If your roof is leaking, missing shingles, or showing signs of damage after a storm, one of your first questions may be: Will my homeowners insurance cover my roof? For Maryland homeowners, the answer depends on what caused the damage, the condition of the roof, and the specific terms of the insurance policy. Homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental damage caused by certain covered events. It typically does not pay to replace a roof simply because it is old, worn out, or deteriorated over time. Here’s what Maryland homeowners should know before filing a roof insurance claim.
When Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?
Homeowners insurance may cover roof repairs or replacement when the damage results from a sudden, covered event.
Common examples may include:
- High winds
- Hail
- Fallen trees or large branches
- Fire
- Certain storm-related damage
- Weight of ice or snow
For example, if a severe windstorm lifts or removes shingles from your roof, that damage may qualify for insurance coverage depending on your policy. The key factor is what caused the damage. An older roof isn’t automatically covered just because it needs to be replaced.
However, if a covered storm causes new damage, your insurance company may evaluate that damage as part of a claim. If you notice missing, lifted, cracked, or damaged shingles, learn more about DWM Roofing’s professional roof repair services throughout Maryland.
What Roof Damage Is Usually Not Covered by Insurance?
Homeowners insurance isn’t intended to serve as a roof maintenance plan. Damage caused by normal aging, deterioration, or lack of maintenance generally isn’t covered.
This can include:
- Shingles deteriorating from age
- Granule loss from normal wear
- Long-term leaks
- Rot or deterioration
- Existing damage
- Lack of maintenance
- General wear and tear
- Problems caused by improper installation
A water stain on your ceiling doesn’t necessarily mean you have storm damage. A roof leak can also result from deteriorated flashing, aging shingles, ventilation components, chimney-related issues, or other roofing problems.
If you’re unsure whether you need a repair or replacement, DWM Roofing offers professional roof inspections to help identify the condition of your roofing system and the source of visible problems.
Does the Age of My Roof Affect an Insurance Claim?
Yes. Your roof’s age and condition can affect how a claim is handled, as well as how much an insurance company may pay. Two terms homeowners commonly encounter are:
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Replacement Cost Value coverage generally pays based on the cost of repairing or replacing covered damage with comparable materials, subject to the terms, limits, deductible, and conditions of your policy. Depending on the policy, a portion of the payment may initially be withheld as depreciation and released after the work has been completed.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Actual Cash Value takes depreciation into account. As a result, an older roof with significant depreciation could receive a lower insurance payment than it would under an RCV policy. If you aren’t sure which type of coverage you have, check the loss settlement section of your homeowners policy or contact your insurance agent.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind Damage to a Roof in Maryland?
Wind damage is one of the more common reasons Maryland homeowners consider filing a roof insurance claim.
High winds can:
- Lift shingles
- Tear shingles completely off the roof
- Break or crease shingles
- Damage ridge caps
- Cause branches or trees to strike the roof
- Create openings that allow water to enter the home
Wind damage may be covered under many homeowners policies, but your coverage and deductible will depend on your individual policy. Maryland homeowners should also check whether their policy has a separate wind, hail, hurricane, or storm deductible. Some storm deductibles are a fixed dollar amount, while others may be calculated as a percentage of the home’s dwelling coverage rather than the repair bill.
Will Insurance Replace My Entire Roof if Only Part Is Damaged?
Not necessarily. A storm does not automatically qualify a homeowner for a complete roof replacement. If damage is limited to one portion of the roof, the insurance company may determine that only the damaged area needs to be repaired.
Factors that can affect that decision include:
- How much of the roof was damaged
- The type of damage
- The condition of the remaining roof
- Whether the roof can reasonably be repaired
- Availability of the existing roofing material
- Your insurance policy’s coverage provisions
The insurance carrier ultimately determines what portions of the loss are covered.
What Happens if My Shingles Are Discontinued?
Discontinued shingles can make a roof insurance claim more complicated. Roofing manufacturers regularly change product lines, colors, profiles, and manufacturing specifications. If your existing shingles are no longer available, replacing a damaged section with an identical product may not be possible.
However, discontinued shingles do not automatically mean your insurance company must replace the entire roof. The outcome depends on the damage, available replacement materials, your policy, and the insurance company’s claim determination.
Should I Call a Roofer Before Filing an Insurance Claim?
It can be helpful to determine whether there is actually roof damage before assuming you need an insurance claim.
A professional roofing contractor can evaluate the roof and explain:
- What damage is visible
- Where a leak may be coming from
- Whether the roof appears repairable
- Whether replacement should be considered
- The overall condition of the roofing system
DWM Roofing provides roof repairs, roof inspections, and complete roof replacements throughout Central Maryland. Keep in mind that a roofing contractor can evaluate the condition of your roof, but your insurance carrier determines whether a claim is covered.
What Should I Do After Storm Damage to My Roof?
If you believe a recent storm damaged your roof:
- Document what you can safely see. Take pictures of missing shingles, fallen branches, interior water stains, or other visible damage.
- Prevent additional damage when possible. Homeowners generally have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent an existing problem from becoming worse.
- Have the roof evaluated. A roofing professional can identify visible roofing damage and help determine what repairs may be necessary.
- Review your insurance policy and deductible. Check whether you have a standard deductible or a separate wind or storm deductible.
- Contact your insurance company if you decide to file a claim. Your insurer will explain its claim process and may send an adjuster to inspect the property.
Will Insurance Pay My Roofing Deductible?
Generally, your deductible is the portion of a covered loss that you are responsible for paying. Be cautious if a contractor promises to “waive,” “cover,” or otherwise make your insurance deductible disappear. Your roofing contract and invoice should accurately reflect the work being performed and the amount being charged.
Does DWM Roofing Work With Insurance Companies?
DWM Roofing is happy to provide information about the roofing work, answer questions, provide estimates, and communicate information regarding the scope of the roofing project when needed. However, DWM Roofing is not an insurance adjuster and does not determine coverage. DWM Roofing also does not change its roofing prices simply to match an insurance company’s estimate. The homeowner is ultimately responsible for the contract with DWM Roofing and payment of the invoice. You can find answers to additional common roofing and insurance questions in our Roofing Terms & FAQs.
So, Will Insurance Pay for My New Roof?
Homeowners insurance may pay for a new roof when the roof has covered storm or other sudden damage. It generally does not pay to replace a roof solely because it is old, worn, or deteriorated. If you’re unsure what’s going on with your roof, start by determining why it is damaged or leaking.
Coverage can depend on:
- The cause of the damage
- The age and condition of your roof
- The amount of damage
- Your deductible
- Whether you have ACV or replacement cost coverage
- Your individual policy terms and exclusions
Need a Maryland Roofing Contractor to Take a Look?
DWM Roofing provides residential roof repair and replacement services throughout Central Maryland, including Carroll County, Howard County, Frederick County, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re dealing with missing shingles, a roof leak, visible storm damage, or an aging roof, DWM Roofing can evaluate the roofing problem and explain your repair or replacement options. Contact DWM Roofing to request an estimate.
