Stronger building materials and resilience measures can reduce insurance costs and improve coverage for homeowners

EDMONTON, AB, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Homeowners in areas at high risk of hailstorms who invest in hail-resistant roofing and siding can reduce their homeowner's insurance premiums by up to 50%, according to a new study conducted by MNP LLP (MNP) for Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

"The frequency and severity of hailstorms in Alberta are on the rise, and so are the numbers and costs of insurance claims in the province," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, IBC. "In response to these trends, we've seen a dynamic shift in how the insurance industry is structuring its products to reward policyholders who make practical investments in hail-resistant materials by offering them reduced insurance costs and improved coverages."

Hailstorms in Alberta have caused $6 billion in insured damage over the past five years. In 2024, a single hailstorm in Calgary caused more than $3 billion in damage, becoming the second-costliest natural disaster in Canadian history.

To better understand how these trends are affecting homeowner's insurance premiums, and whether stronger building materials and community resilience measures could help reduce costs, IBC engaged MNP to review hail risk, insurance market impacts and resilience opportunities in Alberta.

Key findings of the MNP study

• Hail risk is highest in the City of Calgary and nearby areas.
• Insurance coverage for hail remains widely available, though the growing risk, frequency and cost of severe hail events have resulted in coverage changes and premium cost increases. As a result, hail can account for 30% to 68% of the total homeowner's insurance premium in high-risk areas.
• Hail-resistant roofing and siding can help reduce the risk of damage. When a homeowner adopts these measures, they can:
  • Reduce their premium by up to 50% if they live in a high-risk area
  • Lower their coverage's deductibles
  • Increase the availability of full replacement costs on roofs, as older roofs might only have coverage for actual cash value (depreciated value)
  • Remove or reduce coverage caps.
• An increasing number of insurers now offer financial support to help pay for the installation of resilient roofing and siding after a claim.

Recommendations for governments

For years, insurers have been calling on all orders of government to better protect Canadians from natural disasters. For areas of Alberta that are prone to hail, that protection must include efforts to:

• Mandate the use of hail-resistant materials in all new construction in high-risk areas 
• Provide homeowners with financial support for retrofits to enhance property resilience
• Support municipal investments in community resilience
• Revive Calgary's Resilient Roofing Rebate Program, which provided homeowners with financial assistance to retrofit their homes to protect them from hail damage
• Improve hail notification services so that residents are better able to move vehicles out of harm's way when a storm is approaching.

"Alberta's insurers are focused on being part of the solution to reduce the frequency and severity of hail damage in the province," said Sutherland. "Building more resilient homes and communities will not only better protect Albertans, but it will also save money moving forward."

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market.

As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow.

IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses.

For media releases, IN Focus articles or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit ibc.ca. Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1‑844‑2ask-IBC. We're here to help.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada