By Nabamita Sinha
One of the most expensive repairs you will ever have to deal with is roof replacement. Full replacement costs range from $8,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on your roofing material and the size of your home.
For most people, the only realistic way to finance such a major repair is through their homeowner’s insurance.
Getting the insurance company to pay for roof replacement is by no means automatic. Insurance companies only pay when very specific conditions are met, and often look for reasons to reduce payouts or apply depreciation, or even deny the claims completely.
Understanding your policy, knowing your rights, and properly documenting the damage naturally do seem to improve the chances that your insurer will cover the cost.
From coverage factors to specific policy types, and from how to file a strong claim to what to do when the estimates don’t match, this comprehensive guide will help explain everything there is to know about roof replacement insurance.
Factors Affecting Insurance Coverage for Roof Replacement
Insurance companies will consider numerous different factors to decide whether your roof damage falls under their coverage. Knowing these beforehand wills help you make a more sound claim and evade unnecessary denials.
1. Age of the Roof
Roof age is a major influencer of eligibility for insurance. The insurers base their determination of risk, depreciation, and other important factors upon the age of the roofs.
0–10 Years Old: Very Likely to Approve
- Considered by industry standards, “newer.”
- Most insurers will cover replacement after storm damage.
10–15 Years Old: Same Degree of Likelihood
- May still be covered, but frequently, depreciation is applied.
- Proof that the maintenance has been done or that the motor vehicle recently underwent inspection may also be asked by the insurer.
15–20+ Years Old: Low likelihood of approval
- Many insurers consider roofs beyond 20 years old as “beyond their expected life”.
- Some may insist on a roof inspection before issuance or renewal.
- Some policies expressly exclude full replacement for older roofs.
Tip:
If the roof is over 15 years old, yearly inspections should be completed along with full documentation to continue coverage eligibility.
2. Extent of Damage
This policy covers only sudden and accidental events that cause roof damage, not those that are the result of gradual wear or neglect.
Covered Damage
- Hail storms – dents, cracks, granule loss
- Windstorms – missing shingles, lifted shingles, damaged flashing
- Falling tree branches
- Damage by fire or lightning
- Wind-driven rain (if entry point is storm-created)
- Vandalism
Damage Not Covered-Maintenance Related
Disturbances in the muscles of middle-aged men are caused by:
- Age-related wear
- Sun exposure and fading
- Poor installation
- Mold, algae, moss
- All improper repairs
- Rot or Long-term Seepage of Water
Insurance companies also deny many claims based on their determination that the damage is “pre-existing” or “wear and tear.”
Tip:
Always file your claim immediately after a storm, so you cannot be accused of filing a late report.
3. Policy Details
Even if the reason behind your roof damage is a storm, the amount paid out depends on your individual policy.
Key policy components:
1. Deductible
The deductibles of roofs are usually higher in comparison to standard home deductibles. Some states have separate wind and hail deductibles – 1–5% of home value.
2. Exclusions
Some insurers specifically exclude:
- Cosmetic hail damage
- Some roofing materials (such as wood shake)
- Damage on the older roofs
- Wear-and-tear losses
3. Limitations of Coverage
Some policies impose:
- Material-specific cover, e.g. asphalt only
- Reduced coverage because of age
4. Documentation Requirements
Any policy requires:
- Annual roofing inspections
- History of repairs
- Routine maintenance
The better your documentation, the stronger your claim.
Types of Insurance Policies and Roof Coverage
The type of insurance policy someone has plays a major role in the amount of money that he or she will receive from the insurance company.
1. Actual Cash Value Policy
An ACV policy covers you for the depreciated value of your roof, not the full replacement cost.
How ACV Payout Works?
- Insurer evaluates age of roof
- Takes depreciation (wear-and-tear deduction)
- Subtract your deductible
- Pays the balance amount
Example:
- Replacement cost of roofing today: $15,000
- Age of roof: 15 years (50% depreciation)
- Deductible: $2,000
Payout:
$15,000 – $7,500 depreciation – $2,000 deductible = $5,500
You pay $9,500 out of pocket.
Ideal For
- Renting out property
- Older roofs
- Reduces monthly premiums
Disadvantages
- You pay the most out of pocket
- Often does not cover full replacement
2. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Policy
An RCV policy covers the full replacement cost of your roof without depreciation.
How RCV Payout Works?
RCV claims are usually paid in two installments:
- Payment of ACV upfront
- Recoverable depreciation following replacement of a roof
Example:
- Replacement cost: $15,000
- Deductible: $2,000
You are, therefore, fully refunded $13,000.
Benefits:
- The highest payout
- Low out-of-pocket cost
- Ideal for moderate to high-value home-owners
Disadvantage:
- Higher premiums
Steps of How to Get Insurance to Pay For Roof Replacement
Most insurance companies rely a lot on documentation and proper reporting. By following these, you greatly increase the chances that your case will get approved.
1. Document the Damage Thoroughly
Document everything, before contacting your insurer.
- Take clear photos of:
- Missing shingles
- Torn or curled shingles
- Broken gutters
- Dented vents or flashing
- Hail impacts
- Attic leaks or ceiling stains
Also Collect:
- Timestamped videos
- Meteo reports
- News reports of the storm
- Photos from drone-overflight, if safe
- Roofing contractor inspection reports
- Previous receipts for roof maintenance
Tip: Where possible, retain annual roof inspection reports showing prior condition.
2. File the Claim in a Timely Manner
Time is of essence, delay will be taken as suspicion or denial.
Provide Your Insurer With
- Date and type of event, i.e., hail, wind, etc.
- Detailed description of damage
- All supporting photo/video evidence
- Pre-storm roof documentation, if available
Insurance Adjuster Visit
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage.
Tip: Have your roofing contractor present during the examination to advocate on your behalf. The adjusters likely won’t recognize subtle damage without the input of a roofer.
3. Discrepancies in Estimates
How to Handle Them Insurance companies often underestimate the cost of repairs.
If Insurance Estimate Is Too Low
- Request that the roofing contractor prepare a detailed supplement
- Providing additional evidence
- Request a reinspection
- Escalate to a supervisor
- Reference manufacturer installation guidelines
If Your Claim Is Denied
You can:
- Request a second adjuster
- Consult a licensed public adjuster
- Appeal in writing
- Provide more evidence
- Weather data showing the impact of the storm
Tip: Many claims that are denied get approved upon appeal-don’t quit too early.
How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement?
Insurance will cover a new roof provided certain conditions are met. These include:
- Loss by an insured peril
- The roof was well taken care of.
- The damage was directly caused by the event
- Documentation proves that the event caused the damage.
- A claim filed in a timely manner.
- Policy includes correct type of coverage-ideally RCV
Insurance approves claims more often when
- After major hailstorms
- After strong windstorms
- Structural damage caused by falling trees
- In the event of lightning or fire
- When roofs are less than 15 years old
- When the owner gives solid documentation
When Insurance Rarely Approves Claims
- Very old roofs.
- Wear and tear
- Neglect of maintenance
- Pre-existing issues
- Cosmetic-only damage
