Key Takeaways
- Most homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage—but it’s not automatic. Your roof’s age, condition, and policy details play a big role in what gets paid for.
- Storms can rip off shingles, cause leaks, and send trees crashing down—insurance usually covers that.
- Older roofs, poor maintenance, and location matter. A well-kept roof has a better shot at getting full coverage, so don’t skip those checkups.
- Want your claim approved? Snap clear damage photos, report fast, and get a pro inspection.
- At Apex Restoration & Roofing, we handle wind damage claims from inspection to approval—so you don’t have to battle insurance alone.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Wind Damage?
Short answer? Yes! Most homeowners insurance policies do cover roof wind damage—but it’s not always a simple “yes or no” situation.
If a storm ripped off shingles, sent a tree crashing onto your roof, or caused leaks from wind-driven rain, your insurance likely has your back. But if your roof was already hanging on for dear life (a.k.a. old and poorly maintained), your insurer may say, “Not our problem.”
Want to boost your chances of coverage? Act fast! Snap photos, file your claim quickly and bring in a pro for an inspection. (Hint: We do that for free.)
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
Wind Damage & Insurance: What’s Covered (And What’s Not)
What’s Covered?
- Repair or replacement of missing/damaged shingles or tiles.
- Leaks caused by wind-driven rain after roof damage.
- Structural damage from fallen trees or flying debris.
- Water damage to home interiors if wind creates an opening.
What’s Not Covered?
- Pre-existing damage or general wear and tear.
- Leaks due to old or poorly maintained roofs.
- Minor cosmetic damage (e.g., small dents that don’t affect function).
- Damage caused by gradual deterioration rather than a storm event.
Covered vs. Not Covered Wind Damage Claims
| Covered | Not Covered |
| Shingles ripped off by a storm | Worn-out shingles needing replacement |
| Roof leak caused by storm winds | Leaks from long-term neglect |
| Structural damage from a fallen tree | Minor cosmetic dents |
Factors That Affect Wind Damage Insurance Claims
Age & Condition of Your Roof
Insurance companies love new roofs. If yours is 20+ years old, they may cover only a fraction of the cost due to depreciation—or worse—deny the claim altogether.
Pro Tip: Want to prove your roof was in top shape before the storm? Regular inspections and maintenance can save you a major insurance headache.
Your Deductible & Coverage Type
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Covers only the depreciated value of your roof.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays for a full replacement (gold standard).
Pro Tip: If the repair cost is less than your deductible, your insurance won’t pay a dime—so knowing your policy inside and out is key.
Your Location & Windstorm Exclusions
Live in a hurricane alley or a high-wind zone? Heads up—your standard policy may not cover wind damage! Some insurers require a windstorm policy or an add-on for full protection.
Pro Tip: Check your policy for “windstorm exclusions” before you get caught in a storm—literally.
Maintenance & Pre-Existing Issues
If your roof was already struggling before the storm—think missing shingles, clogged gutters, or old leaks—your insurer may call it “poor maintenance” and deny the claim.
Keep your roof in claim-worthy shape with these tips:
- Schedule annual roof checkups.
- Fix minor issues before they become big ones.
- Keep maintenance records to back up your claim.
How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim for Roof Wind Damage
1. Snap Photos & Document Everything
- Take clear photos and videos of everything—missing shingles, leaks, debris, even fallen branches.
- Jot down storm details—date, time, weather conditions. If possible, pull up weather reports to back up your claim.
2. Prevent Further Damage (Insurers Expect It)
- Toss a tarp over exposed areas to stop leaks from getting worse.
- Keep receipts for temporary fixes—your insurer may reimburse you.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider ASAP
- Don’t wait! Most policies have strict claim deadlines (~6-12 months).
- Ask for a copy of your policy so you know exactly what’s covered.
4. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
- At Apex, we inspect your roof for free—because guesswork doesn’t cut it.
- We’ll also work directly with your adjuster to make sure they don’t miss a thing.
5. Meet the Adjuster & Finalize Your Claim
- Walk them through the damage with a roofing pro by your side.
- Review the claim estimate carefully before giving the green light on repairs.
Quick Guide to Filing a Roof Wind Damage Claim
| Step | Action |
| 1️⃣ Inspect | Snap photos and document storm details |
| 2️⃣ Prevent | Cover damage with tarps and keep receipts |
| 3️⃣ Report | Contact your insurer ASAP |
| 4️⃣ Inspect | Get a professional inspection (free with us!) |
| 5️⃣ Adjust | Meet with an adjuster and finalize the claim |
Preventing Roof Wind Damage Before the Next Storm
- Get Regular Roof Checkups: Small issues turn big fast. Routine inspections catch trouble early and keep your roof storm-ready.
- Upgrade to Wind-Resistant Materials: Some shingles handle storms better than others. Consider impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing to toughen up your home.
- Trim Overhanging Trees: Those branches may look nice now, but in a storm? They’re wrecking balls. Keep them at a safe distance from your roof.
- Secure Loose Outdoor Items: Patio furniture, grills, and garden gnomes? In high winds, they become flying hazards. Tie them down or bring them inside.
Bonus Tip: If a big storm is coming, snap some pre-storm roof photos. That way, if damage happens, you have proof that your roof was in good shape before the winds hit!
Wind Damage Happens – Be Ready, Stay Covered
Windstorms don’t play fair, but a solid roof and the right insurance policy can keep you covered. Most homeowners do have wind damage protection, but factors like roof age, maintenance, and policy type affect what your insurer will actually pay.
Stay ahead of the game by keeping your roof in top shape, documenting damage ASAP, and handling your claim the right way.
And if a storm does hit, acting fast and working with trusted roofing pros can turn a stressful situation into a smooth recovery.
Wind messed with your roof? Our pro Apex team’s got your back. Dealing with insurance claims doesn’t have to be a headache—let us handle the hard part.
“Robert was true to his word from beginning to end. He worked through issues with my insurance company and documented well, which produced a great outcome. The communication was excellent! I knew where the project was progressing throughout. The workers that worked on my roof did a very nice job and were very careful of all my plants. There was no loud music and they were very respectful. They did an amazing clean up and magnetized for nails. I would definitely use them again.” – Sue S.
From free inspections to working directly with adjusters, we’ll make sure your claim is smooth, stress-free, and gets you the coverage you deserve.
Call us now at 303-691-5035 or request a free inspection online!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does homeowners insurance cover roof wind damage?
Yes! Most policies do cover wind damage, but it’s not always a simple “yes” or “no.” If strong winds rip off shingles, cause leaks, or send debris crashing onto your roof, insurance likely has your back. But if your roof was already struggling, your claim may not go through. The key? Act fast, document everything, and know your policy inside out.
What types of wind damage are typically covered?
If the wind wreaked havoc on your roof, insurance may step in—but only for certain types of damage. Here’s what usually makes the cut:
- Shingles blown off by high winds? Covered.
- Leaks caused by wind-driven rain? Covered (if the wind created an opening).
- A tree KO’d your roof? Likely covered.
- Water damage inside your home (from wind damage)? Also covered.
How does the age and condition of my roof affect my claim?
Insurance companies love fresh, well-kept roofs. If yours is 20+ years old, they may cover only a fraction of the damage—or deny the claim altogether—because of depreciation. To boost your chances of full coverage: Keep up with maintenance, fix small issues early, and have proof your roof was in good shape before the storm hit.
How do I file a homeowners insurance claim for roof wind damage?
- Snap clear photos of all damage—shingles on the ground, leaks, fallen branches.
- Cover exposed areas (a simple tarp works) and save receipts for temporary fixes.
- Call your insurance provider ASAP! Some policies have tight deadlines.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection.
- Meet the adjuster and bring a roofing expert along—the more proof, the better your chances.
Need a hassle-free claim process? At Apex, we offer free inspections and work directly with your adjuster—so you don’t have to stress over the details.
Will my insurance cover the full cost of the roof replacement?
Depends on your policy type! Here’s the breakdown:
- Actual Cash Value—Covers only the depreciated value of your roof, meaning you’ll pay more out of pocket.
- Replacement Cost Value—Covers the full cost of replacing damaged areas, minus your deductible.