It’s a question we’re getting more and more at Tier-One Roofing—and with good reason. As material prices rise due to the 2025 steel and aluminum tariffs, homeowners are wondering: “If my insurance company agreed to pay for a roof replacement last year… will that still cover the cost now?”
Let’s break this down in plain terms—because it matters to you, your wallet, and your home.
Quick Summary: What You Need to Know
The U.S. reintroduced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports in March 2025.
These metals are critical in roofing systems, flashing, gutters, and fasteners.
As costs rise, homeowners may face gaps between insurance payouts and actual replacement costs.
Whether you're covered depends on your policy, your insurer, and how recent your roof estimate was.
Why Tariffs Matter in Roofing Insurance
The 2025 steel and aluminum tariffs were introduced to strengthen American manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign metals—a move many say is necessary for long-term stability.
But in the short term? That’s a different story.
These metals are found in everything from standing seam metal roofing to aluminum flashing, ventilation systems, and even nails and fasteners. As prices rise, the cost of replacing or repairing a roof is going up with them.
If your roof was damaged in a recent storm—or if you’ve got an older policy on file—you could find yourself stuck with an insurance payout that no longer reflects current material costs.
How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Roof Replacement Costs?
Insurance adjusters rely on cost databases and real-time market data to estimate the cost of replacing your roof. That data includes:
Material costs (shingles, flashing, metal panels, etc.)
Labor costs (which have also gone up due to demand)
Local taxes and fees
Disposal and cleanup
But here’s the catch: insurance companies don’t always update their pricing databases as fast as the market moves. And with tariffs shaking up the metals market almost overnight, that’s a serious problem.
Will Insurance Cover the Price Increases Caused by Tariffs?
It depends on your policy type and when the claim was filed.
Let’s look at two common types of roof coverage:
1. Actual Cash Value (ACV) Policies
These policies cover the depreciated value of your roof, not the full cost to replace it. That means:
If your 20-year roof is 15 years old, you’ll only be reimbursed for the value of a 15-year-old roof, minus your deductible.
Tariffs or not, you’re already taking a financial hit under ACV.
Rising material costs just widen the gap between what your insurer pays and what you owe.
In short: Yes, ACV policies will almost always leave you paying more out of pocket when prices go up.
2. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Policies
These are better—but not always bulletproof.
RCV policies pay to restore your roof to its original condition, using similar materials and current prices. However:
Some insurers will cap payout amounts based on historical averages, not today’s higher costs.
If your claim was filed before the tariffs went into effect, you may only receive a pre-tariff estimate.
Some policies have material coverage exclusions or limited inflation protection.
The bottom line: RCV gives you better protection—but it still might not keep up with fast-moving price spikes.
3. Roof Service Payment Schedule (RPS) Policies
These policies use a preset payout schedule based on the age of your roof, not its current replacement cost.
That means:
If your roof is 10–15 years old, you may only get a fraction of what it costs to replace it today—regardless of material prices or damage severity.
RPS doesn’t adjust for inflation, tariffs, or market surges.
It’s fixed—and in today’s climate, that can be risky.
The takeaway: RPS policies offer lower premiums, but they typically provide the least coverage when prices spike due to tariffs or material shortages.
How Fast Are Roofing Prices Rising in 2025?
We’ve already seen a 15–20% increase in metal roofing components since March. Suppliers are adjusting pricing monthly—sometimes weekly—depending on the source.
Here are just a few examples of what’s changed:
Galvanized steel flashing: Up 18%
Standing seam metal panels: Up 20–25%
Aluminum soffit and fascia: Up 15%
Fasteners and anchors: Up 10%+
These aren’t minor increases—and they add up fast on a full roof replacement.
How Homeowners Can Prepare for Roofing Cost Gaps
If your insurance claim hasn’t been filed yet, now’s the time to get strategic.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
• Get a Fresh Estimate
Work with a contractor like Tier-One Roofing that uses current pricing data—not outdated estimates. We’ll factor in tariffs, supply chain delays, and labor trends to give you an accurate, up-to-the-minute quote.
• Read the Fine Print on Your Policy
Look for terms like:
“Inflation Guard”
“Material Caps”
“Coverage Limitations for Tariff or Market Adjustments”
Not sure how to interpret it? Send it our way. We’ll walk you through it.
• Push for an Updated Claim
If your roof was assessed before the 2025 tariffs kicked in, ask your insurer to re-evaluate the claim. You’re entitled to a fair payout based on today’s costs, not yesterday’s estimates.
• Document Everything
Save receipts, invoices, and supplier quotes. If you end up needing to dispute a claim, documentation is your strongest ally.
What If Your Insurance Denies the Full Cost?
It happens. But don’t panic—you have options.
• Negotiate With Support
Work with your roofer to submit a supplemental claim showing the updated pricing. We’ve helped dozens of clients get insurers to increase payouts based on price hikes.
• Hire a Public Adjuster
These licensed professionals work on your behalf, not the insurer’s. They’ll fight to ensure you’re paid what you’re owed, especially when pricing data is shifting fast.
• Consider Financing the Difference
If your policy falls short, Tier-One Roofing offers financing options to help you bridge the gap without cutting corners on quality.
Is It Fair That Tariffs Affect Homeowners?
It’s a fair question—and one we don’t take lightly.
Tariffs were introduced to rebuild America’s industrial base and strengthen domestic supply chains. From a long-term view, that’s a good thing. A stronger U.S. steel and aluminum industry could lead to:
More local jobs
Greater self-sufficiency
Less vulnerability to global price swings
But in the short term, those benefits come with growing pains—and roofing is one of the first industries to feel it.
How Do U.S. Tariffs Compare to Other Countries?
Many countries have long protected their own industries through heavy import duties:
Canada has imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and 25% duties on various U.S. imports.
The EU levies tariffs across a wide range of U.S. goods, from motorcycles to bourbon, in response to past metal tariffs.
China maintains complex tariff structures that heavily favor domestic production.
In other words: This isn’t new. The U.S. is playing catch-up to protect its industrial backbone.
So, Will Tariffs Affect Roof Insurance Claims?
Yes, and they already are. Rising material costs—especially for metal components—are outpacing what many insurance policies were originally written to cover.
That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With the right contractor, updated documentation, and clear communication, you can:
Get a fair payout
Protect your home with quality materials
Avoid major out-of-pocket surprises
Final Answer: Will Tariffs on Steel & Aluminum Affect Roof Insurance Claims?
Yes. As material costs increase due to 2025 tariffs, some insurance claims may no longer cover the full cost of roof repair or replacement. Homeowners should review their policy, get updated estimates, and be prepared to negotiate or supplement their claim.
Tier-One Can Help You Navigate It
We’re not just roofers—we’re problem-solvers. We know how to work with insurance, we stay current on market trends, and we fight to make sure you don’t pay more than you have to.
Call Tier-One Roofing today for a free, up-to-date inspection and quote—and let us help you stay protected when the market shifts.