Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Over time, it endures wear and tear, and unexpected events like storms can cause significant damage. When such damage occurs, many homeowners wonder: Will my insurance cover the cost of a new roof?
At Aztec Homes, we understand the complexities of insurance claims and are here to guide you through the process. Serving Indianapolis and surrounding areas, our experienced team ensures that your roofing needs are met with professionalism and care.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Roof Coverage
Homeowners insurance typically covers roof damage resulting from unforeseen events, known as “covered perils.” These often include:
- Storm Damage: High winds, hail, and heavy rain that can compromise your roof’s integrity.
- Fire: Accidental fires causing roof damage are generally covered.
- Falling Objects: Damage from trees or debris during storms.
- Vandalism: Intentional damage by third parties.
However, insurance policies vary, and it’s crucial to review your specific coverage details.
When Insurance May Not Cover Roof Replacement
Insurance doesn’t cover all types of roof damage. Common exclusions include:
- Wear and Tear: Aging roofs deteriorate over time, which is considered normal depreciation.
- Neglect: Failure to maintain the roof can lead to denied claims.
- Improper Installation: Faulty workmanship or materials may void coverage.
- Cosmetic Damage: Issues that don’t affect the roof’s functionality.
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help ensure your roof remains in insurable condition.
How Your Insurance Policy Type Affects Your Roof Replacement Coverage
Now that you know homeowners insurance may cover a new roof if the damage is storm-related or caused by another covered peril, it’s important to understand this: your insurance policy type plays a major role in how much you’ll actually receive from your insurance company.
You’ll typically have one of two policy types:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV)
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Each one offers a payout, but the difference in coverage and out-of-pocket costs is significant.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) Policy
An Actual Cash Value policy reimburses you for the depreciated value of your roof at the time of the claim. This means the insurance company calculates your roof’s worth based on its age and condition before the damage occurred, not the cost of a brand-new roof.
What does this mean for you?
- If your roof is 10–20 years old, your ACV payout will be significantly reduced.
- You’ll receive a partial reimbursement, often far below the cost of a full roof replacement.
- You must pay the difference out of pocket.
Key Considerations:
- It’s tempting to look for a contractor willing to complete the job within the insurance payout, but this usually means cheaper materials and shortcuts.
- A “budget roof” often results in premature failures, leaving you with future repair bills sooner than expected.
- ACV policies are generally more affordable, but they come with higher financial risk after a claim.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Policy
A Replacement Cost Value policy is the more comprehensive option. It covers the full cost of replacing your roof with materials of similar kind and quality without subtracting depreciation.
This means your insurance is supposed to provide you with enough money to restore your home to its pre-loss condition with a brand-new roof.
How it works:
- Initial Payment: You receive a check for the Actual Cash Value (just like an ACV policy).
- Recoverable Depreciation: Once your roof is replaced and the work is documented, the insurance company releases a second payment covering the remainder of the cost (known as recoverable depreciation).
Key Considerations:
- Your deductible still applies. If you have a $1,000 deductible, you’ll pay that out of pocket.
- The RCV payout doesn’t include upgrades. If you choose to upgrade from 3-tab shingles to architectural shingles or add better ventilation, you’ll cover that extra cost on your own.
- While RCV policies generally offer better protection, insurance companies rarely offer enough to fully cover every cost, so a minor out-of-pocket expense is still possible.
Why Your Roof Type Also Affects Insurance Payouts
In addition to your insurance policy type, the type of roofing material on your home plays a major role in how your claim is handled. Different roofing systems vary in lifespan, replacement cost, and how insurers assess damage.
Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the Indianapolis area, favored for their affordability and versatility. They typically last 15 to 25 years, depending on quality and maintenance.
Under an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy, insurance companies are extremely familiar with the depreciation curve for asphalt roofs. That means:
- Older asphalt roofs may be heavily depreciated.
- You may receive a significantly reduced payout under ACV coverage.
- Insurance may cover only a portion of the cost unless you have a RCV policy.
Despite these drawbacks, asphalt roofing is still one of the most cost-effective systems to install after a claim, especially when working with a reputable contractor like Aztec Homes.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are known for their durability, often lasting 40 to 70 years with proper care. However, they present unique challenges in the insurance claims process.
- Hail or storm impacts can leave visible dents that may be considered cosmetic rather than functional.
- Some insurers try to issue cosmetic damage waivers, refusing to pay unless water intrusion is evident.
At Aztec Homes, we focus on detailed documentation and functional assessments, emphasizing how dents, scratches, or seam damage could compromise the roof’s waterproof integrity. This helps ensure your metal roof claim gets the serious attention it deserves.
GAF Roofing Systems
If your home features or is being upgraded to a GAF Roofing System, you’re getting more than just shingles. We offer both GAF Asphalt Roofs and GAF Metal Roofing systems. These systems include:
- High-performance architectural shingles
- Specialized ridge cap shingles
- Durable underlayment layers
- Engineered ventilation components
As a GAF certified contractor, Aztec Homes can install high-quality GAF roofing systems, renowned for their durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency, which is something insurance companies often view as a value-add during claim negotiations.With these advanced systems:
- You’re better protected from future damage.
- Your insurer may be more willing to approve full system replacements over partial repairs.
What Is the Insurance Claim Process Like?
Filing a claim doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how Aztec Homes guides you through it step-by-step:
- Inspect the Damage: Call us for a professional roof inspection after a storm.
- Document the Damage: We help you gather photos, videos, and notes.
- Submit the Claim: File with your insurance provider using our detailed report.
- Meet with the Adjuster: We’re available to meet on-site to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Approve the Scope of Work: We review the insurance estimate and confirm it’s accurate.
- Schedule and Complete Work: Our team repairs or replaces your roof using trusted materials.
- Submit Completion Docs: You or we submit proof of work so you receive the recoverable depreciation (RCV policies).
- Enjoy Peace of Mind: Your new roof is installed to last and backed by Aztec’s satisfaction guarantee.
Why Choose Aztec Homes for Your Roofing Needs?
As a trusted roofing contractor in Indianapolis, Aztec Homes offers:
- Expertise: Decades of experience in roof repair and replacement.
- Quality Materials: We use top-grade materials to ensure durability.
- Insurance Assistance: Guidance through the insurance claim process.
- Customer Satisfaction: Commitment to excellence in every project.
Our services extend beyond roofing to include siding, gutters, and more, providing comprehensive solutions for your home’s exterior.
Get Help With Your Roofing Claim
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem. Whether you’re unsure about damage or ready to file a claim, Aztec Homes is your trusted partner for roofing, inspections, and insurance guidance.
Contact Us Today or call to schedule your free roof evaluation. We’ll help you protect your home and make sure you get the insurance coverage you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance-Funded Roof Work
Q. How many estimates do I need for a claim?
Usually just one from a licensed, reputable contractor like Aztec Homes. Most carriers do not require multiple bids.
Q. Can I upgrade my roofing materials during a claim?
Yes! Insurance will pay to restore your roof to its original condition. If you’d like to upgrade to metal or a full GAF Roofing System, you simply pay the difference.
Q. Will my insurance premium go up if I file a claim?
Claims for storm damage (like hail or wind) are considered Acts of God and typically don’t affect your personal premium. However, company-wide rate changes may occur based on regional events.
Q. How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Indiana?
Most Indiana policies allow up to one year from the date of the damage to file a claim. However, some insurance providers may limit that window to just six months. That’s why it’s important to contact Aztec Homes immediately after a storm so we can inspect your roof, document any damage, and help you meet all filing deadlines to secure your claim successfully.
