Roofs Targeted Along With Insurance Rate Hike

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will raise its rates by 10% effective January 1, 2010.

The insurer has also tightened rules on writing or renewing policies with regards to the roof over your head.

If your home is 25 years old, you will have to prove that the roof has been replaced at least one time, or you will have to hire a licensed roof inspector to verify its integrity.

For roofers like Jacksonville's Tim White, it will mean a lot more work for his 12-man crew.

"It will definitely be a benefit for us, but it will also be a benefit for the homeowner because a lot of times there's a tremendous amount of damage that could be caused in a storm," said White.

Citizen's Insurance says sturdier, newer roofs will withstand heavy winds better and reduce claims in the event of a hurricane or powerful tropical storm.

White says even roof shingles billed as having a 20 or 25-year lifespan will only last 16-18 years in our heat and humidity.

"And I have to explain to them (the homeowners) that in our climate -- from the heat and the humidity, the heat burns 'em up!"

White says it is important to hire licensed roofers and roof inspectors who are trained to spot early damage before it becomes critical damage.

"A lot that the homeowner isn't aware of the condition the roof is in. So sometimes they hate having to call me because I have to tell them that it is in need of replacement, but (if) we have one of them bad storms come by, they'll be glad they did."