Resource - Will my insurance company replace my roof for free?

You’ve confirmed your roof has substantial hail damage, and you intend to file a claim. At this point, you’re probably looking to determine how much replacing your roof will cost you out of pocket. If your claim is approved, will your insurance company replace your roof for free?

The answer? It depends. The total cost of a roof replacement will vary by insurance policy and factors such as age of your roof, extent of the damage, and your deductible. 

What determines the cost of a roof replacement?

As stated, there are several conditions that will affect the overall price of a roof replacement. When estimating what a roof replacement will cost you, consider the following:

• A roof replacement must be covered in your insurance policy. Not every insurance policy is created equal. Conditions of some policies may not cover the cost of a roof replacement. The value of your insurance payout should specify a roof replacement to avoid higher out of pocket costs.

• You will pay your deductible. With any insurance policy, the cost of your deductible will fall to you. Say you are approved for a $20,000 roof replacement, and you have a deductible of $2,000. This means that your insurance company will pay $18,000 of the total cost, while you pay the remaining $2,000 as determined by your deductible. The higher your deductible, the higher the out of pocket cost for your roof replacement will be.

• An insurance adjuster must approve your claim. In order for your claim to be accepted, an insurance adjuster must review and approve it. 

• Has hail damage impacted the exterior of your home? The value of your roof replacement will be determined by several factors. These include the age of your roof as well as the extent of your damage. If your home’s siding or windows have been impacted by hail damage, these items may be included in your valuation. 

Will my insurance claim be approved?

As mentioned, in order for claims to be approved, they must be reviewed by an insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters will confirm and assess the following in a review of your claim:

• A verified storm event in the past 12-18 months. Insurance adjusters will review data to confirm that a damaging storm has impacted your home in the last year and a half. This check will confirm the information and storm history provided to you in your initial Hailscale Risk Rating. 

• Evidence of hail damage on soft metal such as gutters and downspouts. Adjusters will look for collateral damage beyond what can be seen on your roof’s shingles. Soft metals such as gutters and downspouts are likely to be damaged by hail strikes. Damaged gutters will greatly affect the ability for your roof system to perform effectively. 

• Granular loss or exposed matting. In an assessment, insurance adjusters will always look to confirm granular loss. “Granular loss” describes the damage that occurs when a roof’s shingle coating, or “granules”, is chipped away, exposing the underlying shingle membrane. Over time, granular loss can leave your roof vulnerable to sun damage, leaks, and potentially devastating interior damage. 

• Damage is a direct result of hail. As mentioned, many policies will address hail damage to more than your roof. Damaged or fractured siding may also be covered in the cost of your roof replacement. However, your adjuster will check to ensure additional damage is a direct result of hail strikes–not a close encounter with your kid’s stray baseball.

Do I need to replace my damaged roof? 

Yes. Roofs that have sustained significant damage from hail or other natural elements should be replaced to prevent more severe damage down the road. The purpose of a properly functioning roof system is to wick water away from the sides and the foundation of the house. This prevents water damage from impacting the foundation of your home, which can cause catastrophic damage over time. 

Filing a claim today will save you money later.

Your roof is one of the most important assets in ensuring the long-term condition of your home. In many situations, it is in your insurance company’s best interest to cover a roof replacement, as it protects them from larger payouts to repair damage caused by a poorly conditioned roof. If your Hailscale Report indicates a hail event within the last 12 months, conditions are right for you to file a claim. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your insurance company pay to restore your home. Failing to file a claim can leave you stuck with huge expenses down the road. 

Confirm damage to your roof by scheduling a no-cost, no-obligation inspection with one of our local experts today.