When Insurance Will Cover Roof Replacement (and When It Won’t)

A new roof is a big investment, and many homeowners hope their insurance will shoulder at least part of the cost. The good news is: sometimes it will. But the bad news is: often it won’t. It all depends on why your roof is failing, how old it is, and what your specific insurance policy allows.

At Midwest Seamless, we help clients navigate this gray area. We install top-tier roofing systems (e.g. using Malarkey Roofing Products), and we assist in documenting damage, preparing claims, and maximizing your chances of coverage. In this article, we’ll break down exactly when insurance will pay for a new roof, when they won’t, and what you can do to tip the scales in your favor.

Understanding the Basics: Covered Perils vs. Wear & Tear

Covered Perils: The Kind of Damage Insurance Likes

Most standard homeowners insurance policies protect you from sudden, accidental damage caused by “perils” listed in your policy, or via an open-perils (all-risk) clause. Common covered events include:

• Hailstorms

• Windstorms (strong winds lifting or ripping shingles)

• Falling trees or branches

• Fire

• Lightning

• Vandalism or break-ins
  

These are the types of damage that typically qualify for a claim because they are sudden, external, and often verifiable.

Wear & Tear (and What Insurance Rejects)

In contrast, insurance almost never pays for damage that occurs gradually over time. This includes:

• Aging or deterioration of shingles

• Granule loss over many years

• Sealant or flashing deterioration

• Damage from lack of maintenance

• Fading, curling, or brittleness due to UV exposure
  

Insurers classify these as your responsibility because they are expected over the life of the roof.

Because one of the key battles in a roofing claim is proving that the damage was caused by a covered event (storm) and not from preexisting wear, it’s critical to act quickly. Waiting too long can allow damage to worsen or become harder to attribute.

When Insurance Will Cover Roof Replacement

Here are scenarios in which a roof replacement is likely, or at least more defensible, for insurance coverage:

1. Storm or Hail Damage

If a hailstorm or major wind event cracks, punctures, or displaces shingles, an insurance claim may cover full replacement (or at least a repair).

2. Fallen Tree or External Impact

If a tree or large branch crashes into your roof during a storm (or even by accident), and causes structural or material damage, that typically qualifies as a covered peril.

3. Fire or Vandalism

Damage from fire, explosions, or malicious acts usually lies within coverage. Similarly, if vandals break windows or breach your roof, many policies will cover it.

4. Secondary Damage (Interior Damage)

Even if insurers reject the entire roof replacement, many policies will cover interior damage caused by a roof failure, such as ceiling leaks, damaged drywall, or ruined flooring. But the roof fix itself might still be denied.

5. Partial Replacement When Damage Is Spread

If the damage is localized and obvious (e.g. one wing of a roof got hit by a storm), insurers may pay to replace just that section, but only if you can show the damage is traceable to a covered event. Some jurisdictions or insurers may also force you to bring the entire roof up to code under certain thresholds. (E.g., in Florida, many jurisdictions apply a “25% replacement rule” for roofs).

When Insurance Likely Won’t Cover Roof Replacement

These are scenarios where your claim will probably be denied:

1. Damage from Aging or Neglect

If your roof has simply worn out over years, cracking, battens loosening, shingles curling, that’s wear and tear, not a covered event.

2. Cosmetic or “Preexisting” Damage

If damage is deemed cosmetic (minor granule loss, slight discoloration) or predates the triggering event, insurers often deny coverage.

3. Policy Exclusions or Special Deductibles

Some policies exclude certain perils (e.g. wind/hail) in certain geographic zones. Others impose higher deductibles for windstorms or hail, making small claims futile.

4. Roof Too Old / Limited Payout

Many insurers reduce coverage or only pay the Actual Cash Value (ACV) for older roofs, subtracting depreciation. If your roof is 20+ years old, your insurer may treat it as nearly used up.

5. Improper Maintenance or Prior Damage

If your roof has been neglected (clogged gutters, no repairs, roof leaks ignored), insurers may argue that new damage is due to that neglect, not a singular event.

6. Damage from Excluded Perils

Most homeowner policies exclude certain risks, flood, earthquakes, insect damage, mold, warping from heat, etc. If your roof fails from one of those, you’re out of luck under a standard policy.

How Insurance Roof Replacement Typically Works

Understanding the mechanics can help you prepare:

1. You File a Claim: Report the damage promptly after the event. Delay can jeopardize the claim.
   

2. Insurer Sends an Adjuster: They assess damage, take measurements, may inspect hidden areas.
   

3. You Provide Documentation: Photos, inspection reports, contractor estimates (Midwest Seamless can help).
   

4. Coverage Decision: The insurer issues either a repair estimate or approval for full replacement.
   

5. You Pay Deductible: You cover the deductible; insurer pays remaining covered portion.
   

6. Repair or Replace: Work proceeds; you may need to coordinate with insurer on contractors, materials, and schedule.
   

7. Final Inspection: Ensure work meets agreed standards and codes.
   

Some policies also require you to meet local building codes or upgrade certain components (e.g., flashing, ventilation) to current standards. If such upgrades are mandated by city code, insurers may or may not pay for them depending on your policy.

How Midwest Seamless Helps You Navigate Roofing Insurance Claims

At Midwest Seamless, we don’t just install roofs, we help clients build a strong case for insurance coverage. Here’s how we assist:

• Detailed Inspections & Documentation Our skilled roofing inspectors examine the entire roof, capturing high-resolution photos, measurements, and damage details. We prepare reports that clearly distinguish storm damage from wear, which is crucial for your claim.
  

• Expert Roof Systems with Malarkey Products We install premium roofing systems using Malarkey Roofing Products, known for their durability, impact and wind resistance, and strong warranties. When your roof is in better shape to begin with, insurers are more likely to favor a claim.
  

• Communicating with Adjusters Because we’re local and experienced, we know how insurance adjusters in our region evaluate damage. We can meet onsite with adjusters, clarify your damage report, and advocate for full coverage.
  

• Matching Local Building Codes We ensure replacements use materials and techniques that comply with your municipality’s codes. If code upgrades are required (new underlayment, fastereners, flashing), we include them in your plan transparently so there are no surprises.
  

• Quality Work That Holds Up Because we protect our reputation locally, we deliver workmanship standards that minimize call-backs, leaks, and post-installation damage, reducing future insurance disputes.
  

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Insurance Approving Roof Replacement

• Act quickly after damage: Don’t wait weeks or months, insurers expect timely reporting.
  

• Collect evidence: Photograph the damage from multiple angles, including debris or hail, inside and outside.
  

• Get multiple estimates: Having a contractor like Midwest Seamless provide a clear, professional estimate helps strengthen your claim.
  

• Understand your policy: Know your deductible, whether your policy is all-risk or named-perils, and what deductibles or caps you have.
  

• Mark historical weather events: If there was a recent storm recorded in your area, reference it, adjusters often correlate damage with known events.
  

• Maintain your roof: Regular maintenance, cleaning gutters, and prompt repairs reduce insurer arguments of neglect.
  

• Don’t accept lowball offers prematurely: If you believe the insurer undervalued the damage, you can contest it or seek a second opinion.
  

Example Scenario: Hailstorm Damages Roof

Situation: A late-spring hailstorm batters your neighborhood. That evening, you notice dents in vents, erosion of shingle granules on your driveway, and discoloration spots across the roof.

What you should do:

1. Photograph hail-damaged areas, metal vents, gutters, and inside ceiling leaks.
   

2. Call your insurer to file a claim and request an adjuster.
   

3. Contact Midwest Seamless for a roof inspection.
   

4. We document the damage, measure affected areas, and distinguish impact-based damage from existing wear.
   

5. Adjuster arrives; we meet them onsite, present our report, and argue for full replacement.
   

6. If approved, we schedule replacement using Malarkey shingles and code-compliant materials.
   

In many cases, because the damage is sudden and external, the policy will support a full or partial replacement (minus your deductible).

When It May Be Better Not to File a Claim

Interestingly, there are cases where filing an insurance claim is not advantageous:

• Damage cost is near or under your deductible. If replacement would only cost slightly more than your deductible, you’ll likely pay it yourself.
  

• Roof is old. If your insurer expects huge depreciation, they might only pay a small portion.
  

• Frequent claims. Filing too many claims can increase premiums or cause nonrenewal.
  

• Cosmetic-only damage. Some insurers disclaim coverage when damage is merely aesthetic (e.g. granule loss).
  

In these cases, you may prefer to pay out of pocket or repair only the damaged portion, especially if your roof is relatively new and overall condition is good.

Summary

Insurance can cover roof replacement, but only under certain conditions. If damage results from a covered peril, like wind, hail, fire, or falling debris, and you act quickly, you stand a good chance of approval. But if your roof has simply succumbed to age and wear, your insurance will likely refuse.

That’s where Midwest Seamless brings value. We combine:

• Meticulous inspections and documentation

• Local know-how in handling claims

• Superior roofing systems with Malarkey products

• Trusted communication with adjusters

• Work that meets code and holds up
  

If your roof has sustained storm damage, or you’re wondering whether your insurance will cover a replacement, or whether it’s time to replace anyway, let us help. Contact Midwest Seamless for a free inspection and claims support.

Contact Us Today!