One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: "Will my insurance pay for a new roof?" The answer is: it depends on what caused the damage. Here's a straightforward breakdown.
When Insurance Typically DOES Cover Your Roof
Homeowner's insurance is designed to cover sudden, unexpected damage from "covered perils." For roofs, this usually includes:
- Wind damage — Missing shingles, lifted flashing, or structural damage from high winds
- Hail damage — Bruised or cracked shingles, dented vents and flashing
- Fallen trees or branches — Impact damage from trees brought down by storms
- Fire damage — Including lightning strikes
- Weight of ice and snow — Structural damage from excessive snow loads
If the damage is severe enough that repairs aren't practical, insurance will typically cover a full replacement minus your deductible.
When Insurance Typically Does NOT Cover Your Roof
Insurance generally won't pay for:
- Normal wear and tear — Shingles that have simply aged out and need replacement
- Deferred maintenance — Damage that resulted from neglecting repairs
- Cosmetic damage — Some policies exclude damage that affects appearance but not function
- Gradual deterioration — Slow leaks that have been developing over time
How to Maximize Your Claim
This is where having the right roofing contractor makes a huge difference:
1. Document before you file — Have a professional inspect and document the damage before you call your insurance company. This ensures nothing is missed in the initial filing.
2. Use Xactimate documentation — Insurance companies use Xactimate software to price claims. When your roofer provides estimates in the same format, it speeds up approvals and reduces the chance of underpayment. (This is one of Archer Roofing's core advantages — we write all our estimates in Xactimate.)
3. Be present for the adjuster visit — And make sure your roofing contractor is there too. An experienced contractor can point out damage items that adjusters sometimes miss, especially on steep or complex roofs.
4. Don't accept the first offer if it's too low — Insurance companies sometimes issue lowball initial estimates. A supplement with additional documentation can often increase the payout to cover the full scope of work needed.
5. Know your policy — Understand your deductible, your coverage limits, and whether you have an RCV (Replacement Cost Value) or ACV (Actual Cash Value) policy. RCV policies pay to replace your roof at current prices; ACV policies depreciate the value based on age.
The Archer Roofing Difference
We come from the insurance-restoration industry. Our team has hands-on experience with Xactimate estimating, adjuster meetings, and the documentation process. We've helped hundreds of homeowners navigate claims successfully.
If you think your roof has storm damage, call us before you call your insurance company. We'll do a free inspection, document everything, and help you determine if filing a claim makes sense. If it does, we'll guide you through every step.