Almost all home insurance policies will cover a roof replacement due to “acts of nature,” but not as a result of general wear and tear. If you experience a major storm and think your roof might have been damaged, call your insurance company and they will send someone to take a look. Like with most home maintenance, early detection can help keep overall costs down in the long run. We’ll explain what that means and describe how to approach an insurance claim below.

When is a new roof covered by insurance?

If you need a new roof due simply to the roof’s age or normal wear and tear, your homeowners policy likely will not cover it. That falls under general home maintenance and is the owner’s responsibility. However, insurance will pay for issues like roof leaks due to isolated incidents like storms.

The most common type of insurance – dwelling coverage – typically includes roof replacement due to natural events like a fire, extreme wind and fallen trees, or extreme hail damage. Even vandalism or other unforeseen circumstances should be covered.

Take note; you will still have to pay a deductible for any roof repairs or replacement needed. Given that the average new asphalt roof can cost upwards of $20,000, that’s a small price to pay!

Maintaining and inspecting your roof

If your roof is newer, and there have been no recent storms or other weather events, odds are you won’t give it much thought. Afterall, it’s only one part of your house, and you undoubtedly have other things to worry about! Ignoring your roof can lead to bigger problems in the long run, so follow some basic steps to ensure you catch small problems before they turn into something more serious. One relatively easy thing you can do is take photos of your roof – even once a year – so you have a reference point for any change or decay. And if you do need to file an insurance claim, these photos could come in handy to show the insurance company.

Signs that your roof may be nearing the end of its useful life include:

  • Curled or gnarled shingles
  • Asphalt granules in your gutters
  • Obvious water damage on either the outside of your house, or signs of a leak on the inside

In order to stay on top of roof maintenance (remember, it’s your responsibility), it’s a good idea to get your roof inspected periodically. If you have the knowledge, experience, and proper safety equipment, you can climb up on your roof and take a look, but there’s a much easier and safer way. Many roofing companies will offer free roof inspections as a way to get potential clients. If they do find any potential issues, they may even work with your insurance company to determine if the damage is covered under your policy. Don’t commit to any repairs or a new roof until you know whether or not it will be covered by insurance.