Roofing Insurance Claims FAQ: Filing, Coverage & More

Understanding Your Coverage: The Basics

What do insurance companies typically cover for roofing?

In the world of insurance, "coverage" is generally defined by perils. Most standard homeowners policies (HO-3 or HO-5) cover "sudden and accidental" physical loss. This means the damage must be tied to a specific, identifiable event rather than gradual deterioration.

Commonly covered perils include:

• High Winds and Tornadoes: These can lift shingles (wind uplift), crease them, or blow them off entirely, exposing the underlayment.
• Hail Impact: Hail bruises the shingle matting, knocking away protective granules and shortening the roof's lifespan significantly.
• Fallen Trees or Debris: Structural damage caused by external objects during a storm.
• Fire and Lightning: Direct strikes or heat damage.
• Ice Dams: Common in our more northern service areas, where melting snow refreezes at the eaves, forcing water under the shingles.

What is NOT covered? Insurance is not a maintenance plan. "Wear and tear," manufacturer defects, or damage resulting from a lack of basic maintenance are typically excluded. For a deeper dive into what qualifies as a legitimate claim, see our guide on Why Reporting Storm Damage is Critical for Insurance.

What is the difference between RCV and ACV policies?

This is the single most important distinction in your policy. It determines whether you will be responsible for thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.

• RCV (Replacement Cost Value): This is the gold standard. If your roof costs $20,000 to replace today, the insurance company pays that full amount (minus your deductible). They usually pay in two checks: an initial "Actual Cash Value" check and a second "Depreciation" check once the work is completed.
• ACV (Actual Cost Value): This policy only pays for what your roof is worth today. If you have a 20-year-old roof with a 30-year lifespan, the insurer will subtract 66% of the value for depreciation. You are responsible for the remaining balance.

To understand how this impact's your wallet, read our ACV Insurance Policy Guide.

The Financial Side: Deductibles and Fraud

Can a roofing company waive my deductible?

The short answer is: No. In the states where Roof MD operates—including Tennessee and Georgia—it is illegal for a contractor to "waive," "absorb," "rebate," or otherwise pay a homeowner’s insurance deductible.

This practice is considered insurance fraud. Your insurance policy is a legal contract between you and your carrier; the deductible is your contractually mandated portion of the loss. Any contractor offering to "eat the deductible" is likely cutting corners on materials or labor to make up the difference, or worse, submitting a false invoice to the insurance company.

At Roof MD, we prioritize integrity. While we cannot pay your deductible, we do offer flexible financing options to help you manage the cost over time. Learn more on our page regarding Handling Your Roof Insurance Deductible.

Will my insurance premiums go up if I file a claim?

This is a common fear. Most states have laws preventing insurance companies from raising an individual’s rates due to an "Act of God" (like a hailstorm). However, if your entire zip code was hit by a major storm, rates for the whole area may increase regardless of whether you personally file a claim. If everyone else is getting a new roof paid for by their premiums and you aren't, you are essentially subsidizing your neighbors' roofs.

The Adjuster and the Inspection Process

What are my options if the insurance adjuster under-evaluates the damage?

It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are human and can miss things—especially on large or steep roofs. If your estimate seems insufficient to cover a quality replacement, don't panic. You have "Supplements."

1. The Supplement Process: We use Xactimate, the same estimating software used by 90% of the insurance industry. If the adjuster missed "drip edge," "ice and water shield," or "high-profile ridge caps," we submit a line-by-line supplement with photo evidence to request additional funds. Read more about Items Often Overlooked by Insurance Adjusters.
2. Request a Re-Inspection: If the adjuster denied the claim entirely, we can request a second inspection. We highly recommend having a Roof MD project manager present for this to ensure all damage is properly identified.
3. Appraisal: Most policies have an "Appraisal Clause" where an independent umpire can settle disputes over the value of the loss.

What is a "Brittle Test" and why is it the "Smoking Gun"?

In insurance terms, a roof must be "repairable" to avoid a full replacement. If we can't replace a single shingle without damaging the ones around it, the roof is unrepairable. This is proven via the Brittle Test. We gently lift a shingle to a 45-degree angle (as if we were nailing a new one beneath it). If the shingle cracks, creases, or sheds excessive granules, it fails.

We record these tests to provide undeniable video evidence to your carrier. For a technical breakdown, see our post on The Brittle Test for Insurance Claims.

Common Hurdles and Niche Questions

Does insurance cover an old roof?

Yes. Age is not a disqualifier for a claim, though it affects the payout if you have an ACV policy. If a storm occurs, the insurance company is responsible for the damage regardless of whether the roof was 2 years old or 22 years old. However, if the roof is so old that it was already failing due to rot, the claim may be denied.

What happens if my claim is denied?

A denial is a speed bump, not a brick wall. Claims are often denied due to "insufficient damage" or "age-related wear." If you believe the adjuster was wrong, you can:

• Ask for a "Supervisor Review."
• Provide a "Storm Report" showing the exact date, wind speed, or hail size that hit your property.
• Document signs of storm roof damage that may have been missed.

How long do I have to file a claim?

The "Statute of Limitations" for a property claim varies by state and policy, but it is typically one to two years from the Date of Loss. We strongly advise filing as soon as possible. Waiting can lead to secondary damage like interior leaks, which the insurance company may refuse to pay for because you failed to "mitigate the loss."

What are "Matching Laws"?

In several states, including many we serve, "Matching Laws" or "Line of Sight" rules apply. This means if your shingle is discontinued and cannot be perfectly matched, the insurance company must replace the entire roof rather than leaving you with a mismatched "patchwork" look that ruins your home's value.

Why Choose Roof MD to help with your roofing insurance claim?

We aren't just roofers; we are documentation experts. We act as your expert witness throughout the claim, providing:

• High-Resolution Drone and Manual Imagery: We find the damage that adjusters miss from the ground.
• Precision Estimating: Using Xactimate ensures that your claim is settled for the true cost of labor and materials in your specific market.
• On-Site Adjuster Meetings: We walk the roof with your adjuster to ensure they have all the facts before they write their report.

Serving Homeowners in: * Nashville, TN | Atlanta, GA | Raleigh, NC | Huntsville, AL and Beyond.

Don’t File Alone. Get an Expert Opinion First.

Filing a claim for "no damage" can stay on your insurance record and potentially impact your future premiums. Know before you file. Get a Free Professional Storm Damage Inspection from Roof MD. We will give you an honest assessment of whether your roof qualifies for a claim.

OR CALL US TOLL-FREE at 866-601-2408