Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a roof replacement?

By Mohammed Abdalla, Good Faith Energy. 

We answered your frequently asked questions about roof replacement coverage. 

Replacing a roof is not something homeowners look forward to. But violent storms, sudden hail and other unexpected weather conditions can create irreversible damage, and it’s important that homeowners have access to accurate information and professional assistance when they need it.  

Most homeowner insurance policies provide some relief from the costs of replacing a roof, but it can be difficult to understand exactly what is covered. Our experts here at Good Faith Energy answered your questions to help you better understand how homeowner insurance for roof replacement works, cases that are not covered and how to receive insurance reimbursements. 

How does home insurance for roof replacements work? 

As you know, your roof is an integral part of your home’s structure. Considering this, it’s protected by your dwelling coverage, which (you may also know it as Coverage A). In some cases, when the damage to your roof is so big that your home is no longer inhabitable, you may also get help from the loss of coverage. 

If you’re not new to insurance, you’ve probably heard about coverage amounts and deductibles, which also affect how much you might get. In simple terms, the deductible is the amount you, as a homeowner, must pay when filing a claim. The coverage amount, however, is the maximum amount your insurer may pay for a claim. So, to understand how much of your roof repair costs your insurance company will cover, you have to take a look at both of these numbers. 

It’s worth noting that some policies (for homes in high-risk states) might impose a higher deductible for damage from hurricanes and similar extreme weather events. This is often true for Texas, which consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states for roof damage claims. 

In which cases does insurance not cover roof damage? 

Unfortunately, no policy can cover every event that might cause damage to your roof. Some circumstances might require you to pay for a roof replacement on your own.  

For example, homeowners who need reroofing due to wear and tear usually have trouble getting reimbursement. Why? Mainly because it’s not sudden or accidental damage. It’s something that has happened over time. The same goes for neglect and poor maintenance. If you’ve ignored a minor issue (whether that’s a missing shingle or a small leak) until it becomes a bigger issue, your claim might get denied. That’s why it’s important to invest in better roofing and preventative maintenance before. This will save you money in the long run! 

The good news? If something dramatic has occurred that has led to severe damage (say, your roof has been torn off entirely), you’ll likely get coverage. It gets trickier when the overall damage is not as big (even if an act of nature has caused it).  

For instance, your insurance company might not agree to pay for a leaking roof, even if it’s due to heavy rain. They might argue that the issue is a general wear-and-tear problem, which, as mentioned before, isn’t covered. 

Interestingly, water damage to your furniture or walls is usually covered under the all-perils section, even if the works related to your roof aren’t. 

How can you get reimbursed for a roof replacement? 

Before you make a claim for a roof replacement, start by requesting an inspection from a professional. Whenever any damage occurs, make sure to document it properly. That means taking photos and videos (ideally, before and after the damage), saving inspection reports and keeping receipts for any repairs you’ve already completed.  

This doesn’t guarantee reimbursement for a roof replacement. However, your chances will be significantly higher. 

It’s also important to remember that you should file a claim no later than one year after the storm. If you’ve waited too long, your insurer might deny your claim. 

Final thoughts: Does insurance cover roof replacement? 

Planning a roof replacement can feel overwhelming. It’s a significant investment, so you want to ensure you’ve exhausted all the options.  

At Good Faith Energy, we know how frustrating it can be to worry about your homeowner’s policy roof coverage. That’s why it’s best to team up with professionals — like our sister company, GFE Roofing — who know the process and have extensive experience working with roofing claim agencies. 

Original article and image source: Good Faith Energy