After a heavy windstorm or hailstorm moves through Central Ohio, one of the first questions many homeowners ask is: Will my homeowners insurance cover the damage to my roof?
In many situations, the answer is yes. Homeowners insurance may cover roof repairs or replacement when the damage was caused by a sudden event listed in your policy, such as wind, hail, fire, or a fallen tree.
However, insurance generally does not cover damage caused by normal aging, improper maintenance, or a problem that developed gradually over time. Your coverage will ultimately depend on your specific policy, the cause of the damage, the condition of your roof, and the results of the insurance company’s inspection.
Here is what Ohio homeowners should understand before beginning the roof insurance claim process.
What Types of Roof Damage Are Commonly Covered?
Homeowners insurance is primarily designed to protect your home from sudden and unexpected damage.
Depending on your policy, covered roof damage may include:
- Wind damage from a severe thunderstorm
- Hail damage to shingles, flashing, vents, or other roofing materials
- Damage caused by a tree or large branch falling onto the roof
- Fire or smoke damage
- Lightning damage
- Damage caused by certain other sudden events listed in the policy
For example, if strong winds lift or remove shingles from a properly maintained roof, the resulting repairs may be covered after the applicable deductible is paid.
The important factor is usually why the damage occurred. The insurance company will inspect the roof and determine whether the damage resulted from a covered event or from an excluded condition such as age or deterioration.
What Roof Damage Is Usually Not Covered?
Homeowners insurance is not intended to function as a roof maintenance or replacement plan.
Damage may not be covered when it results from:
- Normal wear and tear
- An old or deteriorated roof
- Long-term water intrusion
- Neglected maintenance
- Rot, mold, or decay
- Improper installation or defective materials
- Previous damage that was never repaired
- Pests or animals
- Damage that occurred before the policy became active
Suppose a roof has been leaking slowly for several years because its shingles are worn out. Even when the homeowner only recently notices the interior water damage, the insurance company may determine that the underlying cause was deterioration rather than a sudden storm.
This is one reason regular roof inspections are so important. Finding and repairing minor problems early can help prevent larger issues and provide documentation showing that the roof has been properly maintained.
Does the Age of Your Roof Affect Insurance Coverage?
Yes. The age and condition of your roof can affect both whether a loss is covered and how the insurance company calculates its payment.
Some policies provide replacement cost value, while others pay the actual cash value of an older roof.
Replacement Cost Value
Replacement cost value, commonly called RCV, is based on the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged roof with materials of a similar type and quality without immediately subtracting the full amount of depreciation.
Depending on the policy, the insurance company may initially issue a payment based on the depreciated value. The remaining recoverable depreciation may then be released after the work is completed and the required documentation is submitted.
Actual Cash Value
Actual cash value, commonly called ACV, factors depreciation into the insurance payment.
The older the roof is, the more depreciation may be deducted. This means an actual cash value payment may be considerably lower than the total cost of replacing the roof.
Every policy is different. Homeowners should review their declarations page and speak directly with their insurance agent or carrier to determine which type of roof coverage they have.
Understanding Your Wind and Hail Deductible
A deductible is the portion of a covered loss that the homeowner is responsible for paying.
Some Ohio homeowners policies have a standard flat deductible, such as $1,000 or $2,500. Other policies contain a separate wind and hail deductible calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value.
For example, a 2% wind and hail deductible on a home insured for $300,000 would equal $6,000. The percentage is based on the home’s insured amount—not simply the amount of roof damage.
Because deductibles can vary considerably, check your policy before filing a claim. Understanding the deductible can help you compare the estimated repair cost with your potential insurance payment.
A legitimate contractor should not offer to waive, absorb, or falsify your deductible. The homeowner is responsible for paying the deductible stated in the insurance policy.
How Can You Tell Whether Your Roof Has Storm Damage?
Storm damage is not always visible from the ground. A roof can appear normal while still having damaged shingles, compromised flashing, loose materials, or impact marks from hail.
Potential signs of storm damage include:
- Missing, lifted, or creased shingles
- Shingle pieces or roofing debris in the yard
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents, or metal flashing
- Excessive shingle granules in the gutters
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Moisture inside the attic
- Loose siding or exterior trim
- Fallen branches on or near the roof
Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself. Wet, loose, or storm-damaged roofing materials can create a serious fall risk. A professional roofing inspection is a safer and more reliable way to determine whether damage is present.
What Should You Do After a Storm Damages Your Roof?
Taking the right steps after a storm can protect your home and make the insurance process easier.
1. Prioritize Safety
Stay away from fallen power lines, unstable trees, standing water, and visibly damaged sections of the home. Do not climb onto the roof.
If water is entering near electrical fixtures or creating an immediate hazard, contact the appropriate emergency professional.
2. Document What You Can See
Take photographs or videos of visible damage from a safe location.
Document items such as:
- Missing shingles
- Fallen branches
- Ceiling stains
- Active leaks
- Damaged gutters or siding
- Roofing materials found in the yard
Record the approximate date and time of the storm as well.
3. Prevent Additional Damage
Homeowners are generally expected to take reasonable steps to prevent the damage from becoming worse.
This might include placing a container beneath an active leak, moving belongings away from water, or arranging for temporary emergency protection. Do not complete major permanent repairs until you understand your insurance company’s documentation and inspection requirements.
Save receipts for any temporary repairs or emergency services.
4. Review Your Insurance Policy
Check your policy for:
- Covered causes of damage
- Exclusions
- Your wind and hail deductible
- Replacement cost or actual cash value coverage
- Claim reporting requirements
- Deadlines or time limitations
Contact your insurance agent or carrier when you need help understanding your coverage.
5. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional roofing contractor can inspect the roofing system, identify visible damage, take photographs, and prepare an estimate for the necessary repairs.
The contractor cannot guarantee that insurance will cover the damage. Coverage decisions are made by the insurance company according to the terms of the policy.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
When the damage appears significant, contact your insurance company to discuss the claim process.
The carrier may assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster to inspect the property. Keep copies of photographs, estimates, receipts, emails, and other documents associated with the claim.
Will Insurance Pay for an Entire Roof Replacement?
Not every insurance claim results in a full roof replacement.
The insurance company may approve:
- Repairing an isolated damaged area
- Replacing a specific roof section
- Replacing the entire roofing system
- No payment when the damage does not exceed the deductible
- No coverage when the cause is excluded by the policy
The extent of the work may depend on the amount and location of the damage, the roof’s age, the availability of compatible materials, applicable building requirements, and the language of the insurance policy.
A professional inspection can help establish the roof’s condition and provide an estimate, but the insurance carrier makes the final coverage decision.
Should You Have the Roof Inspected Before Filing a Claim?
Having the roof inspected first can be helpful when you are unsure whether meaningful storm damage exists.
A professional inspection may help you determine:
- Whether visible storm damage is present
- Whether the damage appears isolated or widespread
- Whether emergency repairs are needed
- The approximate cost of repair or replacement
- Whether the estimated damage is likely to exceed your deductible
However, avoid waiting when active water intrusion or major structural damage is present. Report urgent damage promptly and take reasonable steps to protect the property.
Schedule a Roof Inspection in Central Ohio
After a major storm, you should not have to guess about the condition of your roof.
Assured Restoration provides professional roof inspections for homeowners throughout Columbus and the surrounding Central Ohio area. Our team can evaluate the visible condition of your roofing system, document potential storm damage, explain the available repair or replacement options, and provide a detailed estimate.
While your insurance company determines what your policy covers, we can provide the roofing expertise and documentation needed to help you make an informed decision about your home.
Schedule your roof inspection today by calling Assured Restoration at 614-648-2040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage to a roof in Ohio?
Many homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage when hail is a covered cause of loss. Coverage depends on the terms of your policy, your deductible, the condition of the roof, and the insurance company’s inspection.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
Insurance may cover a roof leak when it results from sudden covered damage, such as shingles being removed during a windstorm. A leak caused by age, deterioration, or neglected maintenance may not be covered.
Will insurance replace a 20-year-old roof?
Possibly, but the roof’s age may affect the amount paid. Some older roofs are insured at actual cash value, meaning depreciation is deducted. Other policies may contain age-related limitations or exclusions.
Should I call a roofer or my insurance company first?
Either may be appropriate depending on the situation. A roofer can safely inspect and document the damage, while your insurance company can explain your coverage and claim-reporting requirements. Urgent or severe damage should be reported promptly.
Can a roofing contractor guarantee that my claim will be approved?
No. A roofing contractor can identify visible damage and provide repair or replacement estimates, but only the insurance company can make coverage decisions under your policy.
This article provides general educational information and is not insurance or legal advice. Policy terms, exclusions, deductibles, and claim decisions vary. Contact your insurance agent or carrier for information about your specific coverage.
