Is It Worth Claiming Roof Damage on Insurance?

Roof damage is never fun to deal with—but when it happens, one of the biggest questions homeowners face is:

“Should I file a roof damage insurance claim or just pay out of pocket?”

If you're wondering does house insurance cover roof damage or how to get your insurance company to pay for a new roof, this guide walks you through the process, pros and cons, and what to do next.

What Type of Roof Damage Does Insurance Cover?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage—but only when it’s caused by specific “covered perils.” These usually include:

Roof with hail damage covered by insurance policy

Wind or hailstorms
Falling trees or debris
Fire or lightning
Vandalism

However, insurance typically doesn’t cover roof damage caused by:

Poor maintenance or prior faulty installation
Age and general wear and tear
Mold, rot, or algae

Related Resource: Signs You Need a Roof Replacement

When NOT to File a Claim

Filing a claim may not always be your best bet. You might want to handle the cost yourself if:

The damage is less than your deductible
Your roof is 20+ years old
You've filed recent claims and want to avoid higher premiums

In these cases, a roof repair or affordable replacement might make more sense.

Roofer inspecting shingles for an insurance claim

Pros and Cons of Filing a Roof Damage Insurance Claim

Pros:	Cons:
Reduced out-of-pocket cost for major damage Peace of mind during storms May cover full replacement depending on the policy	Premiums may rise Claim denial is possible Filing too often can reduce future eligibility

Explore More: Roofing Warranties

How Roof Age and Maintenance Affect Your Claim

If your roof hasn’t been maintained—or if it’s past a certain age—insurance may only offer actual cash value (ACV) instead of replacement cost value (RCV).

Pro Tip: Schedule an annual inspection to document roof condition and identify issues before they escalate.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Roof Insurance Claim

Schedule a professional roof inspection
Take photos/videos of the damage
Contact your insurance provider
Meet with your adjuster
Get a quote from a trusted roofer like Vertex Roofing
Repair or replace your roof based on the settlement

Why You Should Call a Roofer First—Not Insurance

Insurance adjuster evaluating roof damage in Salt Lake City

Your insurance company works for themselves. A roofing contractor works for you. By calling a pro like Vertex Roofing first, we’ll:

Help document damage accurately
Provide repair or replacement estimates
Advocate during the adjuster’s visit

Related Service: Emergency Leak Repair

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

Insurance claims can be denied for many reasons:

Damage blamed on aging or lack of upkeep
Claim filed too late after the incident
Insufficient documentation

Avoid delays by scheduling your inspection ASAP after damage occurs.

FAQ: Homeowners Insurance & Roof Damage

Q: Does house insurance cover roof damage from storms?

Ans: Yes, but only if your policy includes wind/hail coverage and your roof has been maintained.

Q: Will my insurance rates go up?

Ans: They could—especially if you've filed claims before.

Q: What’s better—repair or replace?

Ans: It depends. Our roof repair vs replacement guide helps you decide.

Still Unsure? We Can Help.

Filing a roof damage insurance claim can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Vertex Roofing, we’ve helped countless Utah homeowners navigate the insurance process and get the protection they deserve.

📍 Based in Salt Lake City.

📞 Request a Free Inspection or call (801) 639-0477 today.

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