What Are The Criteria For A Roof Replacement Claim

When your roof suffers damage from a storm, you might assume your homeowner’s insurance will take care of it. But not all damage qualifies for a full replacement—and navigating a roof insurance claim can feel like trying to read fine print in a downpour.

Understanding the specific criteria that insurance companies use to approve roof replacement claims can save you time, frustration, and potentially thousands of dollars. At The Roof Resource, we’ve helped homeowners across the country get the roofing coverage they deserve—without the markup-heavy estimates or games.

We’ll walk you through what insurance providers are really looking for, how to prepare for a claim, and how our expert inspection and documentation can increase your chances of approval—while saving you 50% or more on the actual replacement.

1. The Cause of the Damage: Is It Covered?

Insurance companies are focused on “covered perils”—in other words, damage caused by specific events outside your control.

Typically Covered Causes:

Hailstorms
Wind damage (including hurricanes and tornadoes)
Falling trees or branches
Fire or lightning strikes
Vandalism

Typically Not Covered:

Normal wear and tear
Age-related deterioration
Neglect or lack of maintenance
Pre-existing issues before policy start date

Bottom line: If your roof is leaking because it’s 25 years old and hasn’t been touched in a decade, it’s likely not covered. But if hail cracked your shingles last night, you’ve got a valid case.

2. The Extent of the Damage: Repair or Replace?

Even if your claim is approved, your insurance company will still ask: Does the damage warrant a full roof replacement—or just a partial repair?

When Insurers Lean Toward Full Replacement:

Damage affects more than one side of the roof
Roofing materials are no longer available, making partial repair impossible
The roof’s integrity is compromised
Local codes or HOA rules require uniform materials

At The Roof Resource, we help document these factors during our inspection, so your insurance adjuster has clear evidence to justify a full replacement—not just a patch job.

3. The Age of the Roof: How Old Is Too Old?

Insurance companies care a lot about your roof’s age. Some policies even limit or deny coverage if your roof is over a certain age—typically 15 to 20 years—depending on the material.

Common Policy Guidelines:

Roofs under 10 years old: Often fully covered, minus your deductible
Roofs 10–20 years old: Coverage may be partial or “actual cash value” only
Roofs over 20 years: Frequently excluded or heavily depreciated

Pro Tip: Some insurers offer “replacement cost value” (RCV) coverage, while others only offer “actual cash value” (ACV), which subtracts depreciation. Knowing which one you have can drastically change your reimbursement.

4. Proper Documentation: Show, Don’t Just Tell

This is where claims are often won or lost. Insurance adjusters need clear, professional documentation to support your claim.

We Provide:

Detailed photo evidence of damage (pre- and post-storm)
Written inspection reports from licensed pros
A breakdown of materials, repair scope, and replacement costs
Guidance for submitting to your insurance adjuster

At The Roof Resource, we handle this step for you—so you don’t have to guess or Google your way through the paperwork.

5. Local Building Codes & Policy Language

Some policies include Ordinance or Law coverage, which pays for code-required upgrades that your old roof didn’t have—like better ventilation, underlayment, or drip edge installation.

We know what your local codes require, and we ensure your estimate includes any necessary upgrades to meet today’s standards. That way, you’re not left covering the difference out of pocket.

Why Work With The Roof Resource?

Filing a roof replacement claim can be tricky. But the bigger risk is overpaying once it’s approved.

That’s where we come in.

Here’s what sets us apart:

🛠️ Licensed & insured experts who know how to support claims
📄 Inspection + documentation that increases your approval odds
💸 Flat-fee pricing—no upsells, no gimmicks
💥 Save up to 50% compared to traditional roofing companies
🤝 We’ll even meet with your adjuster to ensure nothing gets missed

Final Thoughts: Know the Criteria, Maximize Your Claim

Knowing what insurance companies look for—cause, extent, age, documentation, and code compliance—can be the difference between a denied claim and a fully covered replacement.

And with The Roof Resource, you don’t just get help filing your claim—you get a trusted partner to help you save thousands, reduce stress, and get back under a secure roof fast.

🎯 Need help filing your claim or want a pre-claim inspection? Contact The Roof Resource today. We’ll inspect your roof, guide you through the claim, and replace it for up to 50% less.