Does home insurance cover roof damage?

Your roof is often the first line of defense against the elements and other types of damage to your home. The good news is that homeowners insurance typically covers roof repairs or replacement if a covered peril, such as a storm, hail, or fire, causes damage to the roof. However, your home insurance policy won’t cover all types of roof damage, and your roof’s age, condition, and policy type can also influence when and how your roof is covered.  

Read on to find out what’s covered, what’s not, how to file a claim, and tips for preventing damage, so you can protect your home and avoid costly surprises. 

Types of roof damage typically covered

The standard home insurance policy offers broad coverage for common perils to protect your roof. However, how your policy does (or doesn’t) cover damage will vary depending on the cause of damage, your insurance policy, and even your location. 

Below are common causes of roof damage.

Wind and Hail Damage

Typically, most standard home insurance policies cover wind and hail damage. However, if you live in a high-risk area, such as along the southern coast, your policy may exclude or limit coverage for wind damage. 

If your policy does cover wind damage, take note of your policy deductibles. In some cases, a policy may have a separate deductible for this type of damage. If your policy does not cover wind damage, you may be able to secure coverage by adding a wind damage endorsement or purchasing a stand-alone wind insurance policy. 

Fire and Smoke

Generally, a standard insurance policy will cover fire damage to a roof, but coverage can vary by policy, insurer, and the state in which you live. This is particularly true if you live in an area at high risk for wildfires. 

In some cases, insurers will exclude or limit coverage for wildfires while still covering claims for other types of fire-related damage. For instance, the insurer may not cover your roof if a wildfire damages it, but it may cover repairs or roof replacements if the damage is caused by an accidental fire that ignited inside the home.

If you live in an area susceptible to wildfires, and your insurance policy covers that type of damage, keep in mind that you may have a separate wildfire deductible.

Vandalism or Falling Objects

If someone deliberately vandalizes your roof or a tree falls on it, the standard homeowners insurance typically covers repair costs. However, it’s important to note that there may be exclusions under certain circumstances. 

For instance, if the tree that fell on your roof was dead and a known hazard, your insurer may not cover the claim. Likewise, if your neighbor’s tree falls on your home due to their negligence, their insurer may need to cover the loss. 

Weight of Ice and Snow

Generally, standard home insurance policies will cover roof damage caused by the weight of ice and snow. For instance, if an extreme winter snowstorm drops several inches or feet of snow on your house, causing your roof to collapse, your policy will generally cover repairs or a replacement. 

How are roof damage claims paid?

How much your insurer will pay for roof damage depends on your coverage. Generally, there are two claim payout methods commonly used to determine a roof damage claim payout: actual cash value and replacement cost value. However, some endorsements can further modify coverage details and claims payouts.

Here are different types of policies and how they affect your coverage. 

• Actual cash value (ACV) covers the cost of replacing your roof minus depreciation. As your roof ages or its condition worsens, your insurer will pay out less for a covered roof damage claim. If you have this coverage, you may have to pay more out-of-pocket to restore your roof to its original condition.  

• Replacement cost value (RCV) covers the cost of replacing the roof with similar materials at today’s prices. Standard HO-3 policies commonly include RCV coverage, but you must check with your insurer. If your policy has actual cash value (ACV) coverage, you can often add a replacement cost coverage endorsement. 

Regardless of which type of claims payout method your insurer uses, your policy deductible and limits still apply. As such, your insurer will subtract your deductible from your claim payout and will only pay out up to your dwelling coverage limit. If you file a claim for roof damage to another structure on your property, such as a detached garage, your other structures coverage limit will apply. 

Roof coverage endorsements

Most insurers offer endorsements that can modify the way your property is covered. Generally, roof coverage endorsements can include: 

• Extended replacement cost coverage. This will extend your dwelling coverage limit if the cost of repairs or replacements exceeds the actual policy limit. The limit is often extended by 25%, but it can be more or less based on your insurer, state, and policy.

• Guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Adding this endorsement to your policy will ensure that the full cost of roof repairs or replacements is covered, regardless of your policy limit. 

• Roof surfacing payment schedule. Often added to policies for properties with older roofs, this type of endorsement will establish a claim payout schedule based on the roof's age and materials. As your roof ages, your claim payout will decrease. Though coverage with a roof surfacing payment schedule is less robust, it can often help homeowners with older roofs secure affordable coverage when the roof’s age may otherwise prevent them from doing so. 

When home insurance doesn’t cover roof damage

Home insurance doesn’t cover everything. It’s typically meant for unexpected situations, not preventable or avoidable situations. 

Here are the types of scenarios that homeowners insurance may exclude: 

• Wear and tear. If your roof is deteriorating due to age, your insurer may not cover repairs or replacement. 

• Negligence. If your roof is damaged and there are signs of clear and known neglect, such as failing to fix an ongoing roof leak, your insurer may not cover repairs. 

• Manufacturer defects or poor installation. Insurers typically won’t cover damage caused by poor or faulty workmanship. Instead, these losses may fall under your manufacturer’s warranty.

• Floods or earthquakes. Standard home insurance policies don’t cover flood or earthquake damage. To protect your roof against this type of damage, you would need to add flood and/or earthquake endorsements or purchase stand-alone policies for each. 

• Mold, rot, or pests. Damage caused by mold, rot, and pests is often excluded from coverage. 

How to file a roof damage claim

Filing a claim for roof damage can be simple. However, it's crucial to do so immediately so you can get your roof repaired promptly. The steps below can help you file a claim quickly and efficiently.

1. Document the damage. If possible and safe to do so, take photos or video of the roof damage to provide to your insurer.

2. Contact your insurance company. Most insurers offer multiple ways to file a claim, including by phone, on the company’s website, or through a mobile app. Have your policy number, details about the event, and supporting documentation (e.g., videos, photos, or a home inventory) available.

3. Take action to mitigate further damage. If it’s safe to do so, take steps to reduce the risk of further damage. For instance, you put a tarp over the affected area or have a tree removed. Keep any receipts related to your efforts.

4. Meet with your claims specialist or adjustor. Your company may send an adjustor or claims specialist to evaluate damage. Ensure that you maintain communication with the assigned individual and are available on the scheduled date. 

5. Keep all communication and receipts. Take notes and save communication details related to your claim. It’s also wise to keep track of all repair or replacement-related receipts.

6. Receive your claim payout and complete repairs. If your claim is approved, your insurer will issue the claim payout, and you can use that money to complete repairs. In some cases, your claim payout may be issued in multiple payments. 

How to prevent roof damage

The best way to protect your roof from damage is to take preventive measures. Following best maintenance practices can help you keep your roof in optimal condition.  

Here are some things you can do as a homeowner to prevent roof damage:

• Schedule annual inspections with a professional

• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water damage

• Trim overhanging trees to prevent branches from swinging or falling onto your roof

• Replace damaged or missing shingles right away 

• Clean up dead vegetation and debris from your yard

• Keep your attic properly insulated and ventilated to prevent ice dams in cold weather

• Upgrade to durable roofing materials for your climate