Introduction
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, hail, and falling debris. But when damage strikes, repairs or replacements can cost thousands of dollars. That’s where homeowners insurance may help—but it doesn’t cover every situation. In this guide, we break down when homeowners insurance covers roof damage, what it excludes, and how to get your claim approved.
To understand how your entire policy works, read our Homeowners Insurance Explained article for a complete overview.
1. When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?
Homeowners insurance typically covers roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events, often listed as “covered perils” in your policy.
Covered scenarios may include:
- Hailstorms that puncture or crack shingles
- High winds that tear off sections of the roof
- Falling tree branches during a storm
- Fire or lightning strikes
- Vandalism or sudden impact from debris
If your roof develops a leak directly caused by one of these perils, your policy will likely cover the repair or replacement, as well as any water damage caused inside the home.
2. Common Exclusions for Roof Damage
Not all roof damage qualifies for reimbursement. Insurers often deny claims caused by gradual wear and tear or poor maintenance.
Common exclusions include:
- Aging roofs (typically over 20 years old)
- Improper installation or use of substandard materials
- Cosmetic-only damage with no functional impact
- Moss or algae growth
- Flood damage or earthquake-related roof issues (covered by separate policies)
If your roof is older or in poor condition, your insurer may reduce the payout or deny the claim entirely.
3. Partial vs Full Roof Replacement Coverage
Whether your policy covers a full replacement or only part of your roof depends on several factors:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Covers the full cost to replace the roof with new materials.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays for the depreciated value of your roof (i.e., what it was worth before the damage).
Some insurers may only pay for the damaged section, especially on older roofs. The age of your roof can significantly affect how much you receive.
4. How to File a Roof Damage Insurance Claim
If your roof is damaged, take immediate action:
- Document the damage with photos and videos from a safe distance.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further issues (e.g., cover holes with tarps).
- Save receipts for any emergency repairs.
- Contact your insurer right away to report the damage.
The insurer may send an adjuster to inspect the roof or request that you get an inspection from a licensed roofing contractor. For detailed steps, check out our guide to filing a homeowners insurance claim.
5. Tips to Get Your Roof Claim Approved
Insurance companies are cautious with roof claims, especially after major storms. Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Take “before” photos of your roof now, before any damage occurs.
- Inspect your roof annually and document its condition.
- Get multiple quotes from reputable contractors.
- Avoid storm chasers—contractors who show up uninvited after storms promising free roofs.
- Be honest in your claim. Any sign of fraud could result in denial or policy cancellation.
For more guidance, the NAIC Homeowners Insurance Resource offers official tips on dealing with roof-related claims.
Conclusion
Homeowners insurance can cover roof damage—but only if it’s caused by a covered peril and not due to age or neglect. By maintaining your roof, understanding your policy, and documenting damage properly, you’ll be better prepared to get your claim approved and your home protected.