What is a roof exclusion on insurance?
Short answer. A roof exclusion is an endorsement that removes or limits coverage for the roof covering, most often for wind and hail damage on older roofs. Some exclude the roof surface entirely from those causes, some exclude cosmetic damage, and some settle the roof only at actual cash value. With a full roof exclusion, a hailstorm that destroys your shingles may pay nothing for the roof itself.
Common forms of roof exclusions
- Full roof covering exclusion: the roof surface is not covered for wind or hail. Some versions still cover interior damage that follows; others do not.
- Cosmetic damage exclusion: dents and marks that do not affect function are excluded, most often for metal roofing, gutters and vents.
- Actual cash value roof endorsement: the roof is covered but paid after depreciation.
- Payment schedule: a fixed percentage of the cost based on age and material.
- Pre-existing damage exclusion: damage noted at underwriting is excluded from future claims.
When insurers add them
Roof exclusions usually appear when a roof is old, in poor condition, or has existing damage, either at a new policy or at renewal. They may come with a notice that requires your attention, and they can be easy to miss in a renewal packet.
What to do if you have one
- Read exactly what is excluded: the surface only, or interior damage too.
- Ask what it would take to remove it: repairs, a roof certification or a replacement.
- Compare with other insurers, which may offer better roof terms.
- If the roof is near the end of its life, a replacement often removes the exclusion at the next renewal.
If storm damage happens anyway
Report it. Exclusions vary, and parts of the loss, such as gutters, siding or interior damage, may still be covered.
See cosmetic damage exclusions, payment schedules and roof age and insurance.