Does house insurance cover storm damage to the roof, and how much of it?
Short answer. Yes, storm damage to a roof is generally covered by house insurance. The question that usually matters more is how much of the roof the insurer will pay to replace: a few damaged shingles may get a repair, while widespread hail hits, brittle shingles that cannot be repaired, or shingles that cannot be matched can support replacing a full slope or the entire roof.
How adjusters decide the extent
- Hit counts per slope: many adjusters mark a 10 by 10 foot test square on each slope and count hail hits. Each insurer sets its own threshold for replacing a slope.
- Wind damage spread: a few missing shingles on one edge points to a repair; creases across several slopes points further.
- Repairability: if existing shingles crack when lifted, a spot repair may not be possible.
- Matching: if the shingle is discontinued or the color has faded, a patch may stand out badly.
Slope by slope approvals
Insurers often approve some slopes and not others. A roof with damage on the west and south faces may get those two slopes replaced while the north and east are left alone. If that would leave a mismatched roof, ask how the insurer handles matching under your policy and get the answer in writing. Policies and insurer practices on matching vary, so the wording of your own policy matters.
What gets missed on partial approvals
- Ridge cap and starter course for replaced slopes.
- Drip edge, flashing and pipe boots that cannot be reused.
- Steep or high roof labor charges.
- Code-required items if the building department requires them.
If you disagree with the extent
- Get your own inspection with photos of every slope.
- Request a reinspection with your roofer present.
- Submit a supplement for missed items.
- Consider appraisal if the dispute is over the amount of loss.
More: partial replacement and matching, test squares and supplements.