(440) 307-2060
Will My Home Insurance Pay for a New Roof? A Complete Homeowner’s Guide
One of the most common questions homeowners ask after storm damage, leaks, or roof deterioration is: “Will my home insurance pay for a new roof?” Since roof replacement can cost thousands of dollars, understanding how your insurance policy works can make a huge difference in protecting your finances.
The answer depends on your policy type, the cause of the roof damage, and your insurance company’s guidelines. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore when insurance covers a new roof, what exclusions may apply, how to file a claim, and tips for maximizing your chances of approval.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Roof Coverage
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your property from unexpected events like storms, fire, or falling objects. Roofs are one of the most vulnerable parts of any home, which is why coverage often extends to roof repairs and replacements—but only under certain conditions.
Two Main Types of Coverage
- Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A): This part of your policy protects the structure of your home, including the roof. If damage occurs from a covered peril, repairs or replacement may be paid for.
- Other Structures (Coverage B): This applies to detached structures like sheds or garages, which may also include their roofs.
Covered Perils vs. Exclusions
When asking, “Will my home insurance pay for a new roof?”, the answer lies in whether the damage was caused by a covered peril.
Common Covered Perils
- Hailstorms
- Windstorms and hurricanes
- Fire and smoke damage
- Falling objects (such as tree branches)
- Vandalism
- Lightning strikes
Common Exclusions
- Normal wear and tear
- Age-related deterioration
- Poor maintenance
- Neglect (failure to fix small leaks that later caused bigger problems)
- Earthquakes and floods (usually require separate policies)
Age of Your Roof Matters
Insurance companies often take the age of your roof into account when deciding whether to cover replacement costs.
- Roof under 10 years old: Most insurers will cover full replacement if damaged by a covered peril.
- Roof between 10–20 years: Coverage may still apply but could be adjusted for depreciation.
- Roof older than 20 years: Many insurance companies limit or deny coverage, claiming it has reached the end of its expected lifespan.
Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cash Value
Another key factor in whether insurance will pay for your new roof is the type of coverage you have:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays the full cost of replacing your roof with a new one of similar quality, minus your deductible.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays the depreciated value of your roof, meaning you get less money if your roof is older.
For example, if your 15-year-old roof is damaged by hail, ACV coverage will account for depreciation, leaving you to pay a larger portion out-of-pocket compared to RCV coverage.
Signs Your Roof Damage May Be Covered
If you’re wondering “will my home insurance pay for a new roof?”, check for these signs of covered damage:
- Hail Impact: Dents, bruised shingles, or granule loss after a hailstorm.
- Wind Damage: Missing shingles, bent flashing, or roof sections torn off.
- Fallen Trees or Branches: Punctures or major structural damage.
- Fire Damage: Charring, smoke damage, or total destruction.
- Sudden Leaks After a Storm: Water entering through new cracks or holes.
If your roof damage clearly stems from one of these perils, you likely have a strong case for insurance coverage.
When Insurance Usually Won’t Pay
Unfortunately, not every roof problem qualifies for coverage. Situations often denied include:
- Gradual deterioration: If shingles curl, crack, or rot over time, insurers classify this as normal wear and tear.
- Neglect: If a minor leak was ignored and later caused major interior damage, insurers may deny the claim.
- Improper installation: If your roof was poorly installed or not up to code, insurance might refuse coverage.
- Cosmetic damage: Dents in a metal roof that don’t affect functionality are often not covered.
How to File a Roof Insurance Claim
Filing a claim properly is crucial in getting approval for a new roof.
Step 1: Inspect the Damage
After a storm or incident, safely inspect your roof from the ground or hire a professional roofer to conduct a full inspection.
Step 2: Document Everything
Take clear photos and videos of visible roof damage, interior leaks, and any affected personal property.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage as soon as possible. Many policies require timely claims filing.
Step 4: Meet with the Adjuster
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the roof. It’s helpful to have a roofing contractor present to ensure all damage is noted.
Step 5: Get Estimates
Obtain quotes from licensed roofing contractors to compare with the adjuster’s report.
Step 6: Review Settlement Offer
Your insurer will provide a payout based on your policy. If it seems low, you can dispute the estimate with additional documentation.
Common Challenges in Roof Insurance Claims
Even if your roof damage is legitimate, insurance companies may look for reasons to reduce or deny payment. Challenges include:
- Claim Denials: Insurers may argue that the damage is from age or poor maintenance, not a covered peril.
- Partial Coverage: They may approve repairs but not a full replacement.
- High Deductibles: Storm-prone areas often have higher deductibles for wind or hail claims.
If you encounter these challenges, consider working with a public adjuster or roofing contractor who specializes in insurance claims.
Costs of a New Roof Without Insurance
If insurance denies your claim, you’ll be responsible for the cost. Average replacement costs include:
- Asphalt Shingles: $6,000 – $12,000
- Metal Roofs: $15,000 – $30,000
- Tile Roofs: $20,000 – $40,000
- Slate Roofs: $25,000 – $50,000+
This is why it’s essential to understand your policy and advocate for your coverage.
Tips to Maximize Insurance Approval
To increase the chances that your insurance pays for a new roof:
- Keep Records: Save maintenance receipts and inspection reports.
- Act Quickly: File your claim immediately after discovering damage.
- Hire Professionals: Use licensed contractors to document and repair damage.
- Review Your Policy: Know your coverage type (RCV vs ACV) and deductible.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Annual roof checkups can prove you’ve maintained your roof properly.
Will Home Insurance Cover Roof Replacement After Storms?
One of the biggest scenarios where homeowners ask this question is after severe storms. Here’s how insurers typically handle storm-related roof damage:
- Hailstorms: Usually covered if damage is severe.
- Hurricanes/Windstorms: Often covered, but may require a separate windstorm deductible.
- Tornadoes: Typically covered, as they are sudden catastrophic events.
- Floods: Not covered by standard policies; separate flood insurance is required.
Regional Considerations
Your location plays a role in insurance coverage.
- Hail-prone states (Texas, Colorado, Midwest): Insurers may raise deductibles or limit hail coverage.
- Hurricane-prone states (Florida, Gulf Coast): Separate windstorm policies or endorsements may be required.
- Earthquake zones (California): Standard policies exclude earthquake roof damage.
Preventing Roof Insurance Claim Denials
To avoid future headaches, maintain your roof proactively:
- Schedule annual professional inspections.
- Replace damaged or missing shingles promptly.
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly.
- Trim overhanging tree branches.
- Install impact-resistant roofing materials if you live in storm-prone areas.
Roof Replacement as a Long-Term Investment
Even if insurance pays for your roof, it’s not just about cost—it’s about protection. A new roof:
- Improves energy efficiency.
- Enhances curb appeal and resale value.
- Provides stronger protection against future storms.
- Offers peace of mind knowing your home is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance pay for a roof that’s just old?
No. Insurance won’t cover replacement due to age or normal wear and tear.
Will my premium increase if I file a roof claim?
It may. Insurers often raise premiums after claims, especially in storm-prone regions.
Can I choose my own contractor?
Yes, in most cases you can select your contractor, but insurers may recommend preferred vendors.
How long do I have to file a roof claim?
Usually between 6 months and 1 year after the damage occurs, depending on your policy.
What if my claim is denied?
You can appeal with additional evidence, hire a public adjuster, or seek legal advice if necessary.
Conclusion
So, will my home insurance pay for a new roof? The answer is: it depends. If your roof was damaged by a covered peril such as hail, wind, or fire—and your roof isn’t too old—insurance will often pay for repair or replacement. However, if damage is due to wear and tear, neglect, or exclusions in your policy, you may be responsible for the full cost.
The best way to protect yourself is to:
- Know your policy inside and out.
- Maintain and document your roof’s condition.
- Act quickly after storms.
- Work with trusted roofing professionals.
By staying proactive, you’ll be in the best position to have your insurance company pay for a new roof when you need it most. 440-235-3124
