Breaking It Down: Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

If you own a home, you will inevitably need roof repair services at some point in your ownership experience. Because you have homeowner’s insurance, you might be tempted to conclude that roof repairs are covered. Indeed, many homeowners ask themselves, “Does home insurance cover roof repair services?”

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

Unfortunately, the belief that homeowner’s insurance pays for roof repairs is often an incorrect assumption. Most roof repairs are not included in a homeowner’s insurance policy. That said, there are a handful of exceptions where homeowner’s insurance may provide coverage if you require roof repair services.

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Repair Services?

In most instances, a homeowner’s insurance policy does not indemnify a homeowner for the cost of roof repair services. Consider these pertinent questions:

Could The Homeowner Have Prevented The Roof Damage?

When you purchase a home, you signify to everyone around you that you’re responsible for your actions. As a homeowner, you must take reasonable steps to safeguard your roof when issues arise. For example, if you observe missing shingles, replacing them as soon as possible makes sense. Putting off this task for months or years denotes a lack of concern. In other words, you are acting negligently.

Annually, countless homeowner’s insurance claims are denied because the insurance provider determines that the homeowner has failed to act responsibly over their roof. To avoid this possibility, a homeowner must diligently respond when spotting an issue initially. They need to take action by contacting their agent or employing reasonable measures to fix (or otherwise redress) the roofing problem.

Is The Roof Damage Cosmetic?

Even if a “covered” peril (i.e., hailstorm or fallen tree limb) caused the issue, it must rise to the level of seriousness to justify remediation. Less “severe” damage is often classified as cosmetic. Imagine a large tree branch falling on a slate tile roof, causing a few surface scratches. Structurally, the roof (including the slate tiling) is unaffected. Typically, an insurance policy will not cover it.

What If Your Roof Is Older (Or Near The End Of Its Expected Lifespan)?

A roof’s age impacts an insurance carrier’s willingness or ability to cover damage. An old and dated roof makes it far more susceptible to problems than a new or newer roof. If an insurance company automatically paid 100% of the cost of damage to a roof, regardless of age or condition, many homeowners would delay repairing or replacing an old or dilapidated roof in the hopes of receiving a new one.

How To Know If Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Pays For Roof Repairs

When considering whether your policy includes coverage for roof repairs (as opposed to roof replacements), you will want to ask several questions, including the following:

Does Your Policy Cover This Particular Peril Causing The Roof Damage?

Usually, your homeowner’s insurance includes your home’s structure and roof. If damage results from an event beyond your control (such as adverse weather conditions), your coverage will be determined by the terms and conditions of your policy (i.e., the fine print.) Most policies incorporate windstorms and hailstorms as reasons to reimburse the homeowner for roof damage. That said, exclusions exist.

What Is Your Deductible?

Your deductible amount (i.e., your out-of-pocket expense before insurance coverage) will impact the likelihood of pursuing a “small” insurance claim to secure recovery following a covered peril. For instance, assume you hold a $1,000 deductible and a storm blows through your community. Your roof suffers covered damage of approximately $1,200. Should you pursue $200 at the risk of increased premiums?

What Types Of Roof Repairs May Be Covered By Insurance

While most roof repairs have limited coverage at best (i.e., they usually are not reimbursed), an insurance company may be more likely to indemnify the repair cost when the home has a higher-end or luxury roofing material (such as clay tiles, cedar shakes, or slate tiles.) In these instances, if the indemnifiable damage is to a handful of tiles or shakes, the provider may elect to have the roof repaired (rather than replaced.)

These determinations are made as part of a thorough evaluation facilitated by the insurance company to ascertain which course of action best serves them and the homeowner. Make no mistake. Insurance providers are in the business of making a profit. Effectively managing the bottom line requires wise decision-making. However, they are not immune to the fact that a necessary roof repair protects all parties involved.

Hiring A Knowledgeable Roofing Company For Repairs

If you own a home in Michigan or Ohio, trust Victors Home Solutions for all your roofing needs, including roof repair services. We offer free roofing inspections to homeowners if you suspect your roof has an issue, such as a leak or damaged shingles. We provide a no-strings-attached estimate to assure you that your interest is our #1 priority. To learn more about our roofing services or schedule an appointment, contact us today.