The Complete Guide to What IS and ISN’T Covered in 2025
Introduction
One of the biggest questions homeowners ask after a storm is:
“Will my homeowner’s insurance pay for a new roof?”
The short answer?
Yes — but ONLY if the damage meets specific requirements.
Insurance companies DO pay for roof replacements caused by storms…
but they rarely pay for damage caused by age, wear and tear, or neglect.
This guide explains exactly:
- What insurance WILL cover
- What insurance WON’T cover
- How the claim process works
- What can get your claim denied
- What documentation you need
- How Mallard Roofing helps homeowners get approved
By the end, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
When Insurance WILL Pay for a New Roof
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers sudden, accidental, storm-related damage.
This includes:
1. Hail Damage
Hail is the #1 reason roofs get replaced under insurance.
Insurance usually covers:
- hail strikes
- bruised shingles
- granule loss from impact
- cracked shingles
- compromised matting
- functional damage that reduces roof life
Cosmetic-only damage is sometimes excluded (varies by policy).
2. Wind Damage
Wind can:
- lift shingles
- break shingles
- remove shingles
- crease shingles
- damage flashing
- tear off ridge caps
Any wind-caused damage is usually covered.
3. Storm Debris Damage
Insurance typically covers damage from:
- falling tree limbs
- blown debris
- airborne objects
- storm-created openings
- impact damage
If a storm caused the impact, it’s covered.
4. Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Damage
If a tornado or extreme wind event caused damage, insurance almost always pays.
These claims are the most common in Oklahoma and Texas.
5. Storm-Created Openings
This is a big one.
If a storm creates an opening that allows water to enter, insurance must cover the resulting damage.
Even small punctures count.
6. Ice, Snow, or Freeze Damage
In cold climates, roof and gutter issues caused by ice dams may be covered depending on the policy.
When Insurance WILL NOT Pay for a New Roof
Insurance companies do NOT cover:
1. Old Age or Normal Wear-and-Tear
If your roof is failing due to age, insurance will deny the claim.
2. Improper Installation
If the previous roofer installed the roof incorrectly, insurance won’t pay.
3. Maintenance Issues
Insurance denies claims caused by:
- neglect
- poor ventilation
- bad flashing
- mold
- clogged gutters
4. Cosmetic Damage Only
Some policies exclude cosmetic damage such as:
- light granule loss
- small surface scratches
- aesthetic dents in metal
Functional damage MUST be present.
5. Pre-Existing Damage
If the roof was damaged before you bought the house or before the storm, insurance may reject it.
How the Roof Insurance Claim Process Works
Here’s how it works from start to finish:
Step 1 — You Get a Free Storm Inspection
A professional roofer (like Mallard) inspects:
- shingles
- attic
- decking
- ventilation
- flashing
- storm impact zones
- hail bruising
- wind lift
- creases
- collateral damage
We take 50–100 photos and create a digital report.
Step 2 — If Storm Damage Exists, You File a Claim
You call your insurance company and report:
- date of storm
- type of damage
- visible issues
We guide you on EXACTLY what to say.
Step 3 — Adjuster Inspection
Your insurance adjuster comes to inspect your roof.
A Mallard Roofing storm specialist meets them on-site to:
- walk slopes
- point out impact marks
- show damage photos
- document findings
- advocate for full replacement
This dramatically increases approval odds.
Step 4 — Insurance Approves or Declines the Claim
If approved, you get an initial ACV payment (Actual Cash Value).
This covers part of the project.
Step 5 — Roof Replacement Begins
Mallard replaces your roof using:
- premium shingles
- full system components
- water barrier
- ridge vents
- flashing
code upgrades
Step 6 — Final Documentation Sent to Insurance
After install, we submit:
- photos
- supplements
- invoices
- proof of completion
- code upgrade documentation
Insurance releases the final RCV payment (recoverable depreciation).
Step 7 — You Pay ONLY Your Deductible
In most states, you must legally pay your deductible.
Mallard offers deductible assistance financing if needed.
Why Some Insurance Claims Get Denied
Here are the top reasons:
1. Inadequate Documentation
If damage isn’t photographed properly, insurance denies the claim.
2. “No Storm Date” Found
Insurance requires proof of a storm on your property.
Mallard uses storm-tracking software to match damage to storm dates.
3. Roofer Didn’t Meet the Adjuster
When homeowners let the adjuster inspect alone, claims often get denied.
4. Subtle Damage Overlooked
Hail bruises and wind creasing are hard to spot without trained eyes.
5. Previous Repairs Not Noted
If a roof was patched incorrectly, insurers may deny replacement unless documented.
How Mallard Increases Approval Odds
Mallard Roofing specializes in storm claims and handles everything for you.
We provide:
✔ Detailed storm report
✔ 50–150 HD photos
✔ Hail/wind impact mapping
✔ Adjuster meeting support
✔ Supplement handling
✔ Code compliance documentation
✔ Transparent communication
✔ Final paperwork for your insurance carrier
This creates a strong, undeniable case.
Conclusion
Insurance DOES pay for a new roof when damage is caused by storms, wind, hail, debris, or sudden events.
It does NOT pay for age, wear, neglect, or improper installation.
The key is documenting damage properly and having a professional roofer guide the process.
Mallard Roofing provides:
- free storm inspections
- adjuster meeting representation
- full insurance guidance
- premium installation
- deductible assistance
If you think your roof may have storm damage, schedule a free insurance-approved roof inspection with Mallard Roofing today.
For more information, visit our Linkedin, instagram and GMB.
FAQ:
Does my premium go up if I file a claim?
Not for individual storm claims. Premiums rise based on ZIP code, not your personal claim.
What if my neighbors all got approved but I didn’t?
It happens often. We can request a reinspection.
Can I choose a better shingle than what insurance pays for?
Yes — many homeowners upgrade to Class 4 for better protection and lower premiums.
