Does home insurance cover roof replacement? Yes, a typical all-perils homeowners insurance policy does cover the replacement of your roof and the cost of replacing it if it gets damaged. However, that’s the good news.<\/p>
The bad news is that you’re covered only if the damage or destruction results from a sudden accident or act of nature. Problems that ensue from general wear and tear or from a roof that has exceeded its intended life span are not eligible for reimbursement. This is because they fall under the general maintenance responsibility of the homeowner.<\/p>
Also, insurance-funded roof replacement is typically limited or excluded from your home insurance policy when roofs are 20 years or older. If you have an older roof, your insurance company may also require a roof inspection before insuring your home. They may also only allow for actual cash value in case of damage.<\/p>
Repairing or replacing a roof can be costly. While they are built to withstand the elements, including sun, wind, freezing temperatures, hail, rain, and more, a roof \u2014 no matter how well it is built \u2014 weakens over time, making it more vulnerable to damage.<\/p>
Of all the parts of your home, the roof arguably has the most direct exposure to the elements. For northern climates, there is the weight of heavy snow and hail or ice storms. In the Midwest, tornados and cyclones are also common problems. In tropical climates, there is the potential for gales and hurricane-force winds. <\/p>
Not only can Mother Nature do direct damage, but she can also trigger other sorts of havoc \u2014like a violent windstorm that topples a tree onto your roof. There may be wildfires. Or there could be more unlikely incidents, like debris from an explosion or aircraft crashing down on the roof from above.<\/p>
Happily, the roof is an integral part of the structure of your home, and so the dwelling coverage section of your homeowners’ insurance policy typically protects you from such perils. Damage and destruction from such events qualify the homeowner for a total or partial replacement of the roof.<\/p>
An insurance company could deny coverage if the roof is older or not well-maintained. Instead, the carrier may decide to provide actual cash value insurance, which only pays for a portion of a claim based on the roof\u2019s age and condition. The Texas Department of Insurance<\/a> explains how the actual cash value for a roof that will cost $10,000 to replace could work:<\/p>