Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

Home insurance is incredibly beneficial because it covers the cost of most damage to your home. However, the nuances and exceptions related to insurance can be confusing, especially when it comes to roofing. Does insurance cover roof replacement? How often will insurance pay for a new roof? We answer these questions and more below!

How Does Insurance Work With a Roof?

Roof coverage within a home insurance policy protects homeowners against specific roof damage caused by unforeseen events. It acts as a financial safety net, offering protection against a range of potential problems that can happen to your roof. When these events occur and result in damage, your homeowners insurance will cover a new roof or repairs, depending on the severity of the damage.

Home insurance typically covers roof damage in most cases, but the coverage depends on the cause of the damage. Here is a list of the perils covered by insurance:

• Falling objects
• Wind damage
• Vandalism
• Lightning
• Fires
• Smoke
• Rain, water leaks, and damage
• The weight of heavy ice, snow, or sleet

While homeowners’ insurance will cover many things, there are a few events that are not included in roof insurance coverage. These excluded perils include: 

• Neglect
• Rot or mold
• Normal aging
• Animals
• Earthquakes and flooding
• Gradual wear and tear (unless it’s caused by harsh weather or unexpected events)

Before filing an insurance claim for roof damage, it’s important to understand how your insurance policy works. Here are a few key terms to consider that can affect how much money you can receive from your insurance.

• Actual cash value (ACV) considers the current state of your roof, not the cost of a new one. If your roof is older, then you’re more likely to receive less money to fix your roof.
• Replacement cost value (RCV) covers the full cost of repairing your roof. 
• The deductible is the amount of money you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

After you’ve reviewed your insurance, you’ll need to have a professional roof inspection to submit proof of damage. 

Will Insurance Cover a 20-Year-Old Roof?

It depends. Most insurance companies won’t provide coverage unless it passes an inspection. Some insurance will not cover a 15+ year-old roof. If they do, they may state that they’ll only cover its actual cash value (ACV), so depreciation will be a factor in your final payout. Newer roofs are favored in the insurance world because they’re considered less prone to pre-existing wear and tear. 

There are a few factors that can affect roof insurance coverage, such as:

• • Roofing material
  • Location
  • Roof design 
  • Environmental risks, such as tornado-prone areas

• • Document the damage. Take photographs and detailed notes on the damage to prove to your insurance that you need a new roof.
  • Learn more about your roof insurance coverage. Familiarize yourself with your insurance plan’s coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions related to roof replacement. 
  • Contact your insurance agent. Inform your insurance agent soon after you see damage. 
  • Get your roof inspected. An inspection report from a qualified roofing professional can strengthen your claim by providing an expert opinion on the need for replacement. 
  • File an insurance claim. Submit all the required documents to your insurance provider. Clearly outline the reasons for roof replacement and provide the evidence collected during the documentation phase. 

How to Prevent Roof Problems

You can prevent many roof problems by following these steps.

• Regularly check your roof for signs of damage, like missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or sagging.
• Clean your gutters to prevent water buildup.
• Trim overhanging branches to avoid potential damage during storms.
• Ensure your attic is adequately ventilated to prevent moisture and reduce the risk of mold and rot.
• Address issues quickly to prevent them from causing more extensive roof damage.

Once your insurance claim is approved, coordinate with a reputable roofing contractor to schedule the replacement. Ensure your contractor is licensed and can provide documentation supporting your claim.  

Soffits and fascia boards might seem like they’re only designed to improve the exterior of your home, but they serve many specific functions. 

• Soffits are a ventilation system for your roof and attic to ensure proper airflow and lower your risk of mold and mildew. Soffit also seals off entry for unwelcome rodents and insects.
• Fascia boards shield your roof from water damage by carrying rainwater and snow melt away to prevent structural damage to your roof. Fascia also makes up your home’s curb appeal and is sealed properly to keep away critters and insects.

Home insurance might cover roof leaks if they’re caused by a covered issue, such as a storm or falling object. However, a leak might not be covered if it’s caused by factors like maintenance issues or wear and tear. 

Roof insurance typically covers damage caused by windstorms unless you live in an area prone to tornadoes, like Texas or Oklahoma. Insurance companies in these states may have coverage exclusions for wind.

If the cost of roof repairs exceeds your deductible and the damage is caused by harsh weather, then you should file a claim for roof damage with your insurance.

When a roof insurance adjuster examines your roof, don’t make any statements to suggest the damage was pre-existing or hasn’t been taken care of properly. These can increase your chances of your claim being denied. 

Have Your Roof Damage Evaluated

In most cases, homeowners insurance does cover roof replacement, but it depends on what caused the issue. If you’re wondering if roof replacement is necessary but aren’t sure where to start, M&M Gutters can help! We’ll evaluate the damage to determine if a replacement is necessary. Our licensed contractors are also available to help with any repairs or replacements. Contact us today to learn more!

Check out these other blogs to learn more about roof replacement, repairs, and tips for preventing damage.

• The Comprehensive Guide To Utah Rainy Season & Preventing Leakage
• How to Find Roof Leaks and Prevent Them
• How to Prevent Roof Damage During Utah Winters