Quick Answer: Filing a roof insurance claim makes sense when the verified damage exceeds your deductible by enough to justify the claim on your record. It does not always make sense just because a roofer says you have damage. Knowing the difference before you call your insurance company can save you money and protect your claims history.
Introduction
A storm rolled through your neighborhood. Maybe a roofer knocked on your door. Maybe you noticed some missing shingles or granules in your gutters. And now you are wondering whether to pick up the phone and call your insurance company.
This is the question we get more than almost any other in storm season across Northern Utah. And the honest answer is: it depends. But we are going to actually explain what it depends on, so you can make a real decision.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Actually Cover for Roof Damage?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, storm-related damage. That includes hail, wind, and damage from falling debris like tree branches.
What insurance does not cover:
- Normal wear and tear from age
- Gradual deterioration
- Damage caused by lack of maintenance
- Pre-existing damage that was there before your policy started
The distinction matters. If your roof is 20 years old and the shingles are worn out, that is not a storm damage claim. That is a roof that needs to be replaced as a home maintenance item. Filing a claim for wear and tear and having it denied still creates a claim on your record.
What Type of Insurance Policy Do I Have, and Why Does It Matter?
There are two main types of roof coverage in homeowners insurance policies.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Your insurance pays to replace the damaged portion of your roof with new materials at current prices, minus your deductible.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): Your insurance pays the current market value of your roof, factoring in its age and depreciation. On a 15-year-old roof, this can be significantly less than what replacement actually costs.
Your policy type directly affects whether a claim is worth filing. On an ACV policy with an older roof, the payout after depreciation and deductible may be far less than you expect. Read your policy or call your agent before assuming you know what you will receive.
What Is My Deductible and How Does It Work for Roof Claims?
Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest. Some policies have a flat dollar deductible. Many Utah policies have a separate percentage-based deductible for wind and hail damage specifically.
A percentage deductible means your deductible is calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, not a fixed dollar amount. On a home insured for $400,000, a 2% hail deductible is $8,000. If the roof replacement costs $14,000, your insurance pays $6,000. That may still be worth filing. But you need to know this number before you call.
Before you file any claim, find out:
- What is my deductible amount?
- Is there a separate wind or hail deductible?
- Is my policy RCV or ACV?
Your insurance agent can answer all three questions in a single phone call.
Will Filing a Roof Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
It might. This is something most storm chasers will never tell you because it is not in their interest for you to know.
Insurance companies track claims history. Filing a claim, even one that gets approved, can affect your renewal rates. Some insurers will not renew a policy after two claims in a certain number of years. This is not guaranteed to happen, but it is a real possibility worth knowing before you file.
The question to ask yourself: Is the expected payout worth the potential long-term premium impact?
This is a conversation to have with your insurance agent, not your roofer. Your roofer cannot answer this for you. Only your agent knows your full policy and claims history.
How Do I Know if the Damage Is Real?
Get an inspection from a licensed Utah roofing contractor before you file anything.
A legitimate inspection will:
- Photograph every area of concern from the roof itself
- Identify the type of damage (hail impact, wind uplift, debris strike)
- Note the approximate age and condition of the existing shingles
- Tell you honestly whether the damage is likely to meet the threshold for a valid claim
If the damage is real, you will have documentation to support your claim. If it is not, you have saved yourself a claim on your record for no reason.
Homer Roofing offers free storm damage inspections across Davis, Weber, Salt Lake, and Cache counties. We will tell you exactly what we find. If there is no damage worth claiming, we will tell you that too. You can also learn more about how we help homeowners through the insurance claim process here.
What Happens After I File a Claim?
Once you file, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect your property. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to assess the damage accurately according to your policy terms.
You are allowed to have a contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection. Homer Roofing will show up to that inspection with our documentation, walk through what we found with the adjuster, and make sure nothing is missed. We bring the photos, the measurements, and the test results. We help you understand what is happening at every step.
We are not negotiating with your insurance company. That is not our role. But we are there with you, and we make sure the adjuster has complete information.
What if My Claim Gets Denied?
A denial is not always the end.
You can request a re-inspection with your contractor present. You can ask your insurance company to send a second adjuster. If you still believe the decision is wrong, you can hire a licensed public adjuster, who is legally authorized to negotiate on your behalf.
Do not let a roofer tell you they can guarantee a claim approval. No one can guarantee that. Any contractor who makes that promise is not being straight with you.
Key Takeaways
- Not all storm damage is worth claiming. Check your deductible and policy type first.
- Percentage-based hail or wind deductibles can significantly reduce your payout.
- Filing a claim creates a record that can affect your future premiums.
- Get a legitimate inspection with photo documentation before you call your insurance company.
- You can have your contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection.
- No roofer can legally guarantee claim approval.
FAQ
Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first?
Call a licensed local roofer first for an inspection. If they find documented storm damage, you will have evidence to support your claim before you contact your insurance company. Filing without documentation puts you at a disadvantage.
Can filing a roof claim raise my insurance rates?
Yes, it can. Filing a claim, even a successful one, can affect your renewal premium or your insurer’s willingness to renew your policy. Talk to your insurance agent before filing to understand the potential impact on your specific policy.
What is the difference between RCV and ACV roof coverage?
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays the current cost to replace damaged materials. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the depreciated value of your roof based on its age and condition. ACV payouts are often significantly lower, especially on older roofs.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
No. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor. Your insurance company may have preferred vendors, but you are not required to use them.
What is a public adjuster and when should I hire one?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who negotiates with your insurance company on your behalf. They are not roofing contractors. If your claim is denied and you believe the decision is wrong, a public adjuster can formally dispute the outcome. They typically charge a percentage of the final claim payout.
How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim after a storm?
Most policies have a claims filing deadline, often one to two years from the date of the storm event. However, some insurers require claims to be filed much sooner. Check your policy or call your agent as soon as you suspect damage.
Can a roofer waive my deductible to get my business?
No. Waiving or rebating an insurance deductible is illegal in Utah. It constitutes insurance fraud. Any contractor who offers this is not a contractor you want working on your home.