Learn how to document storm damage, deal with depreciation, and fight denials for roof replacement coverage.
Get Claim Command Pro →Roof insurance claims are heavily disputed. Insurance companies look for any reason to deny roof replacement or apply massive depreciation to reduce payouts.
Insurance adjusters argue that roof damage is due to age and wear rather than covered storm damage. They'll point to any sign of aging—granule loss, curling shingles, or previous repairs—as evidence the roof was already failing. This allows them to deny claims or apply heavy depreciation.
Roof depreciation is calculated based on age and expected lifespan. A 15-year-old roof with a 20-year lifespan might be depreciated 75%, leaving you with only 25% of replacement cost upfront. If you have replacement cost coverage, you can recover depreciation after repairs, but many homeowners don't understand this.
Some policies exclude coverage for cosmetic damage that doesn't affect functionality. Insurance companies use this to deny hail damage claims, arguing that dented shingles are cosmetic. However, hail damage compromises shingle integrity even if the roof doesn't currently leak.
If only part of your roof is damaged, insurance may only pay for that section. Finding matching shingles for a discontinued product is often impossible, but insurers resist paying for full roof replacement when they can't match.
Missing, lifted, or torn shingles from high winds
Dents, cracks, and granule loss from hailstones
Impact damage from trees or large branches
Water infiltration from ice buildup at eaves
Proper documentation proves your roof damage was caused by a covered event, not age or maintenance issues.
Access specialized guidance for documenting and negotiating roof insurance claims.
Get Claim Command ProIt depends on the extent of damage and your policy. If damage is widespread or matching is impossible, full replacement may be covered. If damage is limited, insurers typically only pay for affected sections.
Depreciation is typically calculated based on age divided by expected lifespan. A 10-year-old roof with a 20-year lifespan would be depreciated 50%.
Age doesn't automatically disqualify coverage. If storm damage is documented, it should be covered. However, expect the insurer to apply significant depreciation.
Insurance pays for "like kind and quality" replacement. Upgrades are typically your responsibility, though you can use your settlement toward upgraded materials.
Challenge this with contractor and engineering opinions. Hail damage, even if not currently leaking, compromises shingle integrity and reduces roof lifespan.