost more than standard architectural shingles, typically 15 to 25 percent more on materials. But if you're in the Austin hail corridor, the premium savings plus the avoided cost of a second replacement after the next storm usually makes the upgrade worth it.

Use our cost estimator to compare Class 4 against standard shingles, or read about our recent Class 4 replacement in Cedar Park.