4 min read • Roofing Resources
A simple question we get after storms is does insurance cover roof replacement? Homeowners insurance does cover roof replacement in most cases, where the damage happened quickly and was accidental, like a tree falling on the roof, wind, or hail. What it won’t cover is a roof that has simply worn out due to age and neglect. Knowing that difference is the key to determining whether to file a claim, and here’s how it works for Northern Virginia homeowners.
The General Rule
Does Insurance Cover Roof Replacement? The General Rule
Normal homeowner’s policies are designed to protect against sudden and unexpected events, rather than the passage of time. Therefore, the question ‘does insurance cover roof replacement’ typically boils down to the cause:
- Usually includes protection against wind damage, hail, downed trees or limbs, fire and other sudden “acts of nature.”
- Normal aging, general wear, rot, lack of maintenance and pre-existing damage are typically not covered.
If a summer storm yanks your shingles off the roof, it’s what your policy is for. If the roof is a 28 year old roof that will not last anymore due to the condition of the shingles, that is a maintenance item, and it’s the homeowners’ responsibility.
Local Storms
The Impact of Northern Virginia Storms on Your Claim
The summer time in our area has strong thunderstorms, straight line winds and occasional hail falls which all lead to real roof claims. Nothing may be visibly missing when wind blows up and folds shingles and hail can bruise shingle mat in ways only a trained eye will notice. This isn’t always visible from the ground, so the best thing you can do is get a professional roof inspection in Northern Virginia after a storm before you determine if you should file.
The Fine Print
ACV vs. RCV: How Much Your Policy Pays
How much you get, even if a claim is approved, depends on your type of coverage:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) – Reimburses the replacement cost of the roof at today’s prices less your deductible. This is the higher coverage.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): They pay out the amount of the value of an older roof, meaning you pay the remaining amount. Older roofs are subject to a huge amount of depreciation.
RCV
Pays Today’s Cost
ACV
Pays Depreciated Value
40+ Yrs
Local Claim Experience
Review your declarations page or ask your agent which one you own, as it will make a huge difference in the amount you will have to pay out of pocket. The Insurance Information Institute is a good, non-profit site for learning about these terms.
Step by Step
How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in 5 Steps
A transparent procedure is in place to protect you if you suspect storm damage:
- Document everything. Take a picture of the damage and record the date of the storm.
- Have a professional inspection. A good roofer will determine the scope of the damage and give an itemized quote.
- Report to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies are written to contain a time limit on storm claims.
- See the adjuster with your contractor. It is good to have an expert present to ensure all is covered.
- Check the extent and the compensation prior to work.
An honest contractor will report damage accurately and never force you to make a fraudulent claim. When you’re considering if the damage can be repaired or if it needs replacing, our guide on roof repair vs replacement can help you make that decision.
Do the Math
When It Makes Sense to Pay Out of Pocket
Not all situations require a claim. If the loss is small and near your deductible, you may not want to bother filing a claim for risk of a future premium increase. Similarly, an aged roof that fails due to age is not a covered event. In those instances, it’s helpful to know your numbers; our estimating roof replacement cost guide provides realistic pricing in Northern Virginia to help plan.
Questions Homeowners Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes, if the roof is damaged as a result of a sudden, covered event, such as wind, hail or fallen tree. It does not usually apply to the age or maintenance issues with a roof.
If it is caused by a covered event, such as a storm. But older roofs may be insured for Actual Cash Value which means you only get the amount of the roof’s depreciation.
This varies depending on the cause. Most often, a leak due to sudden storm damage is covered, but a leak due to age, wear, or deferred maintenance is not.
If the damage is severe and the cause of damage is clearly from a covered event, file. If the damage is small, and just on the verge of the deductible, it may be better to pay out of pocket. Only a professional inspection will help you determine this.
Don’t Know if You Have a Claim? Let’s Look.
The only way to quickly find the answer to your question, “does insurance cover roof replacement for my home” is a professional storm-damage inspection. For more than 40 years, Summit Roofing has been assisting Northern Virginia homeowners in documenting damage and confidently navigating claims. Get a free inspection or call (703) 335-7788 — we will tell you what we discover.