Can you get a roof replacement with no insurance?
Who ends up in this spot
Some owners of paid-off houses drop coverage to save money. Others are non-renewed because of an old roof and cannot find a new policy. Either way, a storm that hits while you are uninsured is yours to fix, and you cannot buy a policy later and claim damage that already existed. New carriers ask about prior damage and often inspect.
What it costs
- Small roofs: roughly $7,000 to $11,000.
- Average homes: roughly $8,000 to $16,000.
- Large homes: roughly $15,000 to $25,000, and complex or steep roofs $20,000 and up.
Pay from savings, a contractor's financing program, a home equity line or a personal loan. Get the scope in writing: tear-off, decking replacement priced per sheet, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, ventilation and the permit.
Use the new roof to get insured
Many insurers will not write a new policy on an old roof, so the roof is often the gate to coverage. Once it is done, send the invoice, permit and warranty to an agent and ask for replacement cost coverage on the roof. Our page on roof age and insurance explains how carriers treat roofs by age, and ACV vs RCV explains which settlement type to ask for.
If you have a mortgage
Going without insurance is usually not an option. The loan requires coverage, and the servicer can buy a lender-placed policy for you, typically at a higher cost, and add it to your monthly payment.