Yes, you can claim a new roof on house insurance. But it depends on why your roof needs fixing. If a storm or accident damages your roof, insurance may help pay for a new one. If your roof is just old and worn out, insurance usually will not pay.
Most homeowners insurance covers sudden damage. This means damage that happens fast and is not your fault. Wind, hail, and falling trees are common reasons for roof claims. Your roof claim might be approved if the damage happened this way.
Insurance does not cover normal wear and tear. Your roof gets older every year. If your roof is just old, the insurance company will say no to your claim. They only pay when something sudden goes wrong.
How Insurance Covers Roof Damage
Your homeowners policy covers sudden roof damage from storms and accidents. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, about 1 in 50 homeowners file a roof damage claim each year. This shows how common roof damage is.
When you file a roof damage claim, the insurance company sends an adjuster. The adjuster looks at the damage and takes pictures. They check if the damage is sudden or just age-related.
Most policies pay to fix or replace your roof after storm damage. The insurance company may pay for the full cost of a new roof. Or they may ask you to pay a deductible first.
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What Your Deductible Means
A deductible is the money you pay before insurance helps. Most homeowners have a deductible of $500 to $1,000. Some people choose higher deductibles to pay lower monthly bills.
If your roof damage costs $8,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you pay $1,000. Insurance pays the other $7,000. The deductible comes out of your pocket first.
According to industry data, roof replacement costs average between $7,000 and $15,000 in the United States. Your final roof cost depends on the size and type of roof you need.
When Insurance Will Not Pay
Insurance will not pay for a roof that is just old. Roofing materials break down over time. After 15 to 20 years, most roofs need to be replaced.
The insurance company will deny your claim if they say the damage is normal wear and tear. Weathering, leaks from age, and missing shingles from age are not covered. You have to pay for these repairs yourself.
Recent studies show that about 30 percent of roof insurance claims get denied by insurance companies. Many denials happen because homeowners did not maintain their roofs properly.
How to File a Roof Insurance Claim
First, call your insurance company right after storm damage. Tell them what happened and when. Take clear photos of the damage from the ground and from a safe place on the roof.
Here are the steps to file your roof claim:
- Call your insurance agent within 24 hours
- Take lots of photos and videos of the damage
- Write down the date and type of storm
- Keep all repair estimates and bills
- Meet with the insurance adjuster
The insurance company will send an adjuster to look at your roof. The adjuster decides if the damage is covered. This process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Related articles:
- Can You Claim a Roof Replacement on Insurance
- How Much Does It Cost to Have a New Roof on Your House
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Roof Age and Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies care about how old your roof is. Older roofs are more likely to have damage. Many insurance companies will not cover roofs that are older than 20 to 25 years.
According to data from insurance providers, roofs over 15 years old often have trouble getting full coverage. Some insurance companies charge higher premiums for old roofs. Others will not insure homes with very old roofs at all.
If your roof is getting old, you may want to replace it before filing an insurance claim. A new roof can lower your insurance rates. It also protects your home better from weather and storms.
| Roof Age | Insurance Coverage | Likelihood of Claim Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 years | Full coverage | Very High |
| 10 to 15 years | Full coverage | High |
| 15 to 20 years | Partial coverage | Medium |
| Over 20 years | Limited coverage | Low |
Free Roof Inspections and Claims
Many roofing companies offer free roof inspections. They will check your roof for damage at no cost. This helps you know if you have damage to claim.
Some roofers will help you file your insurance claim. They can work with the insurance adjuster. They can also help you understand if your damage is covered.
According to Angi, about 42 percent of homeowners use professional inspectors before filing roof claims. Working with a professional roofer can help your claim succeed. They know what insurance companies want to see.
Important facts to remember:
- File your claim fast after storm damage happens
- Insurance covers sudden damage, not old roofs
- You pay your deductible before insurance pays
- Keep all photos and repair bills
- Work with a roofer who understands insurance claims
Yes, you can claim a new roof on your house insurance if the damage is sudden and not from age. Storm damage, fallen trees, and hail are usually covered. But old roofs and normal wear and tear are not covered. Call your insurance company right away if you have roof damage. They will tell you if your damage is covered.
Contact a qualified professional roofer for expert guidance on roof repair, replacement, or installation.