Why Homeowners with Older Roofs and Siding Need a Matching Endorsement on Their Insurance Policy

If you’re a homeowner with an older roof or siding, you could be at risk for a big financial surprise after a storm — and most people don’t even know it. That's because many standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover the cost of matching damaged materials with the undamaged portions of your home's exterior.

Thankfully, there’s a solution: the roofing and siding matching endorsement. This relatively new endorsement can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

While this is an exaggerated example, no one wants to get stuck with mismatched siding. If your homeowner policy doesn't come with a roofing and siding matching endorsement, you could end up with two different types of siding on your house, or you could be stuck paying for the undamaged sides.

What Is a Roofing and Siding Matching Endorsement?

A matching endorsement is an add-on to your homeowner insurance policy that ensures your insurance company will pay to match the new siding or roofing material with the undamaged areas of your home — even if only part of your siding or roof was damaged.

Without this endorsement, if a storm damages one side of your siding or part of your roof, your insurance may only pay to repair or replace that specific section. If your original materials have faded, been discontinued, or are no longer available (which is common with older homes), you could be left with a mismatched house — or stuck paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to replace the rest.

Matching Endorsement vs. Roofing and Siding Coverage

It's important to understand that standard roofing and siding coverage typically only covers the damaged areas, not the cost to match undamaged portions.

• Standard Coverage: Pays to repair/replace only what’s damaged.

• Matching Endorsement: Pays to replace undamaged siding or roofing to maintain a consistent appearance across your home.

This distinction is critical — especially for homes with older, weathered, or discontinued materials.

When Does It Kick In?

This endorsement typically activates:

• After a covered peril, such as wind, hail, or fire.

• When there’s partial damage to roofing or siding.

• If matching materials are unavailable, or there would be a noticeable mismatch.

The insurance company will assess whether a reasonable match exists. If not, and you have the endorsement, they’ll pay to replace enough of the undamaged areas to achieve a uniform appearance.

At JP Construction, we are very familiar with the insurance roofojg amd siding matching process. Pictured is a cropped Itel report that proves a certain type of siding has been discontinued and that no known match is available. Obtaining such a report is often a necessary step for a customer to receive coverage under their matching endorsement.

Who Offers Matching Endorsements?

Not all insurance companies offer this, and many agents may not bring it up unless asked. That’s why it’s important to be proactive. Companies currently known to offer matching endorsements (availability varies by state) include:

• Erie Insurance

• Nationwide

• Travelers

• Allstate (in select policies or states)

• American Family Insurance

• Auto-Owners Insurance

• The Hanover

• Safeco (Liberty Mutual)

• State Farm (some policies or endorsements may apply)

Of all these carriers, Erie is the only one that we are aware of that covers the undamaged sides if the current material has been discontinued, regardless of whether or not a "similar" product is available. With other carriers, there still may be a determination that a similar product is "close enough" In lit experience, however, customers who pay extra for the matching endorsement generally are given the benefit of the doubt.

Note: Always ask your agent directly about a roofing and siding matching endorsement — and make sure it is specifically listed on your declarations page.

Why It Matters for Homes with Older Materials

Older homes are more likely to have:

• Discontinued siding or shingle lines

• Faded or weathered materials

• Unique colors or textures no longer produced

In these cases, matching becomes extremely difficult — and costly. Without an endorsement, you may be stuck with a “patchwork” look or forced to foot the bill to replace entire sides of your home.

When a purported siding match is listed by an insurance carrier, we obtain a sample of said match and compare it to the current siding. If/when deemed a mismatch, the carrier will cover for matching (if the customer has the matching endorsement)

A Small Cost for Big Peace of Mind

Matching endorsements are often very affordable — typically only $20 to $100 extra per year, depending on your insurer and coverage limits.

But they can save you thousands. For example, replacing one damaged wall of siding might be covered, but matching the other three walls could cost $8,000 or more out of your own pocket. A matching endorsement can cover that difference.

To be fully protected, your matching limit should be commensurate with what the matching costs could realistically be — often $10,000 to $20,000, especially for full siding replacements.

Final Thoughts

If your home has older roofing or siding, don't wait for a claim to find out you’re not covered. Talk to your insurance agent today and ask about adding a roofing and siding matching endorsement. It’s a small investment for major protection — and a uniform, beautiful home.

As an exterior residential hail damage contractor, we unfortunately run into plenty of customers who find out the hard way that they don’t have a matching endorsement. Because of this, they only get coverage for part (often half or less) of their roofing and or siding replacement costs.

Had they known about the matching endorsement, they likely would have purchased it, but they simply weren't presented with it as an option. Many agents are even unaware of it, and how crucial it can be for homeowners with aging and potentially discontinued roofing or siding.

Don't end up like them. If you have an ilder roof or siding (especially aluminum siding), call your agent or insurance company and inquire about a roofing and sidingmatching endorsement. Remember, a roofing and siding matching endorsement is NOT the same as general roofing and siding coverage.

In the market for a new roof or siding? Did your house recently sustain storm damage? If you live within our service area, call us today at (877) 846-9566 or fill out thenform below to get started. Or, schedule your free inspection online.