November 15, 2024
November 18, 2024
Most homeowners dread the day they have to replace their roofs. Hassle aside, it’s one of the priciest home repairs out there!
On average, a roof replacement can cost anywhere between $5,864 and $13,190, but for larger projects, it can easily climb into the $40,000 range.
Unfortunately, replacing a roof isn’t something you can put off. Ignoring a worn-out roof can lead to more damage, reduce your home’s value, and make it harder to sell for a good price.
The good news? You may be able to get your insurance to cover most, if not all, of the replacement cost.
In this guide, our Reno roofing contractors will discuss how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement. Let’s dive in!
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover specific types of roof damage caused by sudden, unexpected events. For example, if your roof takes a heavy hit from a storm, hail, or high winds, you may qualify for roof replacement through insurance.
These situations are generally classified as “acts of nature” or “accidents” and are commonly included in standard homeowners’ policies.
On the other hand, regular wear and tear, like aging shingles or minor leaks from long-term exposure, are not covered. Insurance companies expect homeowners to keep up with routine maintenance, so any damage from neglect or normal aging is typically on you.
We always recommend our clients schedule regular roof inspections, especially after major weather events, to catch any potential issues early and handle repairs before they worsen. Plus, having an up-to-date maintenance record makes it much easier to prove sudden damage if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
As confusing as insurance language can be, it helps to get familiar with a few key terms in your policy, such as replacement cost and actual cash value.
Replacement cost is the amount of money required to replace damaged property at current prices without considering depreciation.
If your policy includes replacement cost coverage, your insurance company will pay the full price to replace your roof with materials of similar quality, regardless of age or condition, up to your policy limits.
With actual cash value (ACV) coverage, depreciation is factored in. The insurance company will only pay the current, reduced value of your roof based on its age, condition, and wear. ACV is common in more basic policies and is often applied to older roofs by default.
Policies also vary in how they handle the roof replacement procedure. Some policies will only cover repairs to the damaged part of the roof, particularly for isolated or minor problems. Others may cover a complete roof replacement if the damage is more extensive.
Important: Be sure to check for any exclusions in your policy. Terms like “functional damage” mean the policy only covers damage that affects your roof’s ability to protect your home. Cosmetic issues, like fading or minor appearance changes, usually aren’t covered.
Getting your insurance company to cover a full roof replacement isn’t always simple. Most insurers have a specific set of steps you need to follow. The whole process can feel confusing and complicated if you’re not familiar with your policy or how insurance claims work.
But don’t worry our Reno, NV, roofing team is here to guide you. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to file a roof replacement claim:
Start by thoroughly documenting any visible damage to your roof. Take clear, detailed pictures and videos that show any missing shingles, dents, leaks, or other issues.
If your roof was hit by a big storm, try to capture “before-and-after” shots to showcase the severity and timing of the damage.
Also, keep records of all roof repairs and inspections. A history of regular maintenance shows you’ve been proactive about roof care, which can strengthen your case with the insurance adjuster.
Next, schedule an inspection with a professional roofer. An expert can thoroughly assess your roof and provide a written report with cost estimates. You can then present this to the insurance company to add credibility to your claim.
If you’re in Reno, search for “Reno roof repair” to find local contractors who are familiar with the area’s weather conditions and insurance requirements.
Contact your insurance company to report the roof damage. They’ll guide you through submitting evidence and filling out any necessary forms.
Stay organized and provide as much information as possible. Share your roofer’s report, cost estimates, and any other documentation you’ve gathered. Clear communication can speed up the process and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Be sure to ask the adjuster about the expected timeline for your insurance claim so you’ll know when to follow up if things start to stall.
Once your claim goes through, the homeowners’ insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your roof. Since the adjuster’s job is to assess the damage and determine how much the insurance will cover, this visit is important.
It’s best to have your roofer present during the adjuster’s roof inspection. They can advocate on your behalf, point out necessary repairs, and explain the extent of the damage.
Be prepared to answer any questions and provide extra details the adjuster might need. Most importantly, stay calm and focused.
Finally, you’ll receive a decision from the insurance company. There are three possible outcomes in this regard:
If you receive a full replacement or partial roof coverage, review the details carefully to understand exactly what’s covered and what, if any, costs you need to pay.
That said, do not lose hope in case your claim is denied. You have the right to ask for clarification and may even choose to appeal if you believe the denial was unfair. Sometimes, additional information or a second review can help get your claim approved.
Getting a “free” roof through homeowners insurance means your insurer covers the entire replacement.
Generally, this applies to replacement cost value policies and happens when your roof suffers significant damage from a covered event.
To increase your chances of securing full roof coverage, stay proactive with roof maintenance. Regular inspections and maintenance records show that you’ve kept your roof in good shape- which can help counter any claims of neglect. Regularly check your roof for damage, take photos, and keep all repair records on file.
Here are a few additional tips to help you claim insurance to replace your roof:
Timing is everything with insurance claims. If your roof takes a hit from a storm or something else covered, don’t wait. Insurance companies expect quick action, and dragging your feet could lead to issues or even a denial because of delays.
Acting fast also helps prevent the damage from getting worse, which could raise questions later.
Look for a roofer who’s licensed, experienced, and knows how insurance claims work. Be wary of contractors who make big promises, like “guaranteed” coverage, or suggest any sketchy tactics to get the claim approved. Always double-check their credentials with the Nevada State Contractors Board (or your local licensing board) to be safe.
Stay in close contact with your insurance company during the whole process. Keep a record of all conversations, ask questions, and make sure you know your rights. Insurance companies are often known for lowballing claims, so be prepared to stand your ground. Show them you’re serious and won’t settle for less than what you’re owed.
Now that we’ve covered the steps for filing an insurance claim for roof damage, we hope you’re feeling ready to start yours! Follow the tips in this guide, stay thorough with documentation, and get familiar with your policy. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of covering some or even all of your roof replacement costs.
Do you have more questions about using insurance for roof replacement? The Mountain Vista Roof Systems team is here to help! We’re proud to support our Reno and Northern Nevada neighbors with sturdy, reliable roofing solutions.
Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can protect your home.
