Detailed Answer
Whether insurance covers your roof replacement depends entirely on what caused the damage and your specific policy type.
Covered perils (insurance will pay)
- Wind damage (missing or lifted shingles)
- Hail damage (bruised or cracked shingles)
- Fire or lightning strikes
- Fallen trees or large branches
- Weight of ice and snow (roof collapse)
- Vandalism
Not covered (you pay out of pocket)
- Normal wear and aging
- Deferred maintenance or neglect
- Gradual deterioration
- Cosmetic damage (in some policies)
- Roofs over 20-25 years old (many policies exclude or limit)
Policy types matter
*Replacement Cost Value (RCV)*: Pays the full cost to replace your roof with equivalent materials, minus your deductible. This is the better coverage type. A new roof that costs $14,000 with a $1,000 deductible means your insurer pays $13,000.
*Actual Cash Value (ACV)*: Pays replacement cost minus depreciation. A 15-year-old roof with a 30-year lifespan is depreciated by 50%, so on a $14,000 replacement the insurer might pay only $6,000 after deductible.
Important steps
1. Document damage immediately with photos and video 2. File your claim within 30-60 days (check your policy deadline) 3. Get an independent inspection before the adjuster visit 4. Review the adjuster's scope of work against your contractor's assessment 5. Know that you have the right to choose your own contractor — never let the insurance company dictate who does the work