New Roofing Trend Report highlights aging U.S. housing stock, regional peril disparities, and the rising cost of outdated inspections

Residential roof-related insurance claims in the U.S. reached a staggering $31 billion in 2024, according to Verisk’s new U.S. Roofing Realities Trend Report. This marks a nearly 30% increase since 2022 and underscores how escalating peril exposure—particularly from wind and hail—is reshaping property risk for insurers.

The report draws on Verisk’s aerial imagery and personal property analytics to surface data-backed insights into evolving risk drivers, structural resiliency, and the cost of aging infrastructure.

“We’re combining multiple sources of data using innovative methods to help insurers gain a greater understanding of roof resiliency and property-specific peril risk,” said Ryan D’Amario, Vice President of Property Product Management at Verisk.

Non-CAT Wind and Hail Losses on the Rise

While catastrophic storms continue to pose serious risk, Verisk’s data shows non-catastrophic wind and hail claims rose sharply, climbing from 17% of residential roof claims in 2022 to 25% in 2024. Overall, roof-related items made up more than a quarter of residential claim value last year.

One major factor? The industry’s continued reliance on outdated inspection models.

Ground-level inspections often miss roof defects like pooling water or missing materials—critical indicators that Verisk’s Aerial Imagery Analytics can detect at scale.

The Value of Data-Driven Roof Intelligence

Verisk’s Roof Condition Score (RCS) and Roof Age^® solutions deliver a more accurate picture of roof vulnerability by combining:

• High-resolution aerial imagery
• Permit data
• Assessor and real estate records
• Historical claims data

These insights empower insurers to move beyond limited visual inspections and toward proactive risk selection, pricing, and portfolio management.

Key Roofing Trends for Insurers

1. Aging Roofs Increase Risk Exposure

• 38% of U.S. homes have roofs in moderate to poor condition
• These homes experience 60% higher loss costs than those with well-maintained roofs
• Conditions are worse in the eastern U.S., where weather variability accelerates wear

2. Material and Lifespan Gaps Are Widening

• Asphalt shingles cover 80% of U.S. roofs
• In hail-prone states, the average roof lifespan is 15 years
• Nearly 29% of asphalt-shingled homes have less than 4 years of remaining useful life
• States with the highest percentage of aging roofs: West Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts

3. Roof Shape Matters

• Hip-style roofs, known for wind resilience, are found on 20% of U.S. homes
• Highest concentration: Florida and Louisiana

Modernizing Roof Risk Strategy

Verisk’s personal property analytics give insurers new tools to refine underwriting, reduce loss ratios, and educate policyholders. Insights from the Roofing Realities report support a growing industry shift toward automation, remote assessments, and smarter risk pricing.

As climate volatility and infrastructure aging converge, insurers must adapt—and data-driven tools are proving essential.

🔍 Explore Verisk’s Personal Property Solutions

Learn more about Verisk’s Roof Age®, Roof Condition Score (RCS), and Aerial Imagery Analytics by visiting the Verisk Personal Property Solutions Hub.