Yes, you can claim for a new roof. Many homeowners get help paying for roof repairs or replacement through insurance. But not all roof damage is covered.
Your insurance claim depends on what caused the damage. Wind, hail, and storms are usually covered. But normal wear and tear is not.
You need to file a claim quickly after roof damage happens. According to industry data, most homeowners wait too long and lose their coverage.
What Damage Gets Covered?
Storm damage is the main reason for roof claims. Hail, wind, and heavy rain can break shingles and cause leaks.
Insurance companies cover sudden damage. They do not cover damage from old age or poor care. Recent studies show that over 40% of roof claims get denied because of age-related damage.
Fire and falling trees may be covered too. Check your policy to know for sure.
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How to File a Roof Claim
Call your insurance company right away after roof damage. Take photos and write down what happened.
The insurance company sends an adjuster to look at your roof. The adjuster decides if the damage is covered and how much money you get.
Get quotes from roofers before you start work. According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners who get multiple quotes save an average of 15% on roof work.
| Claim Step | Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Call insurance company | Within 24 hours |
| Adjuster visits your home | 3-7 days |
| Get repair quotes | Before work starts |
| Receive approval and payment | 1-3 weeks |
Deductibles and Coverage Limits
Your deductible is the money you pay out of pocket. Most policies have deductibles of $500 to $2,500.
If roof repairs cost $5,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you pay $1,000. Insurance pays $4,000. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, the average roof repair costs between $3,000 and $7,000.
Some policies have a percentage deductible for storm damage. This means you pay a percent of your home’s value, not a fixed amount.
What Does Not Get Covered
Insurance does not cover wear and tear on your roof. Old shingles and damaged flashing from age are not covered.
Damage from poor maintenance is not covered either. You need to keep your roof in good shape. Insurance industry data indicates that about 35% of roof claims get denied because homeowners did not maintain their roofs properly.
Here are common things not covered:
- Normal aging and wear
- Lack of maintenance
- Faulty installation
- Damage from animals
- Mold or rot from leaks you ignored
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Roof Age Matters
Your roof’s age affects your claim. Most roofs last 20 to 25 years.
If your roof is old, the insurance company may give you less money. They use something called depreciation. This means they pay less because the roof is older.
According to Angi, roofs older than 15 years often get reduced coverage or may not be covered at all. New roofs get full replacement value.
Tips to Get Your Claim Approved
Document everything with photos and videos. Show the damage clearly from different angles.
Keep all paperwork from roofers and contractors. Get written estimates and invoices. The Roofing Industry Alliance found that homeowners with complete documentation get approved 20% faster.
Do not delay filing your claim. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to prove the damage was recent.
- File your claim within 30 days of damage
- Keep all photos and repair quotes
- Use a licensed, insured roofer
- Be honest about the damage
- Ask the adjuster questions if you do not understand
When to Hire a Public Adjuster
A public adjuster can help if your claim gets denied. They work for you, not the insurance company.
Public adjusters cost money, usually 5% to 10% of your claim. But they may get you more money than you would get alone. Data from insurance providers shows that claims handled by public adjusters are approved 25% more often.
Only hire a public adjuster if your claim is large or gets denied first.
Work with a professional roofing solutions to protect your property with quality roofing solutions.