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How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement

November 20, 2023

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How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement? If your roof has been damaged or is just wearing out from old age, a roof replacement can cost thousands of dollars. The good news is that homeowners insurance often covers all or part of the cost if the roof needs to be replaced due to a covered peril like wind, hail, fallen trees, or other disasters. Here are some tips for getting your insurance company to pay for a new roof:

Table of Contents

Know Your Policy

Carefully review your homeowners insurance policy wording to understand what is and isn’t covered. Standard policies pay for roof damage caused by windstorms, hail, fallen trees/debris, fires, vandalism and more. Wear and tear from aging isn’t covered. If your roof was damaged by a covered cause, make your case.

Document The Damage

When you spot roof damage, take detailed photos and video of the affected areas, both up-close and from a distance. Zoom in on damaged shingles, punctures, missing pieces and leaks. This visual evidence is crucial for proving to the insurance adjuster that the roof needs full replacement, not just minor repairs.

Get A Roof Inspection

Hire an experienced roofer to inspect your roof and provide documentation that confirms it’s damaged beyond repair. Ask them to note specific issues like the number of damaged shingles, percentage of the roof that’s affected, and why full replacement is required. Submit this roof inspection report to your insurance company.

Compare Contractor Estimates

To justify the cost of a new roof, get written estimates from at least 2-3 reputable local roofing companies. Submit these estimates to your insurer to give them an idea of the expected replacement cost. Just make sure they are all bidding on the same roofing materials and scope of work.

Negotiate With Your Insurer

Be prepared to negotiate with your insurance adjuster if they offer partial coverage or deny your initial claim. Explain why you think their assessment is unfair and re-submit any relevant documentation. Consider involving a public adjuster or attorney to help negotiate a full roof replacement payout.

Read Your Policy Carefully

The key to getting your insurer to fully pay for a new roof is understanding exactly what’s covered and not covered under your specific policy. Carefully review the details so you can make an informed case when filing your roof replacement claim. With persistence and documented evidence, you can successfully secure insurance funding.

FAQs on How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement

Here are some additional FAQs and answers related to getting insurance to pay for roof replacement:

What if my roof is just old but wasn’t damaged by a specific event?

A: Regular wear and tear due to aging is not covered by insurance. Most policies only pay for roof replacement if it was directly damaged by a covered peril like hail, storms, falling trees, etc.

Can I get a new roof if only part of it is damaged?

A: If the total damaged portion is significant (e.g. over 25% of the total roof area), you may be able to make a case for full replacement. Having your roofer assess if partial repair is possible or if total replacement is needed is key.

What if my claim gets denied – is there anything else I can do?

A: Yes, you can provide additional evidence and appeal the denial. Also consider hiring a public adjuster to negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. As a last resort, talk to an attorney about legal action options.

How much will insurance pay for a roof replacement?

A: The amount will depend on your specific policy limits, deductible and type of roof. Generally insurance will pay the full reasonable cost to replace your roof with a similar kind/quality of materials, minus your deductible.

Can I upgrade to a better roof material or add new features?

A: Your policy will only pay for replacement with comparable material. Upgrades are not usually covered, but you can pay the difference in cost yourself. Discuss options with your roofer and insurance adjuster.