Why Oklahoma Homeowners Are Paying More for Less — and Why Your Roof Matters Now More Than Ever

If you’re a homeowner in Newcastle, Norman or anywhere in Oklahoma, you’ve likely noticed one unsettling trend: your homeowners insurance premium is going up — while your coverage feels like it’s going down. At TopView Roofing, we’re seeing how this affects real families, and we want to help you understand what’s going on, why it matters, and what you can do (especially when it comes to your roof). Let’s dive in.

What’s happening with homeowners insurance in Oklahoma?

 

A number of recent reports and regulatory filings show that Oklahoma is facing major challenges in the homeowners-insurance market.

• According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID), one reason rates are rising is because insurers are paying out more in claims than they’re collecting in premiums. For example, in 2023 the top 20 homeowners insurers in Oklahoma paid out $129 in claims for every $100 of premium collected.
• A recent article noted that rates in Oklahoma have climbed roughly 50.8 % from 2019 through 2024, outpacing the national average of ~40.4 %.
• A survey headline bluntly stated: “Home insurance rates in Oklahoma are wildly distorted” — showing an average of about $6,210 per year for homeowners insurance in the state, compared with a national average around $2,110 in one analysis.
• Furthermore, for 2025 insurers have filed rate increases averaging 11.2% for homeowners policies in Oklahoma.
• Inflation, rising building-material and labor costs, frequent severe weather (tornadoes, hail, high winds) and shrinking insurer profitability all play a role.

In short: homeowners in Oklahoma are seeing higher premiums, risk of reduced availability of coverage, and policies that may not cover as much as they did in the past.

The “less coverage” side of the equation

It’s not just that you’re paying more – in many cases your policy may offer less than before. Here’s what we’re seeing and what reports confirm.

• Many policies now include higher deductibles, particularly for wind/hail or percentage-based deductibles. In Oklahoma the standard deductible is sometimes expressed as a percentage of the dwelling value (for example 1%-5%) rather than a flat amount.
• Homeowners reports indicate that although their premium increased, their coverage limits remained the same or decreased, and the policy language may have more exclusions. For example one article noted that homeowners recently learned their insurance cost could rise by about $200; meanwhile materials (2×4’s, shingles) had already risen in price.
• The “risk” segment: Oklahoma insurers have to price for tornadoes, hail, wind storms — this means higher rebuild costs, more frequent claims, and so the coverage you once had might now exclude certain perils, or apply a larger out-of-pocket cost to the homeowner (via higher deductible, or lesser replacement cost vs actual cash value).

So, for Newcastle and the surrounding communities, what this means is: your homeowners insurance might cost you significantly more — but when you go to file a claim (for example roof damage or storm damage) you might find you’re paying more out-of-pocket and your insurer covering less than you expect.

What this means for your roof (and how TopView Roofing can help)

As a roofing expert in Newcastle/Oklahoma County, we see firsthand how the quality and condition of a roof affect not just the safety and longevity of your home — but your insurance risk and premiums. Here’s how:

• Storm-resistance matters: If your roof is old, worn or has had prior storm damage (hail, wind), insurers may view it as higher risk. This could lead to higher premiums or lesser coverage.
• Deductible shock: With higher deductibles (especially wind/hail specific or percentage deductibles), even if your insurer covers the loss, your cost-share could be large. Ensuring your roof is maintained lowers the chance of claim or risk of non-renewal.
• Replacement cost inflation: As insurers noted, if the cost to replace parts of your home goes up (shingles, lumber, labor) your insurer has to account for that — and if you’ve got an aging roof, you may be paying more in premium.
• Under-insurance risk: If your coverage hasn’t kept pace with current rebuild costs, or if your policy has been quietly changed (limits lowered, exclusions added), you may find yourself under-insured. Having a high-quality roof, documented condition, and proactive repairs helps.
• Discount opportunities: Some insurers offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing materials, well-maintained roof structure, or being in a lower risk zone. TopView Roofing can help inspect your roof, recommend upgrades (such as impact-resistant shingles) that may reduce your insurer cost or exposure.

By working with a local roofing partner who understands insurance implications — we at TopView Roofing aim to help you not just fix a roof but protect your home’s overall value and insurance risk.

What homeowners in Newcastle should do now

Here are actionable steps you can take:

1. Review your homeowners policy – Look at your premium, your deductible (especially wind/hail or percentage deductibles), coverage limits, and any exclusions. Make sure you understand what you’re paying for and what you’re not.
2. Shop around – Given how rates are rising, the OID advises homeowners to compare quotes among companies. Competition remains strong in Oklahoma with lots of companies writing new policies.
3. Ask your insurer about deductions/discounts – For example, impact-resistant roofing, monitored security systems, bundling home & auto policies, claims-free history, etc.
4. Check your roof now – Especially after recent storms. If your roof is older than say 15-20 years, has visible wear or has had rough weather, call for an inspection. TopView Roofing can help produce a condition report you can share with your insurer.
5. Document everything – Keep records of roof repairs, upgrades, receipts, pictures. If you ever need to file a claim, having good documentation helps.
6. Plan for out-of-pocket costs – With higher deductibles or less coverage, you may need to pay more if you claim. Budget accordingly.
7. Keep abreast of news – State updates show that home-insurance market remains unstable. Recent reports suggest rates will keep rising: e.g., Insurify projects 8-11% increase by end of 2025 in Oklahoma.

Why this matters to TopView Roofing and our Newcastle community

At TopView Roofing, we believe that your home is more than just a building — it’s your sanctuary, your investment, your family’s future. In the current insurance climate in Oklahoma, the roof plays a strategic role. A sound, resilient roof not only protects you from the elements but also helps you navigate a tougher insurance landscape.

For homeowners in Newcastle and the wider Oklahoma County area:

• We’ve witnessed the increasing number of insurance claims due to hail and wind damage in this region.
• We know that repairing or replacing your roof proactively often costs less than the steep deductible or waiting until you’re forced to act.
• We are committed to helping you understand the insurance side of roofing (not just the shingles). We’ll provide clear, honest assessments, help you identify materials or upgrades that may reduce insurer risk, and work with you to document the condition and improvements of your home’s roof.

In a state where homeowners insurance is becoming one of the largest liabilities for a home, your roof matters more than ever. We’re proud to serve Newcastle and nearby communities, offering reliable workmanship, timely service, and a partner who understands both roofing and insurance.

If you’ve found yourself saying “why is my homeowners insurance so expensive—and why am I getting less?” you’re not alone. Oklahoma is facing a perfect storm of weather risk, inflation in materials and labor, heavier claim numbers, and insurers adjusting to a tougher market. As reported, Oklahoma homeowners pay rates that in many cases are nearly double the national average.

The key takeaway: Don’t wait until your roof leaks or a storm hits. Take proactive steps now: inspect your roof, understand your insurance policy, ask questions, and partner with a trusted local roofing company like TopView Roofing. We’re here to help you safeguard your home — and your wallet.