Roof Damage Claims: What Homeowners Should Know

Roof Claims Are Among the Most Disputed

Roof damage claims are common — and commonly underpaid. Insurance companies frequently dispute the cause, scope, and cost of roof repairs. Here's what you need to know.

Common Types of Roof Damage

• •Wind-lifted or missing shingles/tiles
• •Hail impact damage
• •Microburst damage
• •Tree or debris impact
• •Cracked or broken tiles
• •Flashing failure and leaks

What Insurance Companies Often Do

• •Attribute damage to age or wear instead of the covered event
• •Approve patch repairs instead of proper matching or replacement
• •Use the cheapest materials in their estimate, not what's actually on your roof
• •Undercount affected areas by only assessing obvious damage
• •Deny matching claims — if 30% of your roof is damaged, you may be entitled to a full replacement for matching purposes

How to Protect Your Roof Claim

1. Get a professional roof inspection after any significant weather event

2. Document with photos — both close-up and wide-angle from multiple angles

3. Don't sign anything with a roofing company that includes an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) unless you fully understand it

4. Get your own estimate before accepting the insurance company's

5. Understand your policy's matching provision — this is often where significant money is missed

The Matching Issue

If your roof has discontinued tiles or shingles, a partial repair may not match the rest of the roof. Many policies include provisions for matching — meaning the carrier should pay to ensure a uniform appearance. This is one of the most commonly overlooked coverages in roof claims.