How to Get a New Roof Covered by Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide

The roof over your head is one of the most important parts of your home. It shields you and your family from the elements and ensures that your living space remains comfortable and safe. But what happens when that roof starts to wear down or gets damaged?

The cost of repairing or replacing it can be overwhelming. Thankfully, in some cases, insurance might help cover the cost.

Have you ever wondered if your homeowner’s insurance policy could pay for a new roof? It’s not uncommon to be unsure about what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to go about getting insurance to help with a roof replacement.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a new roof covered by insurance from the basics of what your policy covers to how to file a successful claim.

Whether your roof has been damaged by a storm, age, or some other cause, I’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions, tips, and advice that will help you understand how to navigate this process with confidence.

Understanding Your Homeowner’s Insurance

The first step in figuring out whether you can get a new roof covered by insurance is understanding what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers.

Homeowner’s insurance typically covers damages to your home, including your roof, under certain conditions.

Most homeowner’s policies fall into two main categories: replacement cost and actual cash value.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

• Replacement Cost: This is the amount it would take to replace the damaged or destroyed item with one of similar kind and quality, without factoring in depreciation. In the case of your roof, this means if your roof is damaged, the insurance company will pay for the cost of a new roof.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): This type of coverage factors in depreciation. So, if your roof is damaged, the insurance company will only pay what it thinks the roof is worth at the time of the damage taking into account how old your roof is and how much it’s depreciated over time.

It’s important to know what type of coverage you have before filing a claim. If you have ACV coverage, you might end up with a lower payout than if you have replacement cost coverage.

Typical Coverage for Roof Damage

Roof damage is usually covered under the “dwelling coverage” portion of your policy. However, there are some important things to keep in mind:

• Storm Damage: Roofs damaged by hail, wind, or other storms are often covered by insurance.
• Age of the Roof: If your roof is very old and has simply worn out, it may not be covered under your policy, especially if you have ACV coverage.
• Maintenance Issues: If the damage is due to poor maintenance or neglect, insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of replacement.
• Deductibles: Your insurance policy may have a deductible for roof damage, meaning you’ll have to pay a portion of the cost before the insurance kicks in.

How to Determine if Your Roof Damage is Covered

Before rushing to file a claim, it’s important to figure out if your roof damage is actually covered. Here are the main factors to consider:

1. Type of Damage

• Storm or Accident: If your roof was damaged in a storm, a fallen tree, or some other unexpected event, there’s a good chance your insurance will cover it. Be sure to document the damage as soon as possible.
• Wear and Tear: If the roof damage is caused by age or lack of maintenance, insurance may not cover it. Regular maintenance is often a requirement to ensure your roof is in good condition for coverage.

2. Age of the Roof

As I mentioned earlier, insurance coverage often varies based on how old your roof is. Roofs that are over a certain age (usually 20-25 years) may not be covered, or the coverage may be reduced because the roof has reached the end of its lifespan.

3. Roof Inspection and Documentation

If a storm or accident has caused the damage, be sure to get an inspection and have it documented.

The more detailed the documentation, the easier it will be to file a claim. Take pictures of the damage, note the time and date it occurred, and make a note of any external factors like the weather or a fallen tree that may have caused the damage.

4. Review Your Policy

The next step is to review your homeowner’s insurance policy or contact your insurance agent. This will help you understand the specifics of your coverage, such as what types of roof damage are covered, what the deductible is, and whether any exclusions apply to roof replacement.

Step-by-Step Process of Filing a Roof Insurance Claim

Once you’ve confirmed that your roof damage is covered by your insurance, it’s time to start the claims process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to do that:

1. Document the Damage

The first step is to document the damage. As mentioned earlier, take detailed photos and videos of the damage. Be sure to include wide shots of the roof, close-ups of the damage, and any other relevant information that could help prove the extent of the damage.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once you have your documentation, contact your insurance provider. Most insurance companies have a specific claims process you’ll need to follow. Some companies even offer online tools where you can file a claim digitally.

3. Schedule an Inspection

Your insurance company will likely send out an adjuster to inspect the damage. During the inspection, the adjuster will evaluate the roof and determine the extent of the damage. Make sure you’re present for the inspection so you can point out any specific issues and discuss your concerns.

4. Get Repair Estimates

After the inspection, get estimates from roofing contractors. While your insurance company may offer its own estimate, having additional quotes from contractors will help you ensure that the estimate is accurate.

5. Wait for the Settlement Offer

Once the adjuster has finished the inspection and reviewed the documentation, they’ll provide a settlement offer. If you have replacement cost coverage, this will be the amount needed to replace your roof. If you have ACV coverage, the offer will be lower.

6. Review and Accept the Offer

Once you receive the settlement offer, carefully review it. If it’s fair, accept the offer and get started with the roof replacement. If the offer seems low or insufficient, don’t be afraid to negotiate.

7. Complete the Roof Replacement

After agreeing to the settlement, you can begin the roof replacement process with your chosen contractor. Be sure to keep receipts, invoices, and other documentation to submit to your insurance company.

Table: Understanding the Claims Process

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Roof Claim

Filing a roof claim can be a stressful process, and there are a few common mistakes that many homeowners make along the way. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Documenting the Damage Properly

One of the biggest mistakes is failing to properly document the damage. Without solid evidence, it can be difficult for your insurance company to justify a claim.

2. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing a claim, typically 12-24 months after the incident. Don’t wait too long to report damage, or you may lose your chance to file a claim.

3. Failing to Understand Your Coverage

Be sure you understand your policy and what is covered. If you’re unsure, ask your insurance provider for clarification. It’s important to know whether you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage.

4. Not Getting Multiple Estimates

If you only get one estimate for your roof replacement, you could be leaving money on the table. Get at least two or three estimates to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Conclusion

Replacing a roof can be expensive, but with the right insurance coverage, it doesn’t have to break the bank. By understanding your homeowner’s insurance policy, knowing the steps for filing a claim, and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize your chances of getting a fair payout.

• Review your insurance policy to understand what’s covered.
• Document the damage thoroughly.
• Get multiple estimates from roofing contractors.
• Don’t wait too long to file your claim.

If your roof is in need of replacement, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company and start the claims process. Remember, you’ve paid for coverage, so it’s important to make sure you use it when you need it most!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions people have about getting a new roof covered by insurance, along with helpful answers:

1. Does homeowner’s insurance cover a new roof?

Yes, homeowner’s insurance can cover a new roof if the damage was caused by a covered event, like a storm or fire. However, if the damage is due to normal wear and tear or neglect, it is typically not covered. Be sure to check the details of your policy to see what is covered.

2. How do I know if my roof damage is covered?

The best way to know if your roof damage is covered is to review your policy. Look for terms like “storm damage,” “wind damage,” or “hail damage” under the dwelling coverage section. You can also contact your insurance company directly to confirm if the damage meets the criteria for coverage.

3. What if my roof is older—will insurance still cover it?

Older roofs may be subject to depreciation, and insurance may only cover the value of the roof after accounting for that depreciation. If you have replacement cost coverage, your insurance may cover the cost of a new roof, but if you have actual cash value (ACV) coverage, the payout will likely be lower.

4. Do I need to get multiple estimates for roof replacement?

It’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates from different roofing contractors. Insurance companies may provide their own estimate, but having multiple quotes helps ensure that you’re getting a fair and accurate assessment of the cost to replace your roof.