TL;DR: Learn how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement by following six practical steps that can improve your chances of claim approval and reduce out-of-pocket costs. This guide explains how insurance coverage works, what documentation you need, and how to avoid common mistakes during the claims process.
- Document roof damage immediately with dated photos, videos, and details about the cause and weather conditions.
- Review your homeowners or business insurance policy to understand covered perils and roof replacement coverage.
- File your roof replacement insurance claim quickly and provide complete documentation to support your case.
- Meet with the insurance adjuster prepared with evidence, contractor estimates, and details about the damage.
- Choose a licensed, reputable roofing contractor and avoid “storm chasers” offering suspiciously cheap repairs after severe weather.
When your roof suddenly needs full replacement due to damage, the costs can be staggering. Depending on the size and style of your roof, a new roof can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $80,000.
Few people have that kind of money sitting around and very few would want to pour it into a new roof. But does insurance cover a new roof?
Fortunately, homeowners and business insurance exist for situations like this. If the damage falls under a covered category, you shouldn’t have to pay.
That said, learning how to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement can get dicey at times. Here are some insurance and roof replacement steps you’ll want to take to save yourself the headache.
1. Document the Damage
As soon as you notice roof damage, thoroughly document it with dated photos and videos. Capture images of the exterior damage from multiple angles as well as any interior damage that may be occurring, like water stains on the ceiling.
Also document details like the date, time, weather conditions when the damage occurred, and how it happened. There’s really no such thing as “too many” pictures and videos. If you want to know how to get insurance to cover a roof replacement, show them that it was out of your control.
2. Understand Your Policy
Carefully review the details of your homeowners or business insurance policy. Make sure you understand what perils are covered that could have damaged your roof.
Common covered perils include hailstorms, falling debris, weight of ice/snow, wind damage, and more. Also, confirm that your policy includes roof replacement coverage, not just repairs.
In some cases, the insurance company will try to claim that you don’t need a complete replacement, just a repair. If you can prove that the damage to your roof has caused damage to your house, you’ll increase your chances of getting the roof replaced by insurance.
3. File a Roof Replacement Insurance Claim
Once you’ve assessed the damage and confirmed coverage eligibility, file a claim right away. Don’t wait.
Call your insurance company and explain in detail the damage that occurred. Provide the documentation you gathered as needed. Ask any questions you have about the claims process for a roof replacement.
4. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company will assign an adjuster who will come inspect the roof damage themselves. Point out and explain all damage to the adjuster. Adjusters inspect for code violations, leaks, interior damage, externally visible damage, and more. They will help determine how much insurance pays for your roof replacement once the next steps are followed.
If you already got roof replacement quotes from reputable local contractors, provide those as well. The more you can provide and a more thorough explanation of what happened, the better off you’ll be.
5. Find a Respectable Contractor
If your claim for a new roof is approved, take the time to find a trustworthy local roofer. Look for licensed, bonded, and insured roofers.
When you’re getting a roof replaced by insurance, it’s even more important to choose a company you can trust because the insurance company may go to extra lengths to deny a specific company due to a lack of credentials since they’re paying for it.
6. Avoid Storm Chasers
Especially after major storm damage in your region, beware of sketchy contractors knocking on doors promising extremely cheap, fast roof repairs and replacements.
These “storm chasers” often demand money upfront, then do shoddy work or disappear entirely. Carefully vet any roofing contractors before signing anything or paying any money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering about the best way for how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement? Check out some of our readers’ most common questions:
Every insurance claim is different, but you can generally expect to wait at least 1-2 weeks for your claim to be processed. It may take longer if there are many claims from a major catastrophe.
If the damage occurred from a storm, have patience as the insurance company deals with higher claim volumes. Stay persistent with following up on your claim.
Insurance and roof replacement terms can be a tricky thing. While payouts can greatly vary by policy, you can expect your policy likely offers one of the following payout terms:
- Replacement Cost Value – Here, your insurance provider pays for the full cost to replace your roof.
- Actual Cash Value – Here, your insurance provider factors in depreciation, type of roof, and other factors when determining the value of your roof.
One consideration is policies that carry a deductible stipulation signify that the homeowner pays the deductible themselves. So, does insurance cover your new roof? Yes, but you’ll want to check your policy documents to figure out how much of it will be covered.
How to Get Insurance to Pay for a Roof Replacement: Closing Thoughts
The process of dealing with insurance may be laborious. But now that you know how to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement, you just need to follow the steps.
Be sure to thoroughly document damage, understand your coverage, hire reputable contractors, stay on top of the insurance company, and don’t listen to storm chasers. Do this and you’ll be just fine!
Don’t go through this alone, hire a company you know and trust. Ace Roofing is here to help, contact us today for help with your roof replacement.