How to get insurance to pay for roof replacement: A step-by-step guide

Q: Will homeowners insurance cover a new roof?

Yes , homeowners insurance will pay for a new roof if the claim meets the coverage requirements and terms of the policy. The damage must be caused by a covered peril and limits will be determined by your policy terms.

Does home insurance cover roof replacement?

Yes, your homeowners insurance policy covers roof replacement if the damage results from a covered peril and the roof cannot be safely repaired. Your insurer will evaluate the cause of the damage, your policy limits, and the age of your roof to determine the final payout.

“The primary way that a homeowner would have a roof replaced by insurance is to prove that their roof sustained damage by a wind or hail storm,” said Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC. “And the date of the occurrence has to be specific, as insurance companies are able to access records and pinpoint exactly where storms producing wind and hail have occurred.”

In addition, you’ll have to pay a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Your insurer will first look to repair the roof, replacing any damaged shingles rather than doing a complete replacement. However, insurance will cover complete replacement in a number of circumstances, including when the damage is too widespread, matching shingles aren’t available or the roof is older.

If you have an older roof, be sure you know how it’s covered; insurers sometimes offer actual cash value coverage only on roofs over a certain age, which means your out-of-pocket will be higher.

How to get insurance to pay for roof replacement

To get insurance to pay for roof replacement, document the damage, review your policy, schedule a roof inspection, file a claim and meet with the adjuster. You need clear proof that a covered event caused the damage and that replacing the roof is necessary instead of repairing it.

Steps to follow for a roof replacement include:

Review your insurance policy. Your insurance policy details how your roof is covered, the coverage limits, and the deductible amount. Understanding your policy will help you navigate the claims process and set accurate expectations.
Document the damage. If possible, take pictures of the roof (from a distance; never climb on a damaged roof) and inside your home. It’s essential to include as much detail as possible so that your insurer can accurately assess the scope of the damage. Documenting other storm damage also gives weight to your roof claim.
Schedule a roof inspection. It is crucial to work with a reputable roofing company. Their inspection and estimate will provide a reliable assessment of the damage, giving you confidence in the accuracy of your claim.
File the insurance claim. Your insurer will tell you the exact process for filing a home insurance claim with them. Meet deadlines and provide all necessary documentation to ensure the claims process proceeds smoothly.
Meet the adjuster. Your insurer will send an adjuster to examine the roof damage and work with the roofing company to repair or replace your roof. The adjuster will determine how your coverage applies and issue an initial settlement check.
Get the roof replaced. The insurance company will issue a final check to cover the full cost when the work is done.

When does home insurance cover roof replacement?

Home insurance covers roof replacement when the roof is damaged by a covered event, and the damage is too severe or widespread to repair. Wind, hail, fire, lightning and falling trees are common covered perils. Wear and tear, animal damage and poor maintenance are not covered by a standard policy.

Additionally, the type and scope of the damage determine if your insurer will repair or replace the roof. For example, if you have a small area of hail damage on a roof in otherwise good condition, your insurer may choose only to repair the damaged area. However, insurance may cover a full replacement if you have more significant damage or an older roof.

How does roof replacement work with insurance?

Roof replacement through insurance starts with a claim and inspection. Your insurer sends an adjuster to review the damage, decide whether repair or replacement is needed and review the coverage on your poelicy. If the replacement is approved, the insurer issues a settlement check to begin roof repairs.

Depending on where you live, state regulations may force your insurer to replace your roofing materials with an exact match. In some states, insurers can use materials of a like kind and quality if the original shingles are discontinued. However, in states that require exact matching, an insurer may have to replace your entire roof if a damaged section cannot be perfectly matched to the existing, discontinued shingles.

Roof damage that is covered vs. not covered by insurance

Damage cause	Is it covered?	Why it’s covered (or not)
Wind and hail	Yes	Weather events are standard covered perils.
Fire and lightning	Yes	Standard policies protect against catastrophic fire and lightning strikes.
Falling trees	Yes	Damage from falling debris or trees is a standard covered peril
Wear and tear	No	Gradual deterioration over time is the homeowner's responsibility.
Lack of maintenance	No	Damage resulting from neglected repairs will result in a denied claim.
Animal damage	No	Pests, rodents, and birds causing roof damage are generally excluded.

How much does insurance pay for roof replacement?

The maximum amount that an insurance company will pay for roof replacement is the limit of your dwelling coverage, although roof replacement generally costs significantly less than this limit. Your roof replacement settlement will be the amount required to replace your roof with like-kind and quality, which varies depending on the roofing material and local construction costs. Your claim will be affected by the 80% rule, which requires that your home be insured for at least 80% of its replacement cost value for a claim to be paid in full; carrying less than 80% of your home’s replacement cost results in a reduced settlement.

Your coverage limit should be high enough to repair or replace your home if it is severely damaged. For example, if your dwelling coverage limit is $300,000 and it costs $50,000 to repair your roof, insurance will cover the costs, minus the deductible. Since standard home insurance policies offer replacement cost coverage, you should have more than enough to replace the roof.

What to do if your roof claim is denied

If your roof claim is denied, first ask the insurer for the exact reason in writing. Then compare the denial reason with your policy, gather evidence to support your claim, get a roofing inspection and file an appeal. If the denial still stands, contact your state insurance department or a public adjuster.

First, make sure you understand precisely why your insurer denied the claim
Compare the denial reason with your policy to see if it holds up to the contract
Appeal the decision following your insurance company’s procedures. Be sure to give a detailed description of how your policy applies.
If your appeal is denied, you can contact your state’s department of insurance or seek help from a public adjuster or a lawyer.

FAQ

Will homeowners insurance cover a new roof?

Yes, homeowners insurance will pay for a new roof if the claim meets the coverage requirements and terms of the policy. The damage must be caused by a covered peril and limits will be determined by your policy terms.

Does insurance pay for a full roof replacement?

Yes, insurance pays for a full roof replacement when covered damage cannot be repaired. If the damage is small, your insurer pays for repairs instead.

How do roofing companies work with insurance companies?

A roofing company will work with your insurer to resolve your claim quickly. They can provide an inspection, estimate and communicate directly with the insurance company to repair or replace your roof.