2026 Home Insurance Risks in Des Moines: What Most Realtors® Miss (and How to Stay Protected)

By Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® | Smart Move Des Moines

As we head into 2026, Iowa’s home insurance market is facing major disruptions — and Des Moines homeowners, seniors planning a move, and even real estate professionals will feel the impact. Iowa is on track for 19% premium increases by the end of 2025, nearly double the national average. That means the decisions you make now about your home, your roof, and even your next real estate move will directly affect your coverage options and your wallet.

This guide breaks down the risks most buyers and Realtors® overlook, explains why seniors and older homes are especially vulnerable, and gives you clear steps to protect yourself before buying, selling, or transitioning into your next chapter.

Why Home Insurance Costs Are Surging Heading Into 2026

By late 2025, the average Iowa homeowners insurance premium is projected to reach $2,416 — about $300 more than in 2024. Nationally, the projected average for 2026 is $3,520, but Iowa’s surge stands out.

What’s driving this increase?

1. Extreme Weather + Hail Risk

Iowa is experiencing more severe storms, more often — especially hail.

• Hail events increased 133% from 2022 to 2023.

• In 2022 alone, State Farm paid $131M in Iowa hail claims.

2. Inflation in Construction Materials

Replacement costs have skyrocketed due to:

• Material shortages

• Labor increases

• Supply chain delays

• Aging infrastructure

3. Older Iowa Housing Stock

Iowa’s homes are older than the national average. Older systems = more claims = higher premiums. The Iowa Insurance Division has already acknowledged that carriers are passing on losses to consumers to stay solvent.

The Insurance Risks Most Buyers + Realtors® Miss

As both a Realtor® and an insurance expert, you know where the blind spots are. Most buyers and Realtors® overlook the following:

✔ Roof Age + Missing Documentation

A roof’s age determines whether a home can even BE insured — not just the price.
If you don’t have:

• install date

• material type

• condition verification
  you’re at risk of coverage denial or ACV-only policies (big out-of-pocket costs).

✔ CLUE Report Misunderstandings

CLUE reports track seven years of claims.
Derecho-era claims (2020) finally fall off in 2026 — a prime window to shop rates. Most Realtors® never check this.

✔ Old Home Risks

Older homes frequently have:

• knob-and-tube wiring

• cast-iron or polybutylene plumbing

• foundation settlement
  These trigger carrier denials.

✔ Hidden Water Damage Exclusions

Most policies don’t cover:

• seepage

• slow leaks

• sump pump failure

• flooding (requires a separate NFIP policy)

✔ Credit-Based Insurance Scores

Credit = pricing power.
Lower credit = higher premiums or denial — but most buyers don’t know this matters.

Roof Age Rules Every Des Moines Buyer Should Know

Insurance companies care more about roof age than almost anything else.

⛔ Roof Too Old? You May Be Denied.

Most insurers cut off full replacement coverage around 15–20 years, even if the roof looks fine.

• 19-year-old roof → May still qualify

• 20+ years → ACV only or denied entirely

⛈ Why This Matters in Des Moines

Iowa’s hailstorms are trending up. A roof that’s borderline in 2025 could become uninsurable in 2026.

A Smart Move Alternative? Metal Roofing

Metal roofs last 40–70 years and withstand hail, wind, and fire. For seniors planning to sell in 2–5 years, this upgrade can be a huge advantage.

Why Seniors + Older Homes Face the Biggest 2026 Risks

Many Iowa seniors live in older homes they’ve owned for decades. That usually means:

• roofs older than 15 years

• original wiring

• aging plumbing

• higher liability exposures

If a senior homeowner has a roof valued at $15,000–$25,000 and only ACV coverage, they could face thousands out of pocket when selling or refinancing.

Your Smart Move Insurance Checklist (Before Selling or Buying)

Before listing or buying a home, review:

✓ Roof documentation
✓ CLUE report
✓ Electrical (look for knob-and-tube)
✓ Plumbing type + age
✓ Flood zone status
✓ Credit/insurance score impact

This checklist will prevent the most common underwriting surprises.

How to Avoid Underwriting Denials

1. Disclose everything
Insurers cancel policies for misrepresentation — even if accidental.

2. Provide documentation
Roof paperwork, inspection reports, contractor invoices — keep everything.

3. Fix red flags early
Address wiring, plumbing, or roofing issues BEFORE the home hits the market.

4. Shop multiple carriers
Especially for older homes or multi-generational households.

Risk-Reducing Upgrades That Lower Premiums

• Replace aging roofs (metal = best ROI)

• Upgrade electrical to modern standards

• Replace aging plumbing lines

• Install smart home security

• Maintain gutters, drainage, and grading

These upgrades also increase buyer confidence and listing value.

For Seniors + Adult Children: What to Review During a Transition

As families merge households or prepare a home for sale, review:

• liability risks

• caregiver or visitor exposure

• gaps in coverage during downsizing

• roof age vs. policy type

• personal property limits during a move

Most families miss these — and it costs them later.

When to Bring in a Realtor® AND an Insurance Expert

Bring both professionals in early when:

• buying an older home

• selling a senior-owned home

• preparing for a downsize or transition

• coordinating multi-generational living

• reviewing CLUE reports and claims history

This dual approach avoids last-minute surprises during underwriting.

2026 Des Moines Market Outlook: What Homeowners Should Expect

Des Moines is vulnerable due to its combination of:

• older housing stock

• high-hail exposure

• limited carrier appetite

Being proactive with documentation and inspections in 2025–2026 will save homeowners time, stress, and money.

Now Is the Time to Review Your Insurance Before 2026 Hits

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or transition in the next 12 months, now is the ideal time to reassess your insurance position.

As your Smart Move Specialist, I help homeowners and families:
✔ identify hidden risks
✔ prepare homes for listing
✔ understand insurance implications
✔ create safe senior transition plans

Ready to get ahead of the 2026 insurance changes?
Let’s review your home, your risk, and your transition plan together.

📞 563-513-8771
📧 [email protected]