Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?

Roof insurance: What you need to know

A standard home insurance policy will pay to replace your roof if it’s damaged beyond repair by a fire, tornado, hurricane, ice storm, or other covered hazard. However, you won’t be able to file a claim if the cause of your roof damage is due to lack of maintenance on your part or just general wear and tear, like a gradual roof leak. In addition, the age of your roof will also play a role in your claim reimbursement.

How the age of your roof affects what's covered

One of the biggest factors that plays a role in whether your home insurance company pays for roof replacement is its age and condition.

If you indicate that your roof is over 20 years old on your home insurance application, most insurance companies will require it to pass an inspection. Other insurers simply won’t write new policies for homes with roofs that are 15 or 20 years old. And if they do, they’ll specify that it’s only covered at its actual cash value — meaning depreciation is factored into your final payout.

How to get insurance to pay for roof replacement

If you notice damage to your roof, be sure to contact your insurer immediately. To get insurance to pay for a new roof, you’ll want to do the following:

• Hire a roofing company to make temporary repairs. Not only does roof damage create unwanted access points in your house, but you’re also risking further damage to everything inside.

• Gather evidence of your claim. Take before and after photos of your roof, and keep all receipts of any work you've had done on your roof.

• File an insurance claim. You might be able to do this over the phone through your agent, online, or through a mobile app — depending on your insurance company.

• Schedule an appointment with your insurance claims adjuster. They'll survey the damage and decide if your claim is approved or not.
  

If your claim is approved, your insurer will reimburse you for the cost of roof repairs or replacement. You’ll first have to pay your deductible before your insurance coverage will pay out for a new roof or repairs