When a bad storm rolls through, or shingles start cracking and curling, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: Will insurance pay for a new roof? The answer is: it depends.
The result hinges on multiple factors, such as the cause of the damage, the age and type of roof, and how you approach the claims process. While insurance coverage can seem complicated, assessing your coverage options has never been easier.
At Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing, we’ve helped homeowners navigate roof repairs, replacements, and insurance claims for decades. This comprehensive guide will give you the clarity you need to take the first steps towards understanding your coverage options, understanding your policy, and filing a claim.
Will Insurance Pay for a New Roof?
Insurance companies don’t treat every roof the same way. The answer to whether your insurer will pay for a new roof comes down to the cause of damage, the age and condition of your roof, and the details of your policy. While every case is unique, here are some commonalities:
Situations Where Insurance Usually Pays
Most policies cover sudden, accidental events such as:
- Hail or wind tearing off shingles
- A tree limb falling during a storm
- Fire or smoke damage
- Lightning strikes
- Heavy snow or ice collapse
In these cases, a professional roof inspection provides the documentation insurers require.
Situations Where Insurance Rarely Pays
Insurers typically exclude:
- Normal wear and tear
- Long-term leaks caused by poor maintenance
- Gradual deterioration from age
- Damage from excluded perils (like earthquakes or floods without separate coverage)
If your roof is simply worn out, you’ll likely need to budget for replacement costs yourself.
Normal Wear-and-Tear vs. Poor Maintenance
Homeowners often ask why insurance won’t pay for a roof that has “just gotten old.” The reason is that insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental damage—not predictable aging.
- Normal wear-and-tear includes things like shingle granules slowly washing away, natural fading from sun exposure, or flashing that loosens over decades. These are expected and not covered.
- Poor maintenance happens when a homeowner neglects the roof. Examples include clogged gutters causing water backup, ignoring small leaks until they spread, or failing to replace broken shingles after a storm.
Insurers draw a hard line here: if the damage could have been prevented with regular upkeep, they’ll likely deny the claim. That’s why scheduling routine roof inspections and making timely repairs not only extends your roof’s lifespan but also strengthens your position if you ever need to file a claim.
Coverage for Improperly Installed Roofs
If insurance typically covers sudden, accidental damage, how does insurance handle installation errors? Improperly installed roofs are treated differently. If damage occurs due to installation errors rather than an external event, insurers often deny the claim.
Examples of issues related to poor installation include:
- Shingles not properly nailed or aligned, causing leaks
- Incorrect flashing installation, leading to water intrusion
- Improper underlayment or ventilation, resulting in premature shingle failure
Even if a storm hits, if the insurer determines that the roof failed because of prior installation mistakes, they may reduce or deny coverage. This is why having a licensed and experienced contractor perform roof installation is crucial for homeowners.
At Larry Haight Roofing, we ensure proper installation from the start, helping protect your home and minimizing the risk of insurance disputes later.
How Roof Age Affects Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest factors in roof coverage is age. Even if your policy covers roof damage, the age of your roof may determine whether you receive the full replacement cost or just the depreciated value.
- Newer roofs (under 10 years): Insurers are more likely to cover full replacement costs.
- Mid-age roofs (10–15 years): Coverage may still be strong, but insurers sometimes require detailed inspections.
- Older roofs (15–20+ years): Many insurers shift to actual cash value (ACV) coverage only, meaning they’ll pay far less. Some may even refuse coverage for roofs over 20 years old.
SageSure notes that insurers often apply stricter rules once a roof reaches 20 years, requiring homeowners to either replace it or accept limited coverage.
Maintaining your roof can help extend coverage. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and warranty protections all demonstrate to insurers that your roof has been cared for.
How Roof Type and Shape Impact Insurance
It’s not just when your roof was installed that’s important. What your roof is made of, and how it’s designed, will also affect insurance coverage and premiums. Some materials have more favorable outcomes than others.
Materials Insurers Favor
According to Progressive, insurers consider certain materials more durable:
- Metal, slate, and tile: Long-lasting, fire- and weather-resistant, often rewarded with lower premiums.
- Concrete shingles: Heavy but extremely durable.
- High-quality asphalt shingles: Still common, especially when impact- or fire-rated.
Materials That May Raise Rates
- Wood shakes/shingles: Attractive but considered fire-prone and higher maintenance.
- Low-grade asphalt shingles: More vulnerable to hail, wind, and weathering.
Upgrading to impact- or fire-rated materials may not only improve your roof’s longevity, but lower your insurance costs over time.
The Role of Roof Shape
Design matters, too. Roof pitch can be a factor in a roof’s resistance to damage. Simple gable or hip roofs generally fare better with insurers because of their ability to shed water and resist wind uplift. Complex roofs with multiple valleys, flat sections, or steep pitches, more susceptible to water pooling and moisture retention, are considered higher risk and may cost more to insure.
ACV vs. RCV: Why Policy Type Matters
Your policy determines how much money you actually receive after a claim:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Covers your roof’s depreciated value. The older the roof, the smaller the payout.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Covers the full cost of replacement with similar materials, minus your deductible.
For example, if your 18-year-old asphalt roof is destroyed in a hailstorm, an ACV policy might only cover a fraction of the cost, while an RCV policy would cover the full replacement.
For a deeper look, check Allstate’s guide on roof insurance.
Insurance Process for Roof Damage
Filing a roof insurance claim follows a fairly standard process across the U.S.:
Step 1: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos. Write down the date of the event. A professional inspection provides strong supporting evidence that can help legitimize your claim.
Step 2: Review Your Policy
Check your deductible, coverage type (ACV vs. RCV), and filing deadlines. Our roofing FAQs explain the common insurance terms you’ll encounter during the process.
Step 3: File the Claim
Notify your insurer promptly. Include all documentation and inspection reports.
Step 4: Adjuster Inspection
An adjuster will visit your home. Having a roofing contractor on-site ensures damage isn’t overlooked. Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing frequently attends these inspections with homeowners.
Step 5: Compare Estimates
Obtain your own contractor estimate. If the adjuster’s numbers don’t align, your roofer can advocate for necessary repairs.
Step 6: Complete the Work
Once approved, the work can begin. Keep receipts and photos—these may be needed for final reimbursement or warranty claims. Repair vs. replacement is often discussed at this stage.
When Repairs Make Sense
Repairs are ideal if:
- Damage is localized, such as a few missing shingles, a small leak, or minor hail dents.
- The roof is otherwise in good condition, with adequate lifespan remaining.
- You want to buy time before a full replacement, especially if the cost is prohibitive.
Benefits of repairs:
- Lower immediate cost compared to replacement
- Faster completion, minimizing water exposure or further damage
- Helps maintain insurance coverage, as your roof stays protected until replacement is necessary
When Replacement Is the Better Option
Replacement is usually the right choice if:
- The roof is older or approaching the end of its lifespan (often 15–25 years, depending on materials).
- Damage is widespread or the underlying structure is compromised.
- Previous repairs have failed, or the roof has multiple problem areas.
Benefits of replacement:
- Provides long-term protection and peace of mind
- Allows upgrading to higher-quality materials, which can reduce insurance premiums
- Avoids ongoing maintenance costs from repeated repairs
What If Insurance Won’t Pay for a New Roof?
Not every claim is approved. If insurance denies coverage, homeowners still have options:
- Roof Financing – Financing solutions allow you to spread costs out while addressing urgent needs.
- Partial Repairs – If the roof still has life left, localized repairs may be possible.
- Planned Replacement – Proactive replacement can protect your home and avoid higher long-term costs. Our roof cost guide offers helpful insights.
- Warranty Coverage – Always review your warranty for potential coverage.
- Material Upgrade – Even if not covered, choosing more durable materials now may save money on premiums later.
Why Work With a Roofer During the Insurance Process?
While you can file a claim on your own, working with a professional roofer has clear benefits:
- Accurate inspections ensure damage is fully documented.
- Detailed estimates provide leverage when negotiating with insurers.
- Local expertise ensures code compliance and quality workmanship.
Whether you’re in Washington State or anywhere else in the U.S., working with a trusted roofing company provides peace of mind and stronger claim outcomes.
Ready to Protect Your Roof?
Don’t wait until small damage turns into costly repairs. Whether you need a repair, full replacement, or help navigating your insurance claim, Larry Haight Roofing is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection and estimate. Your home—and your peace of mind—deserve expert care.
FAQs
Q: How does roof age impact coverage?
A: Older roofs often get reduced coverage or ACV-only payouts. Some insurers stop covering roofs over 20 years old.
Q: Does roof material affect my premium?
A: Yes. Fire- and impact-resistant materials like metal and slate may lower your premium, while wood shakes may raise it.
Q: Does roof shape matter?
A: Complex or flat roofs are often more expensive to insure than simple gable or hip designs.
Q: Will my premiums rise after a roof claim?
A: They may. Multiple claims, especially for wind or hail, can trigger higher premiums.
Q: Can I choose my own contractor?
A: Yes. You don’t have to use your insurer’s preferred contractor. Choosing your own roofer ensures accountability and trust throughout the process.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Deadlines vary, but most insurers require claims within 6–12 months.