Homeowners insurance covers storm and hail damage but not wear and tear. Learn what's covered, what's excluded, and how to maximize your claim.
Standard homeowners insurance (HO-3 policy) covers sudden, accidental damage from specific perils — most commonly wind, hail, falling trees, and fire. If a hailstorm damages your shingles or a windstorm tears off a section of your roof, that's a covered claim in most policies.
The key word is "sudden." Insurance covers damage that happens in a specific event, not gradual deterioration. This distinction matters enormously for roof claims.
Wear and tear — the normal aging of roofing materials — is excluded from virtually every homeowners policy. A 25-year-old asphalt roof that's just worn out is your expense, not your insurer's. Similarly, poor maintenance, improper installation, and pre-existing damage are all excluded.
Cosmetic damage (hail dents that don't compromise the roof's function) is increasingly excluded by many insurers, particularly in hail-prone states. Read your policy carefully or ask your agent specifically about cosmetic damage exclusions.
This is the most important policy distinction for roof claims. ACV (Actual Cash Value) policies pay the depreciated value of your roof — what it's worth today, accounting for age and wear. On a 20-year-old asphalt roof, that might be 20–30% of replacement cost.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policies pay the full cost to replace with a similar material, regardless of age. RCV policies cost more in premiums but pay dramatically more on claims. Check which type you have — and if you have ACV, consider upgrading.
File promptly after storm damage — most policies require timely reporting. Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. The adjuster's assessment determines your payout. If you disagree with the assessment, you can hire a public adjuster or invoke appraisal.
Get a roofing contractor's assessment before (or alongside) the insurance adjuster visit. Having a documented contractor assessment strengthens your claim and gives you a baseline if you need to dispute the insurer's findings.