Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

Key Takeaways

• Homeowners insurance can cover roof replacement—but only if the damage is sudden, like a storm, fire, or falling tree.
• Old, worn-out, or neglected roofs? That’s coming out of your pocket.
• Your policy type (RCV vs. ACV) matters—a lot—when it’s about how much you’ll actually get paid.
• A pro roof inspection can be the difference between an approved claim and a frustrating denial.
• At Apex, we take the headache out of insurance claims with free inspections and expert guidance—so you don’t have to stress.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

Short answer: It depends on what happened.

Homeowners insurance may foot the bill for a roof replacement, but it all comes down to how your roof took the hit.

• If your roof got wrecked by a sudden event—hail, high winds, fire, or a tree deciding to move in uninvited—insurance usually has your back.
• If your roof is just old, worn out, or neglected? That’s on you, sadly.

Every policy has its fine print—checking your coverage now can save you a major headache later. 

Up next, we’ll walk you through what’s covered, how to file a claim, and what to do if your insurer says “no.”

How Homeowners Insurance Works for Roof Replacement

What Kind of Coverage Do You Have?

• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays for a brand-new roof of similar quality, minus your deductible.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays the depreciated value of your roof (if your roof is old, expect a lower payout).

What Affects Your Insurance Payout?

• Roof Age: If it’s 20+ years old, expect a prorated payout instead of full coverage.
• Cause of Damage: Storms, fire, and falling trees? Covered. Old, worn-out shingles? Not so much.
• Pre-Damage Condition: If your roof was already in rough shape, your claim may be denied.

Watch Out for These Exclusions!

• Cosmetic damage (like minor dents or fading color).
• Pre-existing issues (problems that started before the claim).
• Improper installation (if your roof was installed wrong, insurance won’t fix it).

⚠️ Not sure where you stand? Call your insurer or get a roofing expert to review your policy before trouble hits.

The Types of Roof Damage Your Insurance Cover

How to File a Roof Replacement Insurance Claim

Step 1: Check the Damage

• Snap photos and videos from all angles (insurance loves proof).
• Write down what happened—when, how, and any weather events that caused it.

Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy

• RCV or ACV? Find out if your policy pays the full replacement cost or just the depreciated value.
• Look for exclusions! Some policies have surprise fine print on older roofs.

Step 3: Get a Pro Roof Inspection

• Call a licensed roofer to assess the damage (don’t rely on guesswork!).
• Request a detailed report—you’ll need this when filing your claim.

Step 4: File the Claim ASAP

• Call your insurance provider and report the damage quickly.
• Submit everything—photos, inspection reports, and a written damage summary.

Step 5: Meet the Insurance Adjuster

• Be there during the inspection—it helps to point out key damage.
• Ask questions! If something seems off, speak up.

Step 6: Review the Payout Offer

• If the payout is fair, book your roof repairs.
• If it’s too low, don’t settle—consider an appeal (see next section).

⚠️ Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company—a professional roofer can help negotiate a better payout on your behalf.

What to Do If Your Roof Replacement Claim Is Denied?

• “Wear & Tear—Not a Covered Peril.”
• Fix: Get a second opinion from a roofing pro and submit extra proof that a storm caused the damage.

• “Pre-Existing Damage.”
• Fix: Dig up weather reports showing recent storms made things worse. Insurers love solid evidence.

• “Lack of Maintenance.”
• Fix: If you’ve kept up with roof maintenance, submit past inspection reports as proof.

• “Deductible Too High.”
• Fix: Instead of pushing for a full replacement, ask about partial repairs. It can be enough to get coverage.

⚠️ Still stuck? Consider hiring a public adjuster or legal expert to negotiate a fair payout.

So, Will Insurance Cover Your Roof Replacement?

If your roof took a hit from a storm, fire, or a tree deciding to crash-land, your insurance likely has your back. But if it’s just old, worn-out, or neglected—that one’s on you.

The key to getting your claim approved is to know your policy, act fast, and bring in a roofing pro to make sure you get the coverage you deserve.

Dealing with an insurance claim can feel like a maze of paperwork and fine print—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Apex, we can make the process smoother, faster, and way less stressful.

“Robert Lopez and Apex Roofing did a fantastic job replacing my roof after a hail storm. Robert dealt with the insurance company flawlessly and made the process simple. Robert is very knowledgeable and quickly answered my questions and concerns throughout the entire project. I highly recommend Robert and Apex.” – Andrew H.

Contact us for a FREE inspection today. We’ll check the damage, deal with the insurance, and get your roof back in shape—hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of roof damage are typically covered by homeowners insurance?

If a storm, fire, or tree branch decides to drop in uninvited, your insurance likely has your back. Most policies cover sudden, accidental damage like hail, high winds, and debris crashes. But if your roof is just old, worn out, or ignored, that’s on you. Always double-check your policy so there are no surprises when it’s time to file a claim.

Does insurance cover roof replacement due to wear and tear or aging?

Nope! If your roof is falling apart from age or neglect, don’t expect your insurer to cover the costs. Insurance is for the unexpected, like storm damage—not for a roof that’s simply past its prime. If yours is getting up there in years, start planning for a replacement before it becomes an emergency.

What should I do immediately after my roof is damaged?

• Snap clear photos and videos—your insurer will want proof.
• Check your policy—know what’s covered before making a move.
• Call in a pro roofer first—a solid inspection report strengthens your claim.
• File your claim ASAP—the sooner you act, the better your chances of approval.

What if my roof replacement claim is denied?

• Ask why—request a detailed explanation of the denial.
• Gather more proof—photos, inspection reports, and weather records can back up your case.
• Appeal it—sometimes all it takes is better documentation.
• Bring in backup—a public adjuster or legal expert can fight for a fair payout.

Can I choose my own roofing contractor for repairs?

Absolutely! Your insurance company may recommend a roofer, but they can’t force you to use them. Go with a licensed, experienced contractor who knows how to work with insurers and will fight for your best interest—not the insurance company’s bottom line.
At Apex Restoration & Roofing, we handle everything—from inspections to claims—so you get the coverage you deserve. Call us today for a FREE roof inspection!