At one point, it felt like getting a new roof through your insurance was almost a guaranteed win. File a claim, get approved, pay your deductible, and boom—free roof. But those days? They’re fading fast.
Insurance companies are changing the rules. Policies are tightening. And while damage from a storm might still be covered, the list of what’s not covered grows by the day. This article is here to walk you through what’s really going on—and why banking on a “free roof” might leave you disappointed.
The Big Question: Does My Roof Really Need to Be Replaced?
Insurance will only pay to replace your roof if there’s a covered loss—typically sudden, accidental damage. Not just because your roof is old or starting to leak.
Here’s the thing: roofs naturally wear out. Shingles age. Granules wash off. Sun bakes them. If your roof is 20+ years old and simply showing signs of age, that’s not damage. That’s time. And insurance doesn’t pay to fix time.
However, if something sudden and unexpected happens—like a tornado, a tree limb falling, or a major wind event—then yes, you may be eligible for coverage. That’s where most valid claims come from.
What Kinds of Damage Might Be Covered?
Some examples of damage that may be covered include:
- Wind damage (such as blown-off shingles from a strong storm)
- Hail damage
- Tree limbs or debris crashing into your roof
- Fire damage
- Acts of vandalism
- Other “Acts of God” like lightning strikes
What’s not covered?
- Normal wear and tear
- Cracked or curling shingles from age
- Poor installation or lack of maintenance
- Leaks caused by neglect (like clogged gutters or moss buildup)
- Basically, if your roof is failing due to age or workmanship—not weather—it’s likely on you, not your insurance.
Insurance Companies Are Changing the Game
Here’s what most people don’t realize: insurance companies don’t owe you a full roof just because you think you need one.
Even worse? They can (and do) change the game. Policy structures are shifting. Endorsements are added that limit roof payouts. And there’s nothing you can do about it after damage has already occurred.
The reason? Too many contractors learned how to play the game.
After a big storm, entire fleets of storm-chasing roofing companies show up overnight, knocking on doors and pushing people to file claims. Many of them build their entire business around this model.
So, insurance companies adjusted. They tightened coverage. They rewrote policies. And they made it harder to get full replacements approved.
We don’t blame them. The system was being abused—and when that happens, the rules change.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: Know the Difference
There are generally two types of roof coverage:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) – Covers the cost to replace your roof at today’s prices (minus your deductible). Usually paid in two parts: actual cash value up front, then the depreciation amount after the job is complete.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) – Only pays the depreciated value of your roof based on its age and condition. You’ll get less money, and you’re responsible for the rest.
Many people think they have RCV coverage, but recent years have brought more ACV policies or “roof schedule” endorsements—meaning your insurance may only pay a fraction of the actual replacement cost. These changes are buried in the fine print, and most homeowners don’t realize it until it’s too late.
Will Insurance Pay for the Whole Roof?
Sometimes, but not always.
Let’s say only one slope of your roof is damaged by wind. Insurers may try to pay for just that side. Whether they’ll cover the rest depends on your state laws, your policy language, and whether a reasonable match can be made.
Some states, like Ohio, have “matching” provisions requiring insurers to provide a reasonably uniform appearance. But this is subjective—and insurance companies often argue their match is “good enough.” If you want more, you may need to take them to court.
Be Wary of Insurance-Only Contractors
There’s an entire side of the industry built around insurance work—and some of it is shady. While many contractors are honest, some aren’t.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen:
- Contractors damaging roofs to simulate storm damage
- Homeowners pressured into filing claims on the spot
- Companies promising “free roofs” and disappearing before the job’s done
As a former insurance adjuster and licensed public adjuster, I’ve seen it all—from both sides. I’ve seen contractors get handsy with shingles, lift them up, or break seal strips, all to convince a homeowner that storm damage occurred.
It’s unethical—and it could cost you.
Filing a false claim can land you in trouble. So can contractors offering to “waive your deductible” by sending in two different invoices (that’s insurance fraud, by the way).
Bottom line? If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.
Use Your Insurance When It’s Needed. But Don’t Abuse It.
You pay for insurance—so yes, if you have legitimate storm damage, you should use it.
But don’t jump the gun. Filing unnecessary claims can backfire. There’s something called a CLUE report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange), and every claim you file goes on it. Too many claims—even if they’re denied—can affect your future rates or your ability to switch providers.
We’re not saying don’t use your insurance. We’re saying don’t rely on it. And don’t file a claim unless you’re confident it’s the right call.
Take Photos. Document Everything.
If a storm rolls through, grab your phone. Take a video. Snap photos of fallen branches, shingles in the yard, leaves blown into odd places. That documentation may help your case if you need to file later.
Then, call a roofer you trust (not someone who just showed up in a truck after the storm). Have them inspect your roof—and be present when they do.
One More Thing: We Don’t Handle Insurance Work
At Roofs Made Easy, we currently don’t handle insurance claims.
We’re not storm chasers. We’re not in the game of filing claims or chasing deductibles. We don’t offer “free roofs.” What we do offer is clear, transparent pricing, upfront quotes, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re dealing with a local company that does things the right way.
Closing Thoughts
The insurance landscape is changing—and fast. Don’t assume your policy covers what it used to. Don’t assume your roof will be paid for because a neighbor’s was. And please, don’t let a stranger pressure you into filing a claim you’re not sure about.
If your roof needs replacing, we’re here to help. And if you’re just looking for a straight answer and an honest quote?
That’s what we’re built for.
Roofs Made Easy
Cut the sales pitch. Keep the savings.
