Orlando Harmon
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, a tree, or something else, you may be able to get your insurance company to pay for repairs or a replacement. The first step is to check your policy to see what type of coverage you have. Some policies pay the full cost to repair the roof, known as replacement cost coverage, while others pay less if the roof is older or showing signs of wear, known as actual cash value coverage. Once you know what type of coverage you have, you can start the claim process by contacting your insurance company and providing them with relevant information and photos of the damage. They will then send out an adjuster or tell you to contact a roofer first to inspect the damage and determine the cost of repairs. It's important to remember that insurance companies are only paying to restore your roof to its previous state, so any upgrades will need to be paid for out of pocket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if you need to file a claim | Check if your roof damage is covered, and if your policy is an Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value. Take photos of the damage and keep all receipts. |
| Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy | A policy that fully covers the cost of replacing your roof. You will receive a first check for the actual cost value, and the rest in recoverable depreciation. |
| Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy | Provides a payout for what your roof is valued at the time of the claim, also called the depreciated value. This will not cover a quality roof replacement, and you will have to pay the rest out of pocket. |
| Using insurance money | Every penny of the insurance money should be used to repair your home. Using it for anything else may be considered insurance fraud. |
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What You'll Learn
Do insurance companies cover roof replacement?
Whether or not insurance companies cover roof replacement depends on several factors. Firstly, it is important to determine whether the damage is sudden and accidental, caused by a covered peril such as a storm, a tree falling, or another natural disaster, rather than gradual wear and tear due to age. If the roof is old or in poor condition, insurance companies may not cover the replacement, as this is often considered outside of the homeowner's control.
Secondly, the type of policy held will determine the extent of coverage. Some policies offer replacement cost coverage, which pays the full cost of repairing the roof at current prices. Other policies offer actual cash value coverage, which pays out less if the roof is older or showing signs of wear and tear. This type of policy may not be sufficient to cover the full cost of a roof replacement.
Thirdly, it is essential to document and prove the damage to the insurance company. Taking clear photos of any noticeable roof damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, granule loss, hail marks, and dents, can help support your claim. It is also recommended to hire a trusted roofing contractor to perform an inspection and provide an independent report, as some insurance companies require this before approving a claim.
Finally, it is worth noting that the process of getting an insurance claim approved for a roof replacement can be challenging. Homeowners should carefully follow the precise steps for filing a claim and may need to provide proof that the damage was beyond their control. Working with a reputable roofing company experienced in the claims process can increase the chances of a successful claim.
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What type of damage is covered?
The type of damage covered by insurance depends on the policy. If you have an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy, you will only receive a payout for the depreciated value of your roof at the time of the claim. This type of policy rarely covers the full cost of a roof replacement, and you may be incentivized to use cheap materials and labor. On the other hand, a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy will fully cover the cost of replacing your roof. You will receive a partial payment first, and the rest after you have started the repairs.
Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage under your policy's dwelling coverage, minus your deductible, if it was caused by a "covered peril". This includes damage from windstorms, hail, storms, and fire. If you live in an area frequently hit by hurricanes or tornadoes, your insurance may not cover wind or hail damage. In this case, you may need to pay a separate deductible for hurricanes and windstorms, which can be a percentage of your home's total dwelling coverage.
Insurance companies will not pay for a new roof if it is old or worn out due to wear and tear. This includes damage from roofing materials wearing down over time, such as shingles. Similarly, roof damage that results from neglect or failing to maintain your roof is not covered. For example, if your roof starts leaking due to aging shingles, you are responsible for the repairs.
In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover roof damage caused by animals, flooding, or earthquakes.
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How to file a claim
It is not unusual for a homeowner to file one or two insurance claims every 10 years. However, before filing a claim, it is important to ensure that the damage is covered by your insurance policy and that the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible amount. If the damage is not too severe, you might be able to fix it for less than your deductible.
Step 1: Document the damage
Take photos and videos of the damage to your roof. Look for clear signs of damage, such as missing, creased, or sliding shingles. You should also document the time and date of the suspected damage and the events that caused it.
Step 2: Contact a roofing contractor
Get in touch with a reputable and licensed roofing contractor to inspect your roof. They will be able to spot any internal damage and provide you with a written explanation of what needs to be repaired, along with an estimated cost. Having a roofing contractor on your side can help reduce your stress levels and guide you through the claims process.
Step 3: Contact your insurance company
Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible to verify that the necessary repairs will be covered by your policy. Remember that there is often a time limit for filing claims. Provide them with all the relevant information, including the documentation and estimates from your roofing contractor.
Step 4: Inspection
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to independently assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs. They may also request a roofing contractor to perform an inspection. The adjuster and contractor will mark any damage to the roof with chalk and take pictures for submission.
Step 5: Repairs
If your claim is approved, your insurance company will issue funds to cover the repairs. You can then choose a roofing contractor to complete the repairs or replacement. Remember to shop around and get a few estimates before selecting a contractor.
Step 6: Temporary repairs
If the damage to your roof is causing leaks or further damage to your home, it is advisable to make temporary repairs to prevent additional issues. This could include putting a tarp over your roof to prevent water damage.
It is important to note that practicing good roof maintenance and taking care of problems as soon as they arise can help avoid extensive damage and increase the chances of your insurance company approving your claim.
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What happens during the inspection?
When you make a roof damage insurance claim, your insurance agent will send a roof inspector to assess the damage. The inspector will determine whether the damage fits within your policy's requirements and how much of the repair or replacement costs the insurance company will cover. The inspector will also want to prevent overpaying for potential roof damage.
The inspector will thoroughly examine your entire roof for any signs of damage, decay, and overall condition. They will check various elements of your roof, including the shingles, leaks, signs of mould, and rust. They will also look at the structural integrity of your roof, checking for uneven roof planes, signs of sagging, and the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. In addition, the inspector will examine the ceilings, attic, and walls inside your home for any signs of current or past roof leaks and damage.
After marking the roof damage, they will take pictures of everything to submit for review. You will then receive a detailed report that can be submitted to your insurance company. The inspector may also climb onto your roof, use a ladder, or use drones to view your roof.
It is recommended that you get your own roofing contractor to perform an inspection before the insurance company's inspector arrives. This will allow you to receive a damage assessment from an independent third party that isn't invested in your insurance policy. Your roofing contractor can also help prove that you have a viable claim if there is actual roof damage.
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What happens if I don't repair my roof right away?
If you don't repair your roof right away, you risk causing further damage to your property. Water leaks, for instance, can occur when tiles crack or protective barriers wear off, and if left untreated, leaks can escalate and cause structural damage. Similarly, debris on your roof or in your gutter system can quickly lead to leaks, which can then lead to more extensive damage.
Pests and rodents can enter your home through holes in the roof, and these holes can also cause your energy bills to increase, as your HVAC system struggles to maintain the right temperature.
If you are planning to make an insurance claim, delaying repairs can also impact your chances of success. While it is a good idea to document any damage with photographs, it is also important to act quickly to prevent further damage. If you delay, your insurance company may argue that any additional damage was due to your negligence.
In addition, if your roof is in poor condition, your insurance company may refuse to cover it, and they may switch to an actual cash value policy when you renew, which will pay out less if your roof is older or showing signs of wear and tear.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, every penny of that insurance money is supposed to be used to repair your home, not to put in your pocket. If you don't use the insurance money to fix your roof, you may be committing insurance fraud.
First, make sure you have a viable claim and photo document any noticeable roof damage. Next, check if your policy is an Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value policy. ACV policies only provide a payout for what your roof is valued at the time of the claim, while RCV policies fully cover the cost of replacing your roof. After checking your policy, start the claim process by contacting your insurance company.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay less if the roof is older or showing signs of wear. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay the full cost to repair the roof.
If your insurance claim is denied, you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket. It's a good idea to have an emergency fund for situations like this.
Practice good roof maintenance by keeping an eye on your roof and taking care of problems as soon as they arise, no matter how small. Taking precautions to protect your roof will show your insurance company that any damage was outside of your control.
