Roof damage insurance claims
Homeowners insurance policies often cover sudden, accidental damage. GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, created this guide to help you learn about filing a claim for roof damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?
Homeowners insurance usually covers the structure of your house, your personal belongings, and personal liability. Common covered causes include weather, debris, and fire. It’s always recommended to check with your carrier about your specific policy for full details on coverage. This video provides tips for navigating the process, including when it’s appropriate to work with a roofing contractor.
Steps to filling a roofing insurance claim
1. Document everything
Providing receipts, photos, a list, or a home inventory that confirms the value and description of roof and exterior damage will help the claims process run smoothly. A professional roofer can help identify damage.
2. Contact the insurer
Call your insurance company and let them know about the incident. The company’s claim professional can tell you if the loss is covered by your policy and how long you have to file a claim.
3. Fill out the claim and provide documentation
Fill out your claim documents which should include the proof of loss form provided to you by your insurer. You may also submit photo or video evidence of the damage.
4. Make temporary repairs
Make sure any openings or damage to the structure of your home won’t result in further damage. You may want to hire a roofer to help with repairs. Be sure to save all receipts from these repairs.
5. Prepare for the adjuster
The adjuster’s job is to assess the damage and confirm details. Provide them with documentation, like receipts, photos, or a home inventory. It may be good to have a roofing contractor meet the adjuster to explain the damage they have identified.
A local roofer can help with your claim
In the stressful time that follows a storm, a contractor can assist with surveying damage, help make temporary repairs, and meet with the insurance adjuster to walk through damage. Contractors certified by GAF are state-licensed where necessary, certified to offer GAF warranties, and have the experience needed to help address your roof damage.
Important insurance terms to be aware of
Open peril vs named peril
The most common type of homeowners insurance is an HO-3 policy. HO-3 policies typically have open perils coverage on the structure of a house and named perils coverage for your personal property.
Lines of coverage
There are four common things covered under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy: Dwelling, Separate or Other Structures, Personal Property, and Additional Living Expense or Loss of Use.
Actual cash value vs. replacement cost
Actual Cost Value—or ACV— is a measure of the value of insured property. Replacement cost is the actual cost to replace an item at its pre-loss condition. ACV is calculated by subtracting an item’s depreciation from its replacement cost.
Financing
Financing as part of the claim repair process can assist with out-of-pocket expenses (like deductibles), bridge policy coverage gaps, or allow you to upgrade your roofing system to include an enhanced warranty. Many contractors offer a simple online application and multiple options to suit your needs.
What are out-of-pocket costs for roof repairs?
With homeowners insurance, the deductible is one type of out-of-pocket cost each time you file a claim.
What deductibles can I expect during a claim?
The deductible is often a fixed dollar amount—usually $500 to $2,000 or more—or it may be a percentage of the home’s insured value. Typically, insurers subtract your deductible from the settlement amount when they issue payment.
Ways to help lower insurance premiums
The use of certain roofing materials could help lower insurance premiums and/or provide other incentives. Learn more here and speak to a contractor to find out what’s right for your home.
Impact resistant roofing
GAF offers a variety of products with UL 2218 Class 3 and Class 4 ratings in regions prone to hail. Some insurance carriers may offer discounts on homeowner's insurance premiums for installing qualifying UL 2218 Class 3 or Class 4 rated roofing products.1
1Insurance discounts are not guaranteed. If available, discounts vary by state and insurance company. Contact your insurance agent for information before installing a new roof.
A knowledgeable roofing contractor can make a difference
Talk to a contractor certified by GAF to help you through the insurance claim process.
See local roofers
FAQs for homeowners
Homeowners insurance often covers the structure of your house, your personal belongings, and personal liability. Covered causes of damage may include weather, debris, and fire. Be sure to check your policy for coverage details and limitations.
In cases where only a portion of the roof has been damaged, your insurance carrier will assess whether to cover cost to repair those sections, or to replace the entire roof.
Get a detailed estimate from a manufacturer-certified roofing contractor, and make sure it includes costs for tear-off (if necessary) all materials, labor, clean-up, and disposal.
Yes, the age of a roof can affect how it's covered by insurance. Roof coverage policies often vary depending on the roof's age, condition, and material. If your roof is aging, it’s important to understand your policy’s terms and communicate with your insurance provider to clarify the extent of coverage.
Home insurance will oftenz cover roof leaks caused by sudden damage, but not leaks that have developed over time because of normal wear and tear or aging. Visit our blog to get more information. Learn more about this topic here.
Certain roofing materials and features are viewed as lower risk by insurance companies, which can lead to premium discounts. This includes, but isn’t limited to certain impact-resistant UL 2218 Class 3 or Class 4 rated roofing products that are impact-resistant.1 You can contact your insurance provider to find out what discounts are available based on the roof type installed.
1Insurance discounts are not guaranteed. If available, discounts vary by state and insurance company. Contact your insurance agent for information before installing a new roof.
Storm restoration training and resources for contractors
As North America’s leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, GAF supports contractors in responding to the growing need for storm restoration roofing professionals.
Go to training
GAF QuickMeasure™
Get accurate roof measurements, high-resolution imagery, and more in under an hour for single-family homes.***
GAF QuickMeasure
GAF ScopeConnect℠
The service offers a complete insurance scope of work in an industry standard format within 24 hours of your order.***
GAF ScopeConnect
***Terms and restrictions apply. Visit FAQs for details.
Insurance FAQs for roofing contractors
The insurance restoration process for contractors involves working with property owners, insurance companies, and adjusters to repair or replace damaged property that is covered under an insurance policy.
GAF’s insurance restoration training is designed to empower contractors to confidently handle insurance claims, advocate for homeowners, and grow their businesses in the restoration space. For training and resources, visit GAF.com/StormTraining.
Visit GAF.com/StormTraining to see upcoming in-person training courses or reach out to your GAF Territory Manager.