- Home insurance may cover roof replacement if damage was caused by a covered peril like wind, hail or fire.
- It usually won’t cover damage from age, neglect or normal wear and tear.
- Insurers may review the roof’s age, condition and your policy type as part of their evaluation of your claim.
- If your roof is replaced, update your insurer and keep records of the work.
Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Taking care of your roof is just part of being a homeowner. But when the unexpected happens, your homeowners insurance could step in to help cover the damage.
Key Takeaways
Roof replacement coverage usually depends on what caused the damage and what your policy allows. If your roof was damaged suddenly – as an example from wind or hail – your homeowners insurance may help. If the roof needs replacement because of age, neglect or wear and tear, it usually won’t be covered.
Quick takeaway: When you need a roof replacement, home insurance may cover it if the damage was caused by a covered peril such as wind, hail or fire. Damage from age, neglect or wear and tear is usually not covered.
When roof damage may be covered by home insurance
Your home insurance is there to help when something sudden and accidental happens, not for everyday upkeep. So, if your roof needs repairs or replacement because it’s getting old or showing signs of wear and tear, that won’t be covered.
But if a covered event or peril, as they’re called in your policy, damages your roof, your dwelling coverage may help pay for the repairs or replacement. It all comes down to what caused the damage and what’s outlined in your policy. Commonly covered perils include:
- Windstorms: Includes damage from strong winds, hurricanes or tornadoes.
- Hail: Damage from falling hail may be covered.
- Snow, sleet or ice: Winter weather-related damage is often included in many policies.
- Lightning: Losses from lightning strikes and power surges may be covered.
- Fire: Damage from fire may be covered, depending on what caused it.
- Falling objects: Coverage for damage from trees, especially if the fall was sudden and accidental.
Real-world example: Let’s say a severe thunderstorm with strong winds rips off several shingles from your roof, causing rain to leak into your attic and damage the insulation and ceiling. Because the damage was sudden and caused by a covered peril (windstorm), your homeowners insurance would likely help pay for both the roof repair and the resulting interior damage.
What insurers consider before covering a roof replacement
Insurance companies may review several factors before determining whether roof replacement is covered and how a claim may be settled.
| What insurers may review | Why it matters for insurance roof replacement |
|---|---|
| Cause of damage | Covered perils like wind or hail may be eligible, while wear and tear usually is not. |
| Roof age and material | Older roofs may have more depreciation or a shorter remaining lifespan. |
| Roof condition | Signs of neglect or long-term deterioration can affect coverage decisions. |
| Policy settlement type | Actual cash value and replacement cost value can change how much insurance pays. |
Roof age and material
How long your roof lasts depends on the material and upkeep. Here’s a quick look at typical roof lifespans based on material:
- Asphalt shingles: 15–30 years
- Metal roofs: 40–70 years
- Slate roofs: 75–100+ years
- Wood shingles/shakes: 20–40 years
- Clay or concrete tiles: 50–100 years
- Flat roof materials (PVC): 20–30 years
Roof condition
Keep an eye on your roof’s condition. Missing shingles, sagging areas or moss buildup could be signs you may need a new roof. Your insurance company will take the roof’s condition into account when determining your coverage – so staying ahead of issues can make a big difference.
If there’s evidence of neglect or long-term wear, your coverage could be limited. Staying on top of routine upkeep helps keep your roof in good shape and helps you remain eligible for coverage when you need it most.
Policy settlement type
There are two common ways an insurance company might cover roof damage: actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV).
- ACV takes depreciation into account, meaning your payout is reduced based on the age and condition of your roof.
- RCV pays the full cost to replace your roof with materials of similar like, kind and quality, without factoring in depreciation.
Real-world example: It costs $20,000 to replace your 15-year-old asphalt shingle roof after hail damage. With RCV, your homeowners insurance may pay the full $20,000, minus your deductible. With ACV, your insurance company could apply $5,000 in depreciation, which means the payout may be $15,000, minus your deductible.
How to file a roof damage claim
Filing a roof damage claim works much like any other homeowners insurance claim. Here’s a quick overview of the process for a roof claim:
1. Document the damage right away
- Take clear photos, and note date and weather conditions
- Hold off on major repairs until your adjuster has inspected the damage
2. Contact your insurance company
- Report the damage and share basic details, photos and documentation
3. Schedule an inspection
- Your insurance company will likely send out an adjuster to inspect your roof
- You can get an estimate from a licensed roofing contractor
4. Review your settlement
- If coverage is afforded, review the settlement details carefully
- Save all receipts and documentation of the repairs for your records and any future claims
For more detailed information on the claims process, check out our step-by-step guide on how to file a homeowners insurance claim.
Need more info? You may also find it helpful to explore the process of documenting home damage for insurance purposes further before you file.
What to do after replacing your roof
Once your new roof is in place, there are a few important steps you can take:
- Let your insurance company know. Newer roofs may qualify you for lower premiums, so be sure to update your policy.
- Save your records. Hang on to receipts, warranties and any documentation from the contractor.
- Schedule regular inspections. Catching minor issues early can help prevent bigger problems down the road.
- Maintain your roof surroundings. Trim nearby trees and clean your gutters to help protect against storm damage and leaks.
Check your coverage before and after the replacement so you know what’s included and what’s not. Give an Amica representative a call at 833-513-3881 and we will help you understand your options and find the coverage that’s right for you.
Need more background? For broader coverage questions, you can also learn more about your home insurance options or find out how much is right for you.
Get a home insurance quote today
FAQs about roof replacement
It usually depends on the cause of the leak. Most policies cover roof leaks that are the result of sudden damage from perils like wind, hail or fire. But if the leak is due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, it’s usually not covered. Every policy is different, so it’s best to check with your insurance company to understand what’s included in your specific coverage.
Yes, in most cases, you’ll need to pay a deductible when filing a roof claim. The deductible is the amount you’re responsible for before your insurance covers any repair or replacement costs. The amount depends on your policy, so it’s a good idea to review your deductible before filing a claim.
It’s possible. Premium changes depend on several factors, including the severity of the damage, your claim history and your insurer’s guidelines.
Yes, you can hire a contractor of your choice. Your insurer may offer to match you with a licensed and vetted contractor in their network, but the final decision is up to you.
It can, but age and condition may affect coverage. If an older roof is damaged by a covered peril, your policy may still provide coverage, though depreciation or policy terms could reduce the payout.
How much insurance pays for roof replacement depends on the cause of loss, your deductible, your roof’s age and whether your policy settles claims at actual cash value or replacement cost value.
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
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