Roofing Materials
Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles: Ratings, Discounts, and Are They Worth It?
Class 4 is the highest impact rating a shingle can earn. Here's what the rating actually tests, how impact-resistant shingles are built, the insurance premium credits they can unlock, and how to decide whether they're worth it for your home.
(844) 578-3077 — Talk to a local roofer- UL 2218 Class 4
- The highest impact class — tested with a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet.
- Possible premium credit
- Many insurers offer a wind/hail premium credit for an approved Class 4 roof.
- Built to flex
- Polymer-modified (rubberized) asphalt absorbs impact instead of cracking.
If you live where hail is a regular visitor, "Class 4" is a term worth understanding. It's the top rung of a standardized impact-resistance rating, and roofs that earn it tend to survive storms that would bruise an ordinary shingle — and they can earn you a break on your insurance premium.
This guide explains the rating behind the label, how these shingles are engineered, the discount programs different states offer, and the honest tradeoffs so you can decide whether Class 4 makes sense for your roof.
What "Class 4" actually means
Class 4 comes from UL 2218, an impact-resistance standard. In the test, a steel ball is dropped from a set height onto the same spot of a shingle twice. The shingle earns its class if the back of the mat shows no crack or rupture. Class 4 uses the largest ball and the tallest drop, so it's the hardest to pass.
There's a second standard, FM 4473, which fires an ice ball instead of a steel ball to better mimic real hail. A shingle may carry one or both ratings; either way, Class 4 is the highest tier.
| Class | Steel ball diameter | Drop height |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 1.25 in | 12 ft |
| Class 2 | 1.5 in | 15 ft |
| Class 3 | 1.75 in | 17 ft |
| Class 4 | 2.0 in | 20 ft |
How impact-resistant shingles are built
Most Class 4 shingles use polymer-modified asphalt — often SBS, the same rubber-like modifier used in commercial roofing. The polymer lets the shingle flex and absorb an impact rather than shatter, the way a rubber mat dents and recovers where a clay tile would crack. Some products add a reinforcing mesh or a woven backing for extra tear strength.
Most major shingle manufacturers offer at least one Class 4 line. The rating is printed on the product data sheet, so you can confirm it before you buy rather than taking a salesperson's word for it.
Insurance premium discounts for impact-resistant roofs
Because impact-resistant roofs file fewer hail claims, many insurers reward them with a credit on the wind/hail portion of your premium. In some states the credit is encouraged or required by law; in others it's a voluntary program that varies by carrier. The amount differs widely, so the only reliable answer comes from your own insurer.
| State | Discount program |
|---|---|
| Texas | Many insurers file a premium credit for approved UL 2218 Class 4 roofs. |
| Oklahoma | State law directs insurers to make a discount or incentive available for impact-resistant roofing. |
| Other states | Numerous carriers offer voluntary wind/hail credits — confirm with your insurer. |
This credit is from your insurer, not from us
An impact-resistant roof discount reduces your homeowners insurance premium through your carrier. It is not a discount on roofing work, and it isn't guaranteed — confirm eligibility and any required documentation with your insurance company.
Are Class 4 shingles worth it?
In hail-prone regions, the case is strong: the roof is built for the threat you actually face, it tends to last longer between storms, and a premium credit can offset part of the higher upfront material cost over the life of the roof. Outside hail country, the value is mostly durability and longevity rather than claims avoidance.
The honest tradeoffs: Class 4 shingles cost more upfront than standard architectural shingles, a severe enough storm can still dent them, and any insurance credit depends entirely on your carrier and state. They reduce risk; they don't eliminate it.
Class 4 and your insurance claim
If hail totals your roof, replacing it with Class 4 shingles is a natural upgrade — and if your policy includes ordinance-or-law coverage, code-required upgrades may be part of the claim. Keep the manufacturer's impact-rating documentation after installation; you'll need it to apply for a premium credit and to prove the roof's class on any future claim.
How to verify a shingle is Class 4 and claim the credit
The rating is documented, and so is the discount. Keep the paperwork — it's what your insurer asks for.
- 1
Check the product data sheet
Confirm the shingle lists a UL 2218 Class 4 or FM 4473 Class 4 rating before you commit to it.
- 2
Get the manufacturer certification
After installation, have your roofer provide the product documentation showing the impact class for your records.
- 3
Ask your insurer about a credit
Contact your homeowners carrier and ask whether they offer a wind/hail or impact-resistant roof discount, and what they require.
- 4
Submit your documentation
Send the manufacturer certification and any inspection or installation records the insurer requests.
- 5
Check your state Department of Insurance
Your state's insurance department can confirm whether an impact-resistant discount is required or encouraged where you live.
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(844) 578-3077Common questions
Do Class 4 shingles stop all hail damage?
No. They resist impact far better than standard shingles and pass the toughest lab test, but large enough hail can still dent or bruise them. They lower your risk and may avoid functional damage in common storms — they don't make a roof hail-proof.
Do all insurers give a discount for Class 4 roofs?
Not all. Some states require or encourage the credit, many carriers offer it voluntarily, and a few don't offer one at all. The amount also varies. The only way to know is to ask your specific insurer and check your state Department of Insurance.
How do I prove my roof is Class 4?
Use the manufacturer's product documentation, which lists the UL 2218 or FM 4473 impact class for that shingle. Keep the installation paperwork and any inspection report — that's the package your insurer will want to see.
Are Class 4 shingles worth it if I don't live in hail country?
The hail-claim benefit shrinks, but the durability benefit remains — impact-resistant shingles tend to handle wind-blown debris and general weather well and can last longer. Whether the higher upfront cost pays off depends on your local risk and how long you'll own the home.
How long do Class 4 shingles last?
Service life depends on the product and climate, but the polymer modification that makes them impact-resistant also tends to improve weathering, so they often carry strong manufacturer warranties. A licensed roofer can match a specific product's expected lifespan to your area.
This guide is general information, not insurance advice. Impact ratings, discount programs, and eligibility vary by product, insurer, and state, and can change. Confirm any premium credit with your insurance company and your state Department of Insurance.
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