Hail-resistant roofing and siding can cut homeowners insurance premiums by as much as 50% in high-risk areas, according to a new study from the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The research also links these materials to lower deductibles, reduced coverage caps, and better access to full replacement-cost coverage on roofs.
What the study found
The report, prepared by MNP LLP, examined hail risk, insurance costs, and opportunities to strengthen property resilience in Alberta. One of its central findings is the size of hail’s footprint on a typical premium in hail-prone regions: hail can account for 30% to 68% of a homeowner’s insurance premium. That share is the lever a stronger roof can pull on.
Why the findings matter now
Insured losses from hailstorms in Alberta reached $6 billion over the past five years. A single 2024 storm in Calgary produced more than $3 billion of that total, a reminder of how concentrated the risk can be in one event. As losses climb, insurers are responding with both pricing and product changes.
What a hail-resistant upgrade can change on a policy
The study also outlines additional policy improvements that often follow a resilient-roof installation.
- Lower deductibles on hail claims
- Higher or removed coverage caps
- Access to full replacement-cost coverage rather than depreciated or actual-cash-value terms
More insurers are offering financial assistance to install resilient roofing and siding after a claim, pairing premium incentives with funding options for the upgrade.
Recommended policy changes
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is using the study to push for hail-resistant materials to be required in new construction in high-risk areas. The group is also calling for financial incentives that help homeowners retrofit existing properties, and it has recommended reviving Calgary’s Resilient Roofing Rebate Program as one route to scale adoption.
FAQ
How much can hail-resistant roofing cut insurance premiums?
Up to 50% in high-risk hail areas, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada study conducted by MNP LLP.
How big a factor is hail in homeowners insurance costs?
The study found hail can account for 30% to 68% of a homeowner’s insurance premium in high-risk regions of Alberta.
What policy benefits can come with hail-resistant roofing?
Beyond lower premiums, the study links these materials to lower deductibles, reduced coverage caps, and improved access to full replacement-cost coverage, with more insurers also offering financial assistance for installation after a claim.
This article summarizes reporting from roofingcontractor.com.