Does Home Insurance Cover A New Roof?

When it comes to homeownership, one of the most significant investments you’ll make is in your roof. It not only covers you and your belongings from the elements (quite literally), but it also contributes to the overall aesthetic and value of your home in the long run. Whether you had a big storm damage your roof, or your roof is getting old and starting to show its age – you might need a new roof or some repairs completed soon.

We’re often asked by customers: “Does home insurance cover a new roof?” The answer, as with many aspects of insurance, is that it definitely depends on the circumstances surrounding the need for a new roof! Home insurance typically covers roof replacement or repair if the damage is caused by an event or weather outside of your control. However, it’s not an automatic process for anyone; navigating home insurance can be super confusing and intimidating. That’s why our roofing team is also trained as insurance experts so we can make the insurance process easy!

Let’s dive into the details of home insurance coverage for new roofs, including when you can expect coverage, what might be excluded, and tips for navigating the claims process.

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage For Roofs

Home insurance policies typically cover your roof under the dwelling coverage portion of the policy, which is designed to protect the structure of your home from specific perils. These perils usually include fire, hail, windstorms, and other natural disasters. However, the extent of the coverage can vary significantly based on your policy’s terms, the age of your roof, and the cause of the damage.

1. Covered Perils

Most standard home insurance policies will cover roof replacement if the damage is caused by an event that’s out of your control and listed as a covered peril in your policy. Commonly covered perils include:

• Fire and smoke
• Hail and windstorms
• Falling objects
• Vandalism
• The weight of ice, snow, or sleet

It’s crucial to review your policy to understand which perils are covered and any specific limitations or exclusions that may apply. Every single insurance company is different, so it is not a one-size-fits-all situation.

2. Roof Wear and Tear

It’s important to note that home insurance policies do not cover damage due to normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Roofs have a lifespan, and as they age, they are more likely to experience issues. Insurers expect homeowners to perform regular maintenance and timely repairs to extend the life of their roof. Failure to do so can result in denied claims if the insurer determines the damage was preventable or due to neglect. For example – mold damage, rodent damage, or roof leaks that are a result of poor maintenance will likely not be covered. It can be helpful to get free roof inspections to make sure you’re taking care of your roof and lengthening its life!

3. Depreciation and Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

The age of your roof can significantly impact your coverage. Some insurers offer replacement cost coverage for roofs, which means they’ll pay the cost to replace your damaged roof with a new one of similar quality and type. However, this coverage often applies to newer roofs, usually less than 10-20 years old, depending on the material. For older roofs, insurers might only offer actual cash value coverage, which factors in depreciation. This means you would receive the depreciated value of your roof at the time of damage, which might not cover the full cost of a new roof. A team of roof experts can help you make those choices and lay out what makes the most sense for you financially.

Navigating The Insurance Claims Process

If your roof is damaged by a covered peril, here are steps to help navigate the claims process:

1. Document the damage. As soon as it’s safe, document the damage with photos and videos on your phone, preferably with time stamps. This evidence can support your claim and help the insurance adjuster assess the extent of the damage.
2. Review your home insurance policy. Familiarize yourself with the details of your policy, including your deductible, the coverage limits, and any specific reporting requirements or deadlines for filing a claim.
3. Contact your insurance company right away! Notify your insurer about the damage as soon as possible to start the claims process. They’ll likely send an adjuster to inspect your roof and determine coverage based on the policy terms and the cause of the damage.
4. Get an estimate from a roofing contractor you trust. It is always best to obtain estimates from reputable roofing contractors to understand the cost of repairs or replacement. These estimates can be useful during negotiations with your insurance company – and expert roofing companies can even help you with the entire insurance process.
5. Make sure you understand your settlement and have a roofing expert take a look. Once your claim is approved, make sure you understand the settlement offer, whether it’s based on actual cash value or replacement cost, and how your deductible will be applied.

Working with a roofing contractor like ProRoofing that has experience with insurance claims can make your life a whole lot easier! At ProRoofing, we offer a completely free roof inspection to assess what needs to be repaired for your roof or if you need a roof replacement. Then, we’ll work with your insurance and get you ready for your roofing claim insurance call, help you schedule time with your claims adjuster, be on-site with your adjuster so they see everything, and help you navigate your initial estimate letter and claim. Insurance is made easy with our roofing experts by your side! Let’s get started.