What Roofing Damage Is Typically Covered by Insurance?
Picture this: A loud bang in the night. You wake up to find branches scattered across your yard, pieces of shingles in your driveway, and your roof looking like it took a beating. The first question on your mind? “Will my insurance cover this?”
It’s a common worry—and a valid one. Roof repairs and replacements can cost thousands of dollars. But the answer depends on what kind of damage you’re dealing with, and how it happened.
Let’s unpack it all.
What Most Homeowners Insurance Policies Do Cover
Homeowners insurance is designed to help with sudden, unexpected damage—things you couldn’t plan for or prevent. These are called “covered perils.”
Here are the major types of roof damage that are typically covered:
✅ Wind Damage
Strong winds can tear off shingles, lift flashing, or even peel up entire sections of your roof. If the damage is caused by a windstorm, your policy likely pays for repair or replacement.
Tip: Insurers often inspect for wind speed records during the event. Documentation matters.
✅ Hail Damage
In many parts of the country—especially Minnesota and Wisconsin—hail is one of the top reasons for roof insurance claims. Hailstones can bruise shingles, crack tiles, or dent metal roofs.
Tip: Hail claims are often time-sensitive. If you wait too long to report damage, it could be denied.
✅ Falling Trees or Branches
If a tree limb crashes through your roof during a storm or heavy winds, that’s covered. Insurance may even help with the removal of the tree and any interior damage caused by the breach.
If the tree was already dead and neglected, that’s a different story (see “What’s Not Covered”).
✅ Lightning, Fire, or Explosions
Though rare, these events are nearly always covered. If your roof is scorched, burned, or even partially destroyed, your policy will likely step in for both roof and structural repairs.
You’ll also likely receive help with temporary housing if your home becomes unlivable.
✅ Snow and Ice Collapse
In colder states, heavy snow or ice can cause sections of your roof to sag or even collapse. Most standard policies cover structural collapse due to the weight of snow, ice, or sleet.
Ice dams may be partially covered—but only if they cause sudden, visible damage. Gradual leaking usually isn’t.
Roof Damage That’s Not Covered by Insurance
Let’s be honest: insurance companies want to avoid paying for anything they think you should’ve prevented. These exclusions are important to understand:
❌ Wear and Tear
Every roof gets old. Shingles lose their granules. Tiles crack. Insurance doesn’t cover this kind of natural aging—it’s considered your responsibility to replace or maintain your roof over time.
If your roof is 15–20 years old or more, some policies won’t offer full coverage.
❌ Neglect or Delayed Repairs
Let’s say you noticed a small leak last year and ignored it. If it’s now a big leak, your insurer may say the damage was preventable. Insurance doesn’t reward procrastination.
Always document minor issues and repair them promptly. It could save you from a denied claim.
❌ Improper Installation or Low-Quality Work
If a past contractor installed your roof incorrectly—or used poor materials—your policy won’t cover the consequences. That’s considered a workmanship issue, not a “covered peril.”
Check if the roofer offered a warranty. If so, that could help cover the cost.
❌ Damage from Pests or Animals
Birds, raccoons, squirrels, or insects chewing their way into your roof? Most policies don’t cover that. Pests are considered a maintenance issue.
However, secondary damage (like water entering through a hole they made during a storm) might still qualify.
Insurance Terms You Should Know
- Peril: The bad thing that caused the damage (like wind, fire, or hail).
- Deductible: The amount you must pay before insurance helps.
- Depreciation: Reduction in value over time—used in cash value calculations.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): What your roof is worth today (minus depreciation).
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): What it would cost to fully replace your roof now.
Why it matters: If you have ACV coverage, you might get less money than expected. Ask your agent to upgrade to RCV if possible.
A Word About Hail and Midwest Storms
In the Upper Midwest, hail and windstorms aren’t just common—they’re expected. Insurance companies in this region are very familiar with these types of claims.
Still, they’ll want:
- Evidence that the damage was storm-related
- Proof that the roof wasn’t already in bad condition
- A professional inspection and damage report
How to Get Insurance to Cover Your Roof Damage
Follow these steps to avoid delays or denials:
- Stay Safe: Never climb your roof. Look for visible signs from the ground—missing shingles, broken gutters, or debris buildup.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: At Bold North Roofing, we provide detailed inspections with photo documentation.
- File Your Claim Quickly: Most policies require you to report within a limited time (often 12 months or less from the date of the storm).
- Meet with the Adjuster: Your contractor can be there with you to ensure no damage is missed or under-reported.
- Review Your Settlement Offer: Understand what’s covered, how depreciation is calculated, and when you’ll receive payment.
Is Your Policy Outdated? Time to Double-Check.
Many people don’t read their policies. But here’s the thing: every insurance plan is a bit different. Some only cover cash value. Others don’t mention hail at all unless it’s added as a rider.
Ask your agent these questions:
- Do I have replacement cost or actual cash value?
- Is hail and wind coverage included?
- How old can my roof be before coverage is limited?
- Is there a cosmetic damage exclusion?
Why Choose Bold North Roofing After the Storm?
Dealing with storm damage is stressful enough. You need a partner who understands roofing and insurance.
Here’s how Bold North makes it easier:
- Free, full photo-documented inspections
- Claim documentation support
- Direct communication with adjusters
- Fast turnaround time for emergency response
- Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee (because we stand by our work)
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
A strong roof protects everything under it—your family, your memories, your peace of mind.
If you think your roof was damaged in a storm, or just want a second opinion, schedule a free inspection today.
We’ll help you figure out what’s covered, what’s not, and what to do next.
