Yes. Most Oklahoma homeowners insurance companies offer a premium discount of 5–30% for Class 4 (UL 2218) impact-resistant roofing. On a $3,000 annual premium, a 20% discount saves $600 per year. Given Oklahoma’s hail frequency, Class 4 shingles often pay back the cost premium within 3–7 years through insurance savings alone.
What Is the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test?
UL 2218 is the industry standard test for roofing impact resistance developed by Underwriters Laboratories. The test drops steel balls of four sizes onto shingle samples and evaluates cracking. Class 4 is the highest rating, using a 2-inch diameter steel ball dropped from 20 feet to simulate large hail. Shingles rated Class 4 must show no cracking or splitting in two identical test samples.
How the Classes Compare
Standard shingles with no impact rating receive no insurance discount. Class 1 shingles tested with a 1-inch ball typically produce a 0–5% discount. Class 2 with a 1.25-inch ball produces 5–10%. Class 3 with a 1.5-inch ball produces 5–15%. Class 4 with a 2-inch ball produces 10–30% — the highest discount available. The price premium for Class 4 over standard shingles is typically 15–25%.
The Oklahoma Insurance Savings Calculation
Oklahoma homeowners pay some of the highest homeowners insurance premiums in the country due to tornado and hail exposure. A Class 4 roof is one of the few home improvements that directly reduces the insurance premium. Example: Annual premium of $4,200 at a 20% discount saves $840 per year. The Class 4 cost premium on a $14,000 roof is approximately $2,100. Payback period: 2.5 years.
Before installing, call your insurer and ask specifically: ‘What discount do you offer for Class 4 UL 2218 impact-resistant roofing?’ Get the answer in writing. Savings vary significantly by carrier.
Which Malarkey and Atlas Products Are Class 4?
Malarkey’s Vista AR, Legacy AR, Windsor AR, and Highlander NZ are all Class 4 rated. Atlas’s StormMaster Slate, StormMaster Shake, and Pinnacle Pristine are Class 4 rated. Nations Best Roofing is a certified installer for both manufacturers and can advise on the specific product best suited to your roof and insurance carrier.
Does Class 4 Mean the Roof Won’t Be Damaged by Hail?
No. Class 4 shingles are more resistant to hail damage — they are less likely to crack, split, or lose granules under hail impact. However, large hail of 2 or more inches can still cause functional damage to any asphalt product. Class 4 shingles reduce the frequency and severity of damage and lower insurance premiums, but do not eliminate hail claims entirely.
Call Nations Best Roofing at (918) 370-0909 or reach out at our website to discuss Class 4 options and potential insurance savings for your home.
