Will Insurance Cover My Roof Replacement?

Replacing a damaged roof can be an expensive and stressful process. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost, but it all depends on the type of damage, your policy and how well you navigate the claims process. 

Ultimately, what is covered by insurance is governed by the terms of your policy.  Make sure you are familiar with its terms, preferably prior to purchasing the policy. This guide will help you understand what roof damage is covered by insurance, when repairs or replacements are necessary and how to successfully file a claim to maximize your coverage.

6 Types of Roof Damage

Your roof is constantly exposed to elements that can cause serious damage — some unpredictable and others preventable. While certain types of damage may be covered by insurance, others fall under the homeowner’s responsibility. Understanding these risks can help you protect your roof and avoid costly repairs.

Unpredictable Damage

Some types of damage to your home are completely out of your control, and may or may not be typically covered by insurance:

• Weather Damage: Hail can damage shingles and your roof deck. Fortunately, insurance often covers damage from unexpected weather events.
• Natural Disasters: Flood damage and earthquakes are usually not covered by your home insurance, unless you purchased an insurance policy that specifically covers those damages. Hurricane coverage typically covers damage from strong winds, but your insurance policy may have a separate deductible for hurricane damage. Check with your insurance provider about wildfire coverage, as it is not always included in your insurance plan.
• Damage From Pests: Squirrels, birds, raccoons, possums and so many other types of pests can settle down on top of your home, pulling up shingles and accelerating the wear and tear of your roof. Most insurance providers do not cover damage from pests, so you’ll need to deal with those animals the second you notice them.

Predictable Damage

Predictable damage is caused by events that are relatively within your control. Because they are predictable and sometimes even expected, insurance providers are less likely to cover repairs or replacements caused by this type of damage.

• Damage From Trees: While you won’t always know when a tree will fall on your roof, you can do a lot to prevent it from happening. Trim branches, clean debris from trees that fall onto your roof and cut down unstable trees. While home insurance plans often cover tree damage from wind storms or other accidents, they won’t cover the damage if the tree fell from neglect or improper maintenance.
• Improper Installation: Underdriven nails, inadequate shingle coverage, an improper seal on the shingle — countless variables could go wrong in a roof installation if the contractor is inexperienced. Insurance won’t cover this kind of damage. Instead, you’ll need to pursue a claim with the company that installed your roof.
• Excessive Roof Attachments: Attaching roof accessories like solar panels, security cameras or security lights, when done improperly, can create holes that allow water to get in and damage your roof. Insurance companies may classify this damage as “intentional,” and your damage will not be covered. That’s why we generally recommend against attaching objects to your shingle roof.

When to Repair vs When to Replace

From the condition of your roof to the availability of your shingles, there are several variables that can help guide your decision for a roof replacement or repair. Your contractor is best equipped to make that determination — talk with them and schedule an inspection to assess whether you need a repair or a replacement.

Common Questions When Preparing for Roof Replacement

It may be hard to get a straight answer from home insurance providers when seeking a roof replacement. The straightest answer you can get is usually “it depends.” Vince Lefton from Bulldog Enterprises in Florida addressed this nuance for us:

“When an insurance company is determining coverage on a claim, it is based on what has caused the damage to the roof. For example, was it caused by wind or hail? Or a tree falling onto the roof damaging the shingles? When looking at a weather related event, they take many factors into consideration.” 

It’s important to read through your policy to get a clear understanding of what damages your homeowners insurance cover. We’ll cover a basic understanding of when your insurance can cover roof replacements.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage? 

According to Allstate Insurance, roof damage coverage depends on the cause of the damage. The dwelling coverage in an insurance policy generally protects your home’s roof from certain damages (many of which we discussed above). 

Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

According to Progressive Insurance, dwelling coverage can also contribute to damage caused by leaks. This also may include any water damage from the roof leak that affects the rest of your home.

Do I contact insurance first or contact a roofing company?

To the untrained eye, it’s hard to tell whether your roofing damage requires repairs or replacement. Kyle Donoghue, Owner of Dupage Construction and President of Dupage Adjusters, suggests it’s best to discuss options with your contractor before going to your insurance provider:

“The issue causing the [damage] may be a minor repair that a contractor can fix without involving insurance. If the insurance company sends an adjuster, the claim will go on the homeowner’s record and if the repair cost doesn’t exceed the deductible, they’ll end up paying out of pocket anyway.”

Roof Replacement Insurance Claim Process

If you’ve discussed your roof’s repair needs with your contractor and insurance agent and found a path forward, it’s time to start the claim process with your insurance company.

Talk to Your Agent

Contact your insurance agent to review your policy and confirm what is covered. They can guide you through the claims process, explain your deductible and provide insight into any potential limitations or exclusions. Be sure to document the damage with photos and notes to support your insurance claim. Then, file your claim.

Get an Estimate

Your insurance company will likely require an inspection to assess the damage and estimate the repair or replacement costs. You can also request an independent estimate from a trusted roofing contractor to compare with the insurance adjuster’s assessment. Multiple estimates ensure you receive fair coverage for necessary repairs.

Select a Contractor

Once your claim is approved, find a reputable contractor to complete the work. 

Avoid rushing into a decision — take time to verify credentials, read reviews and get a detailed contract before moving forward. Also avoid “storm-chasers,” or people who represent themselves as roofing or insurance experts. They may try to get you to sign a “contingency agreement” that legally binds your claim to their company.

Navigate Roof Replacement with Confidence

Figuring out if your insurance will cover a roof replacement can feel like a puzzle, but doing your research and staying informed makes all the difference. Policies vary and the fine print can be tricky, so take the time to review your coverage and chat with your insurance agent for clarity. Always work with a trusted contractor and insurance agent to get the best possible outcome.