Will your homeowners insurance cover your roof?
What parts of the roof are covered
The whole roof system is part of the dwelling: shingles or metal panels, underlayment, decking, flashing, drip edge, ridge cap, vents, pipe boots, skylights, gutters and downspouts, soffit and fascia. When a covered storm damages the roof, the estimate should include the components needed to restore it, not just the shingles.
Covered causes
- Windstorm and hail, including tornadoes
- Fire and lightning
- Falling objects, including trees and limbs
- Weight of ice, snow or sleet
- Vehicles and aircraft striking the house
Excluded causes
- Wear and tear, age and deterioration
- Leaks that repeated over weeks or months
- Faulty workmanship or defective materials
- Animals, insects and birds
- Flood and earth movement
- Cosmetic damage, if your policy has that endorsement
How much you get
That depends on your deductible and whether the roof is insured at replacement cost, actual cash value or under a payment schedule. A roof that is fully covered in principle can still produce a small check if it is old and settled at actual cash value. See roof replacement coverage and ACV vs RCV.
Check your policy now
Find your wind and hail deductible in dollars, and ask how the roof is settled. Knowing both before a storm saves you surprises after one.