When Will Insurance Pay for a New Roof?

Replacing your roof is a major investment and can be an unexpected expense after severe weather or an accident. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, the type and severity of the damage, and your existing roof’s age and condition, your insurance may pay for a new roof. We’ll explore when insurance might pay for a new roof, what’s usually covered, and what steps you need to take to make a claim.

Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for a New Roof?

Homeowners insurance may cover the cost of roof replacement if your roof is damaged by a storm or an accident like a fire or fallen tree. That being said, every insurance policy is different, and the types of covered damage can depend on where you live, the type of roof you have, and your policy details. It’s best to confirm what your policy does and doesn’t cover before making a claim. 

What Kind of Damage Is Covered?

The types of roof damage often covered by insurance include:

• Recent storm damage

• Damage resulting from a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado

• Fire damage

• Vandalism

• Falling objects like trees

• Damage from high winds

Not all policies will cover all kinds of storm or accidental damage, so it’s important to review your policy. 

What Kind of Damage Is Not Covered? 

Homeowners insurance is unlikely to cover roof damage from:

• A lack of regular roof maintenance

• Normal wear and tear

• Improper installation

• Mold or rotted wood

• Animals

• Age-related material degradation

Whether or not your home insurance covers roof leaks depends on a few different factors, including the leak’s cause, your roof’s age, and the type of damage caused by the leak. 

How Much Will Insurance Pay for a New Roof?

How much your insurance pays toward a new roof varies on a case-by-case basis and depends on your chosen coverage limits. In some circumstances, they may pay for the cost of roof repairs. In others, they may cover an entire replacement. Insurance companies have two different levels of payout: actual cash value, which pays what your roof is currently worth with depreciation, and replacement cost, which is the full cost of a brand-new roof.

If your insurance will only pay for part of the replacement costs, you may need to look into roof financing options. When getting estimates, ask your roofer if they offer financing or look into a loan or line of credit to cover the cost.

Regardless of how much your insurance covers, you will be responsible for paying your deductible on the claim. If your policy will only cover repairs that cost less than your deductible, you may want to skip making a claim.

Steps to Get Insurance to Pay for a New Roof

Follow these steps to provide everything you need for the roof insurance claim process.

• Check your policy to see what kind of damage is covered and what type of documentation the company requires.

• Inspect your roof to determine which parts of your roof were affected. It’s safest to hire a local roofer to assess the damage.

• Document the damage and collect records of any roof maintenance you’ve done. 

• Contact your insurance company so they can send out an inspector or adjuster.

• Get a few roofing estimates to see how much the damage will cost to fix before signing a roofing contract. Choose a roofer with experience working on your roof type.

• Finalize your claim and keep in touch with your insurance agent.