What roof insurance normally pays for

Knowing the answer before you call the insurer decides whether you file at all, and stops a contractor from filing for you.

What is probably happening

• Covered: sudden events. The III's coverage chart lists windstorm or hail in every standard homeowners form, fire and lightning in all of them, and weight of ice, snow or sleet in the broader forms (HO-2, HO-3 and up). The III also names falling trees as a covered peril for roofs.
• Not covered: the roof getting old. The Texas Department of Insurance lists wear and tear among what most policies do not cover, and the III says policies will not cover damage due to lack of maintenance, mold, or infestation from termites or other pests. Flood needs a separate policy.
• Older roofs pay less. The III: if your roof is over 20 years old most insurers require it to pass an inspection, some decline coverage, and the policy may pay only actual cash value, with depreciation factored in, rather than replacement cost.
• Deductibles for wind and hail are often separate and higher than the main deductible (Nebraska Department of Insurance).

Do this in the next five minutes

1. Read the declarations page for: wind and hail deductible, and whether the roof is on replacement cost or actual cash value. Some policies put the roof on a schedule that pays less each year.
2. If the repair estimate is under the deductible, Nebraska's department says you may not want to file.
3. Photograph everything before temporary repairs, save every receipt, and call your agent to confirm coverage and the filing deadline (III).
4. Be present at the adjuster's inspection (TDI).
5. If a claim is denied and you think wrongly, your state insurance department takes complaints. Texas: 800-252-3439. Nebraska: 1-877-564-6323.

Do not

• Do not let a roofer tell you what your policy covers. In Florida, interpreting policy provisions or adjusting a claim is prohibited for a contractor without a public adjuster license (F.S. 489.147).
• Do not sign an assignment of benefits. Florida bars them on policies issued on or after 1 January 2023 (F.S. 627.7152).
• Do not accept a deductible waiver. Texas: illegal under state law (TDI). Florida: a prohibited practice with fines up to $10,000 per offense. Colorado: the contract must state the roofer cannot pay, waive or rebate it.

Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out

Tap each one as you ask it.

• For the insurer: is my roof on replacement cost or actual cash value, and is there a roof schedule?
• For the insurer: what is my wind and hail deductible, and what is the deadline to file?
• For the roofer: will you be handling, negotiating or advising on my insurance claim in any way?
• For the roofer: are you offering to cover any part of my deductible?

End the call if

• Any contractor paper that assigns benefits or proceeds.
• A deductible offer.
• A contractor who wants to attend the adjuster's inspection without you.