Yes. Class 4 shingles can lower your homeowners insurance premium, but the amount varies by carrier, policy, and location. Many Minnesota homeowners choose Class 4 shingles not only for the potential insurance savings, but also for their enhanced resistance to hail damage and severe weather over the life of the roof.
Here is what you need to know before making a decision.
Why This Matters in Minnesota
Minnesota consistently ranks among the nation’s most hail-prone states. In the Twin Cities metro, hail claims are common enough that many homeowners now consider impact-resistant roofing during routine roof replacements — not just after a major storm. Understanding how Class 4 shingles work, what they cost, and whether your insurance carrier offers a meaningful discount is an important part of making an informed decision when replacing your roof.
What Is a Class 4 Shingle?
Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance rating available for roofing materials, determined through a standardized laboratory test called UL 2218.
During testing, steel balls of increasing size are dropped from controlled heights onto shingles to simulate the force of falling hailstones. Each shingle is struck twice in the same spot and inspected for cracking on the back. If no damage is observed, the shingle receives a class rating, with Class 4 as the highest and Class 1 as the lowest.
A Class 4 shingle must withstand a 2-inch diameter steel ball impact without cracking — the equivalent of a golf ball-sized hailstone hitting the shingle at terminal velocity.
It is important to understand that this rating measures impact resistance through laboratory testing. It does not measure weatherproofing, overall lifespan, or performance in every real-world storm condition.
Class 3 vs. Class 4 Shingles
Many standard architectural shingles, including popular products such as the Owens Corning Duration, carry a Class 3 impact rating. Class 4 products undergo more demanding impact testing and generally provide greater resistance to hail damage. While both are quality roofing systems, homeowners in hail-prone areas like Minnesota often choose Class 4 products for the added protection and potential insurance benefits.
If you are comparing a Class 3 and Class 4 option during your roof replacement, it is worth calling your insurance carrier to ask whether each rating qualifies for a discount and by how much. That number can help clarify whether the additional cost of the Class 4 upgrade makes sense for your situation.
Do Class 4 Shingles Lower Insurance Premiums?
Many major insurance carriers offer premium discounts for homeowners who install certified Class 4 impact-resistant roofing. In Minnesota, carriers including State Farm, Allstate, American Family, USAA, Farmers, and Liberty Mutual have programs that recognize Class 4 installations.
State Farm specifically lists Minnesota as a qualifying state and has a formal certification process that requires the roofing contractor to document the product installed, the manufacturer, the UL 2218 or FM 4473 class rating, and the date of installation.
Insurance carrier programs, eligibility requirements, and discount amounts can change over time. Always verify current discounts and requirements directly with your insurance provider before making a decision.
The discount amount varies depending on:
- Your insurance carrier and specific policy
- Your home’s location and claims history
- The age of the roof at the time of replacement
- The specific Class 4 product installed
- Whether proper documentation is submitted
Some homeowners see modest savings. Others see meaningful reductions. We have had homeowners report savings ranging from several hundred dollars per year to over $1,000 per year following a full roof replacement with Class 4 shingles. That larger figure likely reflects the combined benefit of a brand new roof plus the Class 4 discount, but the savings were real and ongoing.
The most important step before making a decision based on insurance savings is to call your insurance agent first. Ask specifically what discount is available for a Class 4 installation on your policy and get it in writing before the work begins.
How Much Does a Class 4 Upgrade Cost?
Class 4 shingles cost more than standard architectural shingles. At First Impressions Exteriors, we typically charge $30 to $50 per square for the upgrade from a standard shingle to a Class 4 product. On a typical Minnesota home, that adds roughly $600 to $1,500 to the overall project cost depending on roof size.
For many homeowners the math is straightforward.
Example: If a homeowner spends $1,000 to upgrade to a Class 4 roof and receives a $250 annual insurance discount, the upgrade pays for itself in approximately four years. After that, the ongoing premium savings continue to provide value year after year.
Class 4 shingles also tend to hold up better over time in Minnesota’s climate, which can mean fewer repairs and a longer roof lifespan — adding further long-term value beyond the insurance discount alone.
Class 4 Does Not Mean Hail-Proof
This is one of the most important things to understand before choosing a Class 4 roof, and one of the most common misconceptions we encounter.
Class 4 shingles are engineered to withstand impact significantly better than standard shingles and often perform much better during hailstorms. But they are not hail-proof.
Large hail can still damage a Class 4 roof. Extreme weather events, repeated impacts, or very large hailstones can still cause damage even on a Class 4 roof. The rating indicates a higher level of impact resistance under laboratory testing conditions, not immunity from storm damage.
It is also worth noting that even when Class 4 shingles survive a hailstorm intact, other components of the home can still sustain damage. Gutters, soft metal flashings, window screens, HVAC equipment, siding, and painted surfaces are all vulnerable to hail regardless of the roof’s rating. Insurance claims can and do still occur on homes with Class 4 roofs.
Not All Class 4 Shingles Are the Same
Another common misconception is that every product carrying a Class 4 rating performs equally. That is not the case.
Different manufacturers use different materials, reinforcement technologies, and construction methods to achieve the Class 4 rating. Real-world performance, warranty coverage, and long-term durability can vary considerably from one product to another.
Products we install that carry a Class 4 rating include:
Malarkey Vista AR — our most commonly installed Class 4 shingle. A strong value option that offers solid impact resistant shingle performance at a lower price point than some competing products.
Owens Corning Duration Flex — our recommended upgrade. The Duration Flex uses SBS polymer-modified asphalt, which gives the shingle rubber-like flexibility that holds up better in Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles and extreme temperature swings. It carries both UL 2218 and FM 4473 Class 4 ratings, a 130 MPH wind resistance warranty, and patented SureNail Technology for 42% better nail-pull resistance compared to standard shingles. For homeowners who want the best performing Class 4 option available, this is what we recommend.
GAF Timberline AS II and GAF Timberline UHDZ are additional Class 4 options we can install depending on project requirements.
Documentation Matters
One of the most overlooked aspects of the Class 4 roof insurance discount process is documentation. Insurance carriers typically require proof that a qualifying product was installed before applying a discount to your policy.
At First Impressions Exteriors, we provide every customer with a paid invoice that clearly identifies the shingle installed and its Class 4 rating. We also assist homeowners in completing carrier-specific certification forms when required. State Farm, for example, has a formal Roofing Installation Information and Certification form that must be signed by an authorized representative of the roofing company and submitted to the carrier.
Documentation you should keep after a Class 4 installation:
- Your final paid invoice listing the product name, manufacturer, and Class 4 rating
- The shingle packaging label showing the UL 2218 or FM 4473 classification
- Any carrier certification form completed by your contractor
- Photos of the completed installation
Some carriers require documentation shortly after installation, while others allow homeowners to submit proof at any time. Requirements vary by carrier, so it is important to verify the process with your insurance company as soon as your project is complete.
Does a Class 4 Roof Add Resale Value?
A Class 4 roof does not typically increase appraised home value dollar-for-dollar, but it can be an attractive selling feature in hail-prone regions like Minnesota. Prospective buyers may appreciate the added durability, potential insurance savings, and the reduced likelihood of needing a new roof in the near term. If you are planning to sell within a few years, the insurance discount may not have time to fully pay back the upgrade cost, but the roof itself remains a selling point.
Is the Class 4 Upgrade Worth It for Minnesota Homeowners?
For most Minnesota homeowners who are already replacing their roof, the upgrade to Class 4 shingles is worth serious consideration.
The upgrade makes the most sense when:
- You plan to stay in the home for five or more years
- Your insurance carrier offers a meaningful Class 4 discount
- You are already replacing the roof due to age, storm damage, or an insurance claim
- You want the added durability and reduced likelihood of future repairs
The upgrade may be less compelling if:
- You are planning to sell the home within a year or two
- Your insurance carrier offers little or no Class 4 discount
- The rest of the home has significant deferred maintenance that would be a higher priority
The best way to approach this decision is to call your insurance agent, ask for the specific Class 4 discount available on your policy, and use that number to calculate your actual payback period based on the upgrade cost for your specific roof.
Helping Homeowners Maximize Their Class 4 Benefits
At First Impressions Exteriors, we discuss Class 4 options with every homeowner considering a roof replacement. We help homeowners compare products, understand available insurance discounts, and provide the documentation required by insurance carriers to ensure eligible discounts are received. If you have questions about whether a Class 4 upgrade makes sense for your home, we are happy to walk through the options during a complimentary inspection.
For many Minnesota homeowners, a Class 4 roof is one of the few home improvements that can potentially provide both immediate and long-term value. Between the possibility of lower insurance premiums, improved hail resistance, and increased durability, the upgrade is often worth considering when replacing an existing roof. The key is understanding the actual discount available through your insurance carrier and choosing a quality Class 4 product that fits your goals and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While many major carriers including State Farm, Allstate, American Family, and USAA offer Class 4 discounts in Minnesota, not every carrier does. The discount amount also varies significantly from one carrier to another. Always confirm directly with your insurance agent before making a decision based on expected premium savings.
It depends on your carrier and policy. Minnesota homeowners with Class 4 roofs have reported savings ranging from modest reductions to several hundred dollars per year or more. Calling your agent before installation is the only reliable way to know the specific savings available on your policy.
No. Class 4 shingles offer significantly higher impact resistance than standard shingles, but they can still be damaged by large hail, extreme weather events, or repeated impacts. The Class 4 rating reflects laboratory impact testing, not a guarantee against storm damage.
Yes. Many homeowners choose to upgrade to Class 4 shingles during an insurance-funded roof replacement. The insurance carrier typically covers the cost of replacing the existing roof with like-kind materials. The upgrade cost difference from a standard shingle to a Class 4 product is generally a homeowner out-of-pocket expense, but the long-term insurance discount can offset that over time.
Your roofing contractor should provide a paid invoice that lists the product name, manufacturer, and Class 4 rating. Some carriers also require a formal certification form completed and signed by the contractor. At First Impressions Exteriors, we provide the necessary documentation and can assist with carrier-specific forms when required.
Many insurance carriers in Minnesota offer discounts of 20 to 30 percent for homes with Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. Savings vary by carrier and policy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm what discounts apply to your policy.
We most commonly install the Malarkey Vista AR, which offers solid performance at a good value. For homeowners who want the best performing option, we recommend the Owens Corning Duration Flex. It uses SBS polymer-modified asphalt for better flexibility in cold weather, carries both UL 2218 and FM 4473 Class 4 ratings, and includes patented SureNail Technology for superior wind resistance.
