How long does it take to get your insurance deductible back?
Short answer. You only get a deductible back when someone else caused the damage and your insurer recovers money from them, a process called subrogation. It commonly takes several months and can take a year or more. For roof damage from hail, wind or lightning, nobody is at fault, so there is nothing to recover and the deductible is not returned.
How subrogation works
Your insurer pays your claim, minus the deductible, then pursues the person or company responsible. If it recovers money, it typically reimburses your deductible, either fully or in proportion to what it recovered.
Roof situations where it can happen
- A neighbor's contractor drops a tree on your roof through negligence.
- A vehicle crashes into your house or porch.
- A previous roofer's faulty work caused damage within a warranty or contract period, and the insurer pursues the roofer.
- A neighbor ignored a dead tree after being told it was dangerous, and it fell on your house.
Why it takes so long
- The other party's insurer has to accept liability.
- Insurers negotiate or arbitrate between themselves.
- Some cases go to court.
- Partial fault means partial recovery.
What you can do
- Tell your adjuster if you believe someone else caused the damage, and give names, photos and witness information.
- Ask whether the claim has been sent to subrogation and request updates every few months.
- Keep proof you paid the deductible.
Storm claims are different
A healthy tree blown down by wind, hail and lightning are no one's fault. The deductible on those claims is simply your share. That is also why no roofer can make it disappear; see can a roofer pay your deductible. For the claim basics, read how to file a roof claim.