Roof Repair & Insurance Coverage

Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden, accidental damage—not gradual wear or neglect. Understanding this distinction is critical to knowing when to file a claim and when to expect denial. For actual repair costs, your out-of-pocket will depend on your deductible.

Usually Covered

• Storm damage: High winds, hail, lightning strikes, and tornado damage. Need help fast? See our emergency repair guide.
• Falling objects: Trees, branches, or debris falling on your roof.
• Fire: Nearly always covered regardless of source.
• Vandalism: Intentional damage by others.
• Water damage from sudden roof failure: If a covered event causes your roof to fail and water damages your interior, both are typically covered.

Rarely or Never Covered

• Wear and tear: Age-related deterioration isn't covered. If your roof is past its expected lifespan, expect pushback.
• Poor maintenance: Damage resulting from neglect, like leaks you ignored for months that caused mold.
• Pre-existing damage: Anything that existed before your current policy started.
• Cosmetic damage: Hail dents that don't affect function typically aren't covered. Material matters—check our materials comparison.
• Gradual leaks: If a leak developed slowly over time, it's often considered maintenance failure.

Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Most homeowners have $1,000-$2,500 deductibles. Some policies have percentage-based deductibles (1-5% of home value), which can mean $3,000-$10,000+ deductibles on expensive homes.

The Math

If your repair costs $3,000 and your deductible is $1,500, you pay $1,500 and insurance pays $1,500. If your repair costs $1,200 and your deductible is $1,500, insurance pays nothing—you're better off not filing a claim at all. Check our cost guide to understand typical repair pricing.

Important consideration: Filing claims can raise your premiums or lead to non-renewal. For repairs barely exceeding your deductible, paying out of pocket often makes more financial sense long-term.

1. Document Everything Immediately

Take extensive photos and videos of all damage right after the incident. Date/time stamps from your phone help prove when damage occurred. Document both roof damage and any interior water damage. This evidence is crucial if your claim is disputed.

2. Make Temporary Repairs

Your policy requires you to prevent further damage. Tarping leaks or boarding up openings is expected—insurance will reimburse reasonable costs. But don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects unless it's absolutely necessary for safety.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company Quickly

Most policies require "prompt" notification. While you typically have 1-2 years to file, delaying makes it harder to prove damage was from a specific event. Call within days of the damage.

4. Get Multiple Contractor Estimates

Don't rely solely on the adjuster's estimate. Get 2-3 quotes from licensed contractors. If their estimates significantly exceed the adjuster's, you have leverage to negotiate a higher payout.

5. Review Your Policy

Know whether you have "replacement cost" coverage (pays for new materials) or "actual cash value" (replacement cost minus depreciation). ACV policies pay much less on older roofs—sometimes barely enough to cover deductibles.