We see it all the time here in West Michigan. A storm rolls through, branches come down, or high winds rip shingles right off the peak. The first thought is usually, “Is everyone safe?” The second thought, almost immediately after, is typically: “Will my insurance cover my roof?”
It’s a valid question. Your home is likely your biggest investment, and the roof is its first line of defense. Navigating insurance policies can feel confusing, but understanding the basics can save you a lot of stress and money when disaster strikes.
Understanding When Insurance Covers Roof Damage
The short answer to “will insurance cover my roof?” is: It depends on what caused the damage.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies are designed to protect you against sudden, accidental events. This usually includes “acts of God” and severe weather events. If your roof damage results from a specific incident, you likely have coverage.
Here are the most common scenarios where insurance typically steps in:
- Storm Damage: This is the big one in our area. High winds can lift shingles or tear them off completely. Hail can damage shingles, causing granular loss and leaks.
- Falling Objects: If a tree limb snaps during a storm and punches a hole in your decking, your policy should cover the repair (and often the removal of the tree limb from the structure).
- Fire: Damage caused by fire is almost universally covered.
- Weight of Ice and Snow: In Michigan, heavy snow accumulation can threaten the structural integrity of a roof. If a collapse or damage occurs due to the weight, it is generally covered under the policy.
When Insurance Might Deny a Claim
It is just as important to know what insurance won’t cover. Insurance is not a maintenance plan. If your roof is leaking simply because it is 25 years old and the shingles are worn out, that is considered normal wear and tear. You generally cannot claim a replacement just because the roof has reached the end of its lifespan.
Similarly, if the insurance adjuster determines that the damage was caused by a lack of maintenance, such as failing to clean gutters, which led to rot, they may deny the claim.
The Claims Process: Don’t Go It Alone
Knowing you have damage is step one. Getting the insurance company to pay for it is step two, and this is where many homeowners get overwhelmed.
The process usually looks like this:
- The Inspection: Before you call your agent, it is smart to call a professional roofer first. At TYCO Roofing, we perform thorough inspections to confirm damage exists. We can distinguish between storm damage and age-related wear, helping you avoid filing a claim that might be denied.
- Filing the Claim: If we determine there is legitimate storm damage, you will file a claim with your carrier.
- The Adjuster Meeting: An insurance adjuster will visit your home. This is a crucial moment. We recommend having your roofing contractor present during this meeting. We can walk the roof with the adjuster to ensure they see exactly what we see.
- Reviewing the Estimate: Insurance estimates can be low initially. They might leave out necessary code upgrades or crucial components like ice and water shields. We review their estimate to ensure it covers a complete, quality roofing system, not just a patch job.
Maximizing Your Coverage
To ensure your “insurance cover roof” questions get the answer you want (a “yes”), documentation is key.
If possible, keep records of when your roof was installed or last repaired. Take photos of your home exterior before damage occurs so you have a “before” comparison. Most importantly, do not delay. Most policies have a time limit on how long you can wait to file a claim after a storm event. If you wait a year to report missing shingles from a windstorm, the insurance company might argue that subsequent rain caused further rot and that they aren’t responsible.
Need an Expert Opinion?
If you suspect your roof has been damaged by a recent storm, don’t guess about your coverage. Let the experts at TYCO Roofing help you figure it out. We are West Michigan’s trusted insurance claims experts, and we know how to work with adjusters to get you the coverage you deserve.
Don’t risk a denied claim or a leaky roof. Contact TYCO Roofing today for a free inspection.
