Severe weather can cause significant damage to your roof. High winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can all cause damage, with hail being one of the most common culprits when it comes to serious roof problems. Many homeowners ask if their insurance policy will cover a roof replacement after this kind of event.
The answer will depend on several factors: the cause of the damage, the details of your coverage, and the condition of your existing roof.
Homeowners Insurance and Hail Damage
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do include hail and storm damage under the “covered perils” section. This means that roof damage from a sudden storm, may be eligible for reimbursement for repairs or replacement.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), most homeowners policies cover direct damage from fire, wind, and hail. However, insurance typically will not pay for roof damage that results from normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
If hail causes water to leak into your home or shingles to crack or break off, your insurance policy may respond. But if your roof was already in poor condition before the storm, your insurer might only pay a portion of the replacement cost or deny the claim altogether.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
When it comes to roof replacement coverage, Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV) have very different meanings. These terms define how much your insurance company will pay out after damage occurs.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) means your insurer will pay to replace the damaged roof with materials of similar kind and quality without factoring in depreciation.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) takes depreciation into account, meaning you’ll receive a smaller payout based on the age and condition of the roof at the time of damage.
The NAIC emphasizes this distinction as critical when recovering from storm damage. Policies based on ACV will often result in higher out-of-pocket costs for homeowners, especially if your roof is 10 to 15 years old or more.
Filing a Claim for Hail Damage
If you believe your roof has sustained hail damage, prompt action is important. Here’s a typical process to follow:
- Inspect and document: Take clear photos of any visible damage on your roof, gutters, siding, and other parts of your property.
- Make temporary repairs: Cover any holes or leaks with tarps or boards to prevent further damage. Save receipts for any materials or emergency services.
- Contact your insurance provider: The goal here is to file a claim quickly. The insurance company will likely send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the estimated payout.
This process helps create smooth claim experience and reduces the chances of additional structural damage that might not be covered later.
FEMA Assistance for Roof Damage
If your roof damage is not fully covered by insurance, or if you don’t have insurance at all, you may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA. In federally declared disaster areas, FEMA may offer help with repairs that make a home safe and functional, including patching roof leaks or fixing collapsed sections. However, FEMA’s aid is not a substitute for insurance and typically covers only the most basic repairs.
According to FEMA: “Disaster-caused damage that threatens your home’s habitability may qualify for repair assistance.”
FEMA funds won’t typically pay to return your home to its previous condition or upgrade materials. Instead, the goal is to prevent hazards to your health or safety.
Coverage Limitations and Exclusions
Some insurance policies include limitations or exclusions you should be aware of before a storm hits:
- Cosmetic exclusions: Damage that only affects the appearance of the roof may not be covered, especially on newer or high-end shingles.
- Roof age restrictions: Insurers often scale back coverage based on how old the roof is. A roof that’s 15 years old or more may only qualify for ACV reimbursement.
- Hail-prone regions: If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, your insurance may come with a separate wind or hail deductible that’s higher than your normal deductible.
Review your policy to see how your roof is classified and what exclusions may apply.
Book Our Roof Replacement Experts
In many cases, homeowners insurance will help pay for a roof replacement after hail or storm damage, but the exact coverage depends on your policy, the age of your roof, and how quickly you act. Getting a professional inspection is one of the best steps you can take to understand your options and get the claims process moving in the right direction.
At Expert Exteriors, we’ve helped homeowners across Northern Virginia and Maryland navigate insurance claims and get fast, reliable roof replacements after storm damage. We move quickly, often completing projects within a week or two of contract signing, and we keep communication simple, with experienced professionals overseeing every step.
If your roof may have been damaged in a recent storm, contact our team for a thorough inspection and straightforward guidance. Call us at 703-755-5796.