In this article
What's covered and what isn't
Standard policies cover sudden, accidental damage from named perils. For roofs that means hail, wind, falling objects, fire and the weight of ice or snow in most policies. They exclude gradual deterioration: an old roof that leaks because it's old is not a claim. The grey area is an older roof with storm damage; insurers may argue the damage is partly age, and some policies limit coverage on roofs past a certain age. Read the roof section of your policy before a storm, not after.
Deductibles: the number that surprises people
Many policies in hail and hurricane states now carry a separate wind/hail or hurricane deductible set as a percentage of the dwelling coverage, not a flat amount. On a home insured for a few hundred thousand dollars, a percentage deductible can run into thousands. That deductible is yours to pay, and a contractor who offers to waive it is proposing insurance fraud. Financing the deductible through a legitimate lender is the lawful route; see roof financing.
Replacement cost vs actual cash value
Replacement cost value (RCV) policies pay what it costs to replace the roof, usually in two parts: an initial payment less depreciation, then the recoverable depreciation once the work is done. Actual cash value (ACV) policies pay the depreciated value only, which on an old roof may be a fraction of the replacement cost. Some insurers have moved older roofs to ACV schedules. If you have an ACV roof, the gap you finance can be large.
The claims process, step by step
- Document immediately. Photos of the roof, gutters, siding, screens and any interior leaks. Date-stamped.
- Mitigate. Tarp active leaks; keep receipts. Policies require you to prevent further damage.
- Get a contractor inspection from a licensed roofer, ideally before the adjuster visits, so you have an independent scope.
- File the claim within your state's deadline. Deadlines vary by state and policy.
- Meet the adjuster. Have your roofer there if possible to walk the scope together.
- Compare scopes. If the adjuster's estimate is short, your roofer can submit a supplement with documentation.
- Get the first payment, do the work, then claim recoverable depreciation with the final invoice.
The scale is real: State Farm alone paid $5.6 billion in hail claims in 2025, with Texas at $1.4 billion (Claims Journal). After a major event, expect adjuster delays and book your roofer early.
Financing the gap
The gap is the deductible, any depreciation holdback you won't recover, upgrades the policy won't pay for (impact-resistant shingles, new decking beyond the allowance, gutters) and anything the adjuster declined. Most homeowners finance it with a personal loan or a contractor-arranged plan sized to the gap. Tell the lender the claim amount so the loan covers only what you need. Our six-option guide compares the routes.
Three things never to do
- Sign an assignment of benefits or contract on the roofer's first visit without reading it.
- Accept a "free roof" pitch or a waived deductible.
- Let the roof sit unrepaired while you argue; secondary water damage may not be covered if you didn't mitigate.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Policies and state rules differ; read yours and ask your insurer or an attorney about specifics.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a new roof?
It covers replacement when sudden damage from a covered peril (hail, wind, falling objects) requires it. It doesn't cover a roof that simply wore out. Your deductible and depreciation reduce what you receive.
Will my insurance pay for the whole roof?
Rarely in full. You pay the deductible, may lose depreciation on an ACV policy or until the work is done on an RCV policy, and pay for upgrades the adjuster didn't approve. That gap is what homeowners finance.
Can I finance my roof deductible?
Yes, through a legitimate lender. You cannot have the contractor waive it; that's fraud in many states and prohibited for AL Elite partner contractors.