Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

Executive Summary

• Many homeowners insurance plans cover roof damage caused by vandalism or natural forces, such as storms, fires, or falling trees.
• Unfortunately, many homeowners insurance plans do not cover roof damage caused by age-fueled wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or improper installation.
• Claim approval is typically dependent on several factors, including the cause of damage, its documentation, and the specific policy terms of the homeowners insurance plan.
• If your roof is damaged, quickly secure the area with tarps or patches without jeopardizing your health, notify your insurer, schedule a professional inspection, and submit thorough documentation to support your claim.

Understanding Roof Coverage in Homeowners Insurance

Around 86.6% of homeowners in the United States are protected by homeowners insurance. Still, there is considerable confusion surrounding what qualifies for claim approval, causing many people to wonder, “Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?” The answer depends on various factors, including the source of damage and the terms of each individual policy.

Considering the roof is one of the most expensive and essential parts of your home, it’s crucial to understand what your insurance will and will not cover, especially considering that without the right coverage and knowledge, homeowners may find themselves responsible for repairs that can cost thousands of dollars.

In general, many homeowners insurance plans cover sudden, unpredictable damage from sources such as violent windstorms, falling tree branches, hail impacts, fire, and even vandalism. However, these plans typically do not cover damage from sources like natural wear and tear or neglect. Nevertheless, there are several nuances to consider.

This article breaks down what’s typically covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy, what is excluded, and what steps to take if your roof is damaged.

What Types of Roof Damage Are Typically Covered?

Most homeowners insurance plans are designed to protect against sudden and accidental damage. When it comes to your roof, insurance companies usually cover the following damages in places like Aloha, Beaverton, Gresham, and other parts of the greater Portland area.

Storm Damage or Fires

Some examples of natural causes of roof damage that may be covered by a home insurance company:

• High winds
• Hail
• Lightning strikes
• Falling trees
• Wildfires

Therefore, if a thunderstorm sends a branch crashing through your roof or wind rips off shingles, your policy may provide insurance coverage for leaks or other incurred damages.

Although they are not a common concern near Portland, Oregon, some other natural sources of roof damage, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes, may be covered elsewhere, depending on the homeowner’s location, policy, and whether a rider for supplemental coverage is being used.

Vandalism

If your roof is damaged or destroyed due to intentional acts of vandalism, most standard homeowners insurance policies will provide coverage for the repair or replacement costs. Some instances of roof-related vandalism that may be covered by homeowners insurance are:

• Someone else deliberately breaking roofing tiles
• Someone else tearing off your shingles
• Someone else spray painting your roof surface
• Someone committing arson

Suppose someone causes harm to your roofing system. In that case, to receive coverage, you’ll typically need to file a police report and submit thorough documentation to your insurance provider. Some elements that may be included in the documentation you submit are photos of the damage and an inspection report from a licensed roofer. 

Promptly reporting a roof-related vandalism incident and working with a trusted contractor, like Roof Life of Oregon, can help ensure your claim is processed smoothly.

Sudden Accidental Damage

Unexpected structural failure caused by a one-time, unpreventable event, such as a tree limb crashing through your roof or heavy debris falling during a storm, is typically covered by homeowners insurance policies in Portland, Oregon. However, these types of incidents have to be accidental and sudden, meaning the damage can’t be caused or worsened by neglect or lack of maintenance. 

To support your claim of sudden, accidental roof damage, insurers usually require prompt reporting and clear evidence of the event, meaning an inspection from a licensed roofing professional is crucial.

What Types of Roof Damage Are Not Commonly Covered?

It is essential to understand that insurance policies are not a substitute for routine roof maintenance. They’re usually designed for unexpected damage, not gradual decline, which is a natural occurrence for roofs. 

Therefore, the following examples of roof damage are typically not covered by homeowners insurance companies operating near Portland, including areas such as Happy Valley, Lake Oswego, or Oregon City.

Wear and Tear

Normal deterioration over time is considered the homeowner’s responsibility. So, homeowners insurance likely won’t step in if your roof is simply showing signs of age, such as:

• Cracked shingles or tiles
• Curling edges on shingles or tiles
• Granule loss on asphalt shingles

Therefore, it is essential to maintain your roof regularly through repairs and upkeep to ensure its longevity.

Neglect or Lack of Maintenance

Do you have roofing issues, such as unchecked moss growth or a known leak, that you’ve been neglecting? If so, insurers may view this as neglect. When homeowners fail to maintain their roofs, insurance claims for resulting damage may be denied, even if the final blow was caused by a natural force such as heavy winds.

Improper Installation

If your roof’s original installation was flawed or not done to code, it may cause future problems that insurers won’t cover, as improper installation can also be considered a form of negligence. Therefore, it is essential to hire a licensed, experienced roofer who will use the right materials and installation techniques.

How Your Roof’s Age Affects Coverage

Insurance companies may occasionally base claim approval and coverage amounts on a roof’s age and condition prior to the damage. In many cases, newer roofs are often eligible for the full roof replacement value for covered damages. However, older roofs, particularly those over 15 to 20 years old, may only receive partial reimbursement due to their depreciated value, given their short remaining lifespan.

Although some policies won’t cover roofs older than 20 years, regular maintenance and a professional inspection or roof certification may combat this by verifying the roof was in good condition before the damage occurred.

Factors That Influence Claim Approval

Even if your policy includes a form of roof coverage, claims can still be denied or not paid out in full depending on the circumstances. The three factors below can influence whether a claim is approved and the potential coverage amounts.

Documentation

To increase your chances of receiving the best coverage possible, you should ensure accurate documentation by keeping records of all roof inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, photos from before and after the damage-inducing event can help illustrate the changes in the roof’s condition.

Cause of Damage

Insurance adjusters will likely investigate the root cause of your roof damage to determine eligibility, gauging whether it was sudden and accidental or resulted from long-term wear and neglect.

Policy Terms

Nearly every homeowners insurance policy is different, meaning they have unique exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits. It’s essential to know what a prospective homeowners insurance plan says about roofing before committing to its terms.

Tips for Maximizing Insurance Coverage

In this life, unexpected things are bound to happen. However, being proactive helps you avoid headaches if unforeseen damage occurs to your roof. Prioritize the following tasks to maximize your insurance coverage in the long run.

Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

Schedule roof inspections annually or after major storms have passed to help identify problems early. Routine inspections can also provide a paper trail of evidence showing that the roof was in a reasonable condition before the damage occurred.

Keep Maintenance Records

Throughout the entire lifespan of your roof, keep records of any repairs, cleanings, or treatments that are performed. These documents show you’re taking care of the roof and can support your claim by eliminating claims of homeowner negligence.

Understand Your Policy

Review your homeowners insurance policy to gain a better understanding of your deductible and determine whether your policy covers actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost for roofing damages. You should also check for any exclusions specific to your roof’s age or material.

Steps to Take if Your Roof Is Damaged

If you suspect roof damage, prompt action is crucial to prevent further harm and increase your chances of submitting a successful claim. Homeowners should prioritize the following four steps after detecting damage on their roof.

1. Take Immediate Action

If possible, you should have a professional use tarps or temporary patching to prevent further damage. You should not climb on the roof by yourself; doing so is especially unsafe following damage. However, a professional has the necessary equipment to traverse your roofing system safely.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Since some policies have deadlines, you should report the roof-damaging incident as soon as possible. Reporting isn’t the same as filing a claim—most insurance companies allow you to follow up with more details at a later date to ensure fair coverage, so you likely won’t have to have repair pricing and other information readily available the first time you call.

3. Get a Roof Inspection

It is essential to have a licensed roofing contractor, like Roof Life of Oregon, thoroughly inspect the damage. They can also document the issues and provide an estimate for a roof repair or replacement that can facilitate satisfactory insurance coverage.

4. Submit a Claim

Once you have access to all the necessary documentation, inspection reports, and photos to support your claim, you can officially file with the insurance company. At this time, you should be assigned an insurance adjuster who can clarify any questions and assist in progressing the claim.

Be Prepared Before Damage Happens

With so many unpredictable forces at play, it can feel like roof damage comes out of nowhere, subjecting homeowners to sudden, expensive, and stressful experiences. However, being prepared can make a huge difference. 

Some important things to remember are:

• Typically, homeowners insurance does cover roof damage due to vandalism or natural causes, such as a storm or fire
• Damage resulting from age, maintenance neglect, or poor installation practices is typically not covered
• The age and condition of your roof before the damage can directly impact how much you’ll receive from a claim
• Keeping detailed records and performing regular maintenance and inspections can improve your chances of receiving satisfactory coverage

You shouldn’t wait for disaster to strike. Be proactive by reviewing your homeowners insurance policy now and scheduling a roof inspection to ensure you’re covered to the highest extent possible.

Roof Life of Oregon Offers Affordable Services Regardless of Insurance

Insurance coverage isn’t guaranteed; it depends on a variety of factors, including the source of the damage and the details of each insurance policy. However, Roof Life of Oregon can help you increase your chances of getting your claims approved by offering timely, well-documented, professional roof services.

Our skilled roofing team has substantial experience serving people throughout Portland, Oregon, and its surrounding areas, including Tigard, Sherwood, and Tualatin. We derive genuine fulfillment from helping our fellow Oregonians take care of their roofs, so we do what we can to assist them in an affordable yet effective way.

Even if you lack sufficient insurance coverage, Roof Life of Oregon can still help! We offer free well-care checkups, interest-free financing for replacements, and a lifetime workmanship warranty, which can help minimize future expenses and provide you with peace of mind.

Contact Roof Life of Oregon for a free roof inspection, expert advice, and a competitive, no-pressure quote.