Yes, you can claim a new roof on your insurance. But only if the damage comes from a covered event like a storm, fire, or hail. Insurance does not cover roofs that are old or damaged from lack of care.
Most homeowners insurance plans will pay for roof damage from sudden events. You need to file a claim quickly and get a roofer to look at the damage.
According to industry data, about 67% of homeowners do not know what their insurance covers for roofs. This means many people miss out on claims they could get.
What Does Insurance Cover for Roofs?
Insurance covers roofs damaged by storms, hail, wind, or fire. If a branch falls on your roof, that is covered.
Insurance does not cover roofs that are old or worn out. It also does not cover damage from lack of care.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, hail damage causes about $1 billion in roof claims every year across America. This shows how common roof damage really is.
- Storm damage is covered
- Hail damage is covered
- Wind damage is covered
- Fire damage is covered
- Age and wear are NOT covered
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How Insurance Pays for Roof Damage
Your insurance may pay in two ways. They can pay to fix just the damaged part. Or they can pay for a full roof replacement.
Most insurance companies use something called depreciation. This means they pay less if your roof is older.
Data from insurance providers shows that the average roof claim is between $7,500 and $15,000. Some claims go much higher if the damage is very bad.
You may have a deductible of $500 to $2,000. This is what you pay before insurance pays the rest.
What Is Your Roof’s Age and Deductible?
Insurance companies check how old your roof is. A roof that is 20 years old gets paid less than a 5-year-old roof.
According to HomeAdvisor, most roofs last between 15 and 25 years. If your roof is near the end of its life, insurance may not cover it fully.
| Roof Age | Insurance Coverage | Your Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 years old | Full or high payment | $500-$1,000 |
| 5-10 years old | Good payment | $500-$1,500 |
| 10-20 years old | Lower payment | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Over 20 years old | Very low or none | $1,500-$2,500 |
How to File a Roof Insurance Claim
First, call your insurance company right away after the damage happens. Do not wait or put it off.
Take photos of the damage from the ground and from a ladder if it is safe. Show the damage clearly in your photos.
Get a roofer to look at the roof and write a damage report. Your insurance will likely send an adjuster to see the damage too.
According to Angi, homeowners who file claims within 30 days get approved 85% of the time. Waiting longer can hurt your chances.
- Call insurance within one day of damage
- Take clear photos of all damage
- Get a roofer’s written report
- Meet with the insurance adjuster
- Keep all receipts and paperwork
Related articles:
- Can You Claim a Roof Replacement on Insurance
- Can I Claim for a New Roof
- Will a New Roof Decrease Homeowners Insurance
- How Do I Get a New Roof If I Can’t Afford It
What Happens After You File a Claim?
Your insurance sends an adjuster to your house. The adjuster looks at the damage and decides how much to pay.
The adjuster may say yes or no to your claim. If they say yes, you get money to fix or replace the roof.
Recent studies show that about 70% of roof claims get approved if filed correctly. This means most people who file claims do get paid.
If you disagree with the adjuster’s decision, you can ask for another look. You can also hire your own roofer expert to help you.
When Insurance Will Not Pay for a New Roof
Insurance will not pay if the damage is from poor upkeep. If you never cleaned your gutters and the roof rotted, that is not covered.
Old roofs near the end of their life may not get full payment. Insurance looks at the roof’s condition and age.
Damage from trees is usually covered. But if a tree is sick and falls because you did not care for it, insurance may deny the claim.
According to the Roofing Industry Alliance, about 15% of claims get denied because of poor roof care or lack of maintenance. Keep your roof clean to avoid this.
Work with a professional roofing solutions to protect your property with quality roofing solutions.