September 30, 2026By ARX Roofing & ExteriorsReviewed by Nathan Hall, Owner / Partner

Do Class 3 or Class 4 Shingles Lower Your Home Insurance in North Carolina?

Maybe. North Carolina does not guarantee a discount for impact-resistant shingles. Some carriers file a hail-resistant roof discount, and they set the qualifying rules, and which UL 2218 classes qualify varies. Some carriers name only Class 4, while others accept Class 3. Manufacturers such as IKO rate their Cambridge and Dynasty lines Class 3 and their Nordic line Class 4, and describe the rating as being for potential insurance premium reductions. Because the answer lives in your insurer's filed terms, get the discount requirements in writing before you choose a shingle. ARX cannot promise a premium reduction, and neither can any roofer.

How homeowners rates work in North Carolina

North Carolina is unusual. Base homeowners rates and several statewide credits are set through the North Carolina Rate Bureau, not by each insurer on its own. The Rate Bureau's 2025 circular on revised homeowners rates and rules describes revised windstorm or hail exclusion credits and revised wind mitigation credits as part of the approved settlement. Insurers can also file their own deviations with the state, and those filings are where carrier-specific discounts show up. At least one carrier's filed deviations list a "Hail Resistant Roof Discount" as a separate line item.

Statewide credits come from the Rate Bureau's filings, while a hail-resistant roof discount is a carrier-specific item with its own requirements.

Class 3 vs. Class 4: what each means for a discount

Class 1 through 4 are UL 2218 hail-impact ratings, and Class 4 is the highest. We explain the test in our shingle impact ratings guide.

	Class 3	Class 4
UL 2218 steel ball	1.75 in, 17 ft drop	2.00 in, 20 ft drop
Accepted for a carrier hail discount	Depends on the carrier. Some accept Class 3, some name only Class 4	Accepted wherever any impact class is accepted
Hail-proof	No	No

No source guarantees a Class 3 or Class 4 credit in North Carolina, so do not assume one. ARX installs IKO shingles: Cambridge and Dynasty are rated Class 3 and Nordic Class 4 by IKO (see our impact-resistant shingles page). If a bid says "impact resistant" without a UL 2218 class on the spec sheet, it is not documentation you can give an insurer.

What to ask your insurer before you buy

1. Do you offer a discount for an impact-resistant or hail-resistant roof on my policy?

2. Which UL 2218 classes qualify: Class 4 only, or Class 3 too?

3. What documentation do you require, such as the manufacturer's product listing, an installation invoice, or a photo?

4. Does the discount apply to the whole premium or only the wind and hail portion?

5. Does it change my roof settlement terms, for example actual cash value versus replacement cost on roof surfaces?

Write down who answered and when. Discount programs change at renewal.

How to avoid paying for a discount you do not get

Get the answer first, then price the options. Ask your contractor for the product name and UL 2218 class in writing, keep the manufacturer's listing and your invoice, and send them to your insurer after installation. A Class 4 shingle often costs more than a standard architectural line, so compare the added upfront cost with whatever your insurer quotes you in writing. If the insurer offers nothing, a Class 4 roof can still be worth considering for hail resistance, but that is a durability decision, not a savings guarantee.

Next step

If you are planning a replacement, book a free inspection or call (704) 313-8834. ARX will put the shingle line and its UL 2218 class on the written scope so you have what your insurer asks for. For hail already on your roof, see our guide to how roof insurance claims work in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Class 4 roof lower home insurance in North Carolina? It can with some carriers, but it is not guaranteed. Eligibility and the amount depend on your insurer's filed terms and your policy, so confirm in writing.

Does a Class 3 shingle qualify for an insurance discount? It depends on the carrier. Some carriers accept Class 3 and some name only Class 4, and no source guarantees either in North Carolina. Ask your insurer which classes qualify before you choose.

What documents will my insurer want? Usually the product name and UL 2218 class, plus your installation invoice. Ask your carrier for its exact list.

Will a new roof of any kind lower my premium? Roof age and condition affect underwriting and pricing at many carriers. The effect varies, so ask your agent how your carrier treats a new roof.

Sources

North Carolina Rate Bureau — homeowners rates and rules, circulars

NC Department of Insurance — Homeowners Insurance FAQs

UL 2218 — Standard for Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials

*General information, not insurance advice or a quote. Coverage, discounts, and premiums are determined by your insurer and your policy.*

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