Like Kind and Quality
Like kind and quality is the insurance standard requiring that replacement materials match the original materials in type, grade, and performance characteristics, though not necessarily the exact same brand or product.
Replacing What Was There
Like kind and quality (LKQ) is the insurance principle requiring that replacement materials be comparable to the original materials in type, grade, durability, and performance, ensuring the property is restored to its pre-loss condition without upgrading or downgrading the materials. This standard is central to property insurance claims. The carrier is obligated to restore the property to what it was before the loss, not better and not worse. Like kind and quality defines what "what it was" means in terms of materials.
Disputes over like kind and quality are among the most common disagreements on property insurance claims.
Applying the Standard
If the damaged roof had CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingles, the replacement should be CertainTeed Landmark or a product of comparable quality, weight, warranty, and performance. Replacing a 30-year, 300 lb/square architectural shingle with a 20-year, 210 lb/square product does not meet the LKQ standard because the replacement is demonstrably lower quality. The reverse is also true: the carrier is not obligated to upgrade the homeowner to a better product than what was damaged.
Like kind and quality applies to all replaced components: shingles, underlayment, flashing, gutters, siding, and any other materials in the scope.
Documenting the Original Materials
The key to enforcing the LKQ standard is knowing exactly what was there before the loss. During the initial inspection, document the manufacturer, product name, weight class, warranty length, and any visible specifications of the existing materials. Photograph product labels if accessible. This information becomes the baseline for evaluating whether the carrier's proposed replacement meets the like-kind standard. Without documentation of the original materials, disputes over what constitutes a comparable replacement become harder to win.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. Like kind and quality means the replacement must be comparable in type, grade, performance, and quality. If the exact product is available, it should be used. If not, a product of equal or better quality and similar characteristics is acceptable.
The carrier can select a product that is functionally equivalent, but it must truly match the quality, performance, and characteristics of the original. Downgrading from a 30-year architectural shingle to a 25-year product, for example, would not meet the like-kind standard.
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