July 2026
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in insurance companies denying insurance coverage to homeowners on certain properties based on the age of its roof. This practice applied to homebuyers looking to get insurance coverage for a newly purchased home as well as refusing to renew policies for existing customers who already had coverage.
A new law passed by Governor Spanberger prohibits insurers from refusing coverage or canceling, refusing to renew, or increasing the premiums of a policy written to insure an owner-occupied dwelling solely based on the age or condition of the asphalt shingle roof, except in certain circumstances.
The bill also contains provisions related to consumer protection in the context of contractors providing roofing services for residential property owners. It encourages transparency, gives consumers more flexibility to cancel contracts when insurance issues arise, and helps reduce the risk of predatory roofing sales tactics.
The bill stipulates as follows:
- Insurance protections: Insurers are prohibited from taking certain adverse actions against homeowners solely because they inquire about or pursue roof-related claims under covered circumstances.
- Required contract disclosures: Roofing contractors must include specific information and consumer protections in their contracts when insurance proceeds are involved.
- Right to cancel: Homeowners may cancel certain roofing contracts if insurance coverage is denied or if conditions outlined in the law are not met. The bill also provides cancellation rights following a declared state of emergency in affected areas.
- Limits on contractor conduct: The law addresses practices that could improperly influence insurance claims or pressure homeowners into signing contracts before insurance decisions are finalized. Violations may be enforced under Virginia’s Consumer Protection Act.
For buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, the bill is particularly relevant because roof condition and insurance claims often become important during home inspections and property transactions. The new protections can help homeowners navigate roof repairs and insurance claims with greater confidence and fewer surprises.
The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.
