Insurance Coverage for Roof Replacement: Complete Guide

Storm damage to your roof? Understanding insurance coverage can save you thousands. Here's everything Sugar Land and Fort Bend County homeowners need to know about roof replacement insurance claims.

What Roof Damage Does Insurance Cover?

Typically Covered

✓ Storm Damage

Hail impact damage
Wind damage from hurricanes/tornadoes
Fallen tree damage
Lightning strikes
Heavy rain damage

✓ Sudden Incidents

Fire damage
Vandalism damage
Vehicle impact
Aircraft damage

Typically NOT Covered

✗ Age and Wear

Normal deterioration
Gradual leaks
Wear and tear
Poor maintenance
Cosmetic damage

✗ Pre-Existing Issues

Previous damage
Known problems
Deferred maintenance

Grey Areas

May Be Covered:

Water damage (if from covered event)
Ice damage
Weight of snow/ice
Falling objects

Depends On:

Policy terms
Cause of damage
Documentation
Claim timing

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Key Policy Terms

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

Covers full replacement cost
Better coverage option
Higher premiums
No depreciation deduction
Example: $15,000 roof = $15,000 payout

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Factors in depreciation
Lower premiums
Reduced payout
Example: $15,000 roof, 10 years old = ~$10,000 payout

Deductible Amounts

Standard Deductibles:

Fixed amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Percentage: 1% - 2% of dwelling coverage

Percentage Deductibles: $300,000 home with 1% deductible = $3,000 out-of-pocket

Wind/Hail Deductibles: Some Texas policies have separate, higher deductibles for wind/hail damage

Often 1% - 5% of dwelling coverage
Can be $3,000 - $15,000+ out of pocket

Coverage Limits

Full Replacement:

Covers entire roof replacement
Up to policy limits
Includes code upgrades

Limited Repair:

May only cover damaged section
Depends on extent of damage
Age of roof matters

The Claims Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Document the Damage

Immediately After Storm:

Take photos from ground level
Document interior damage
Note date of storm
Keep debris samples (hail, branches)
Create damage inventory

Don't:

Make permanent repairs (prevent further damage okay)
Discard damaged materials
Wait too long to report

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

When to Call:

Within 24-72 hours of damage
As soon as safely possible
Before contractor contact (ideally)

Information to Provide:

Policy number
Date of damage
Type of damage
Extent of damage (estimated)
Interior damage (if any)

Step 3: Schedule Insurance Inspection

What Happens:

Adjuster assigned to your claim
Inspection scheduled (usually 3-10 days)
Adjuster inspects roof damage
Interior inspection if relevant

Preparation:

Be present for inspection
Show all damage
Provide photos/documentation
Ask questions
Take notes

Step 4: Get Professional Assessment

Why Use a Contractor:

Identifies all damage
Documents comprehensively
Can meet with adjuster
Provides repair estimate
Advocates for complete coverage

Galvan Roofing Services:

Free storm damage inspection
Detailed damage report
Photo documentation
Meet with adjuster
Fight for proper coverage

Step 5: Review Adjuster's Estimate

What to Check:

All damage included
Accurate measurements
Appropriate materials
Code upgrade costs
Sufficient scope

Common Underpayments:

Missing damaged areas
Underestimated materials
Low labor rates
Missing code requirements
Insufficient scope

Step 6: Negotiate if Necessary

If Estimate Too Low:

Provide contractor's assessment
Point out missing items
Request re-inspection
Consider public adjuster
Escalate to supervisor if needed

Our Role:

Compare estimates
Identify discrepancies
Provide documentation
Advocate for you
Professional communication with insurer

Step 7: Claim Approval

Once Approved:

Review settlement offer
Understand payment schedule
Verify full scope covered
Check deductible amount

Step 8: Initial Payment

Typical Process:

RCV policies: Initial ACV payment
ACV policies: Full payment
Mortgage companies: Check may include lender
Deductible: Your responsibility

Step 9: Complete Repairs

Contractor Selection:

Choose licensed, insured contractor
Verify credentials
Get written contract
Ensure warranty coverage

Our Process:

Complete all approved work
Use proper materials
Document installation
Provide completion certificate

Step 10: Final Payment (RCV Policies)

Recoverable Depreciation:

Paid after work completion
Submit proof of completion
Include paid invoices
Photos of completed work
Inspection certificate

Submit To Insurance:

Contractor invoice
Completion photos
Certificate of completion
Canceled check/payment proof

Maximizing Your Insurance Claim

Do's

✓ Report damage promptly ✓ Document thoroughly ✓ Use quality contractor ✓ Keep all paperwork ✓ Follow up persistently ✓ Get multiple opinions if needed ✓ Read your policy ✓ Ask questions

Don'ts

✗ Don't wait to file ✗ Don't make permanent repairs first ✗ Don't accept first offer blindly ✗ Don't sign contractor assignment of benefits ✗ Don't let adjuster inspect alone ✗ Don't settle for partial repair if full replacement needed

Common Insurance Claim Challenges

Challenge 1: Claim Denial

Reasons:

Wear and tear determination
Maintenance issues claimed
Insufficient documentation
Policy exclusions

Solutions:

Request detailed denial explanation
Provide additional documentation
Professional assessment
File appeal
Consider public adjuster
Last resort: attorney

Challenge 2: Low Settlement Offer

Why It Happens:

Conservative adjusting
Incomplete inspection
Missing damage
Undervalued materials

Response:

Professional contractor estimate
Detailed documentation
Request re-inspection
Point out discrepancies
Negotiate persistently

Challenge 3: Partial Approval

Scenario: Insurance covers repair, you need replacement

Options:

Get multiple professional opinions
Document full extent of damage
Show code requirements
Prove repair inadequate
Request supervisory review

Challenge 4: Age of Roof Disputes

If Roof 15+ Years:

May face higher scrutiny
Maintenance questions
Depreciation issues

Defense:

Maintenance records
Recent inspection reports
Clear storm damage evidence
Code compliance requirements

Working With Galvan Roofing on Insurance Claims

Our Free Services

We Provide:

Thorough storm damage inspection
Detailed documentation
Professional damage report
Photo evidence
Written assessment

Adjuster Meetings

We Will:

Meet insurance adjuster onsite
Point out all damage
Explain necessary repairs
Answer technical questions
Professional communication

Claim Advocacy

Our Support:

Compare insurance estimate with actual needs
Identify coverage gaps
Help document additional damage
Provide supplemental estimates
Professional correspondence with insurer

No Upfront Costs

Our Promise:

Free inspections
Free claim assistance
No obligation
No fees unless you hire us
Honest assessment

Special Situations

Mortgage Company Involvement

If Lender On Check:

Endorse check together
May require inspection
May hold recoverable depreciation
Work with your lender

Rejected Claims