Will Insurance Pay for My New Roof?

Will insurance pay for my new roof?

Published October 13, 2026 · John Beal, Owner, John Beal Roofing

It depends. Storm damage, like hail and wind, is usually covered. Old age and wear and tear usually aren't. Before you file, get a roofer to inspect the roof and document the damage.

After a big storm, this is the question on everybody's street. Will insurance pay for a new roof? The honest answer is that it depends, mostly on what caused the damage. Here's how it usually breaks down, and the one step you should take before you ever pick up the phone to file.

Storm damage is usually covered

Homeowner's insurance is built for sudden, accidental damage. Hail that bruises and cracks shingles, wind that tears them off, a tree that comes down on the roof during a storm. Those are the kinds of events most policies are written to cover. If a storm damaged your roof, there's a good chance your policy helps pay to repair or replace it, minus your deductible.

Old age and wear and tear usually aren't

Insurance isn't a maintenance plan. A roof that has simply gotten old, with shingles that curled and lost their granules over the years, is considered wear and tear. That's usually on the homeowner. The same goes for damage from neglect, like rot from years of clogged gutters. This is where a lot of claims get denied: the roof is in bad shape, but the storm didn't cause it.

Every policy is different

Coverage depends on your specific policy. Some pay replacement cost, some pay actual cash value, which takes the roof's age into account. Some have separate deductibles for wind and hail. Read your policy, or call your agent and ask how your roof is covered before you need it.

Before you file, get it inspected

This is the step that saves headaches. Have a roofer inspect the roof and document the damage first. A good inspector knows the difference between hail damage and normal aging, takes photos, and tells you honestly whether there's real storm damage. Then you file knowing what you have, with evidence in hand, instead of guessing.

Don't wait too long, either. Many policies have time limits for reporting storm damage, and the longer you wait, the harder it gets to tie the damage to a specific storm.

Red flags after a storm

If a roofer offers to cover or waive your deductible, walk away. That's illegal in Missouri and Illinois. Be careful with anyone who wants you to sign on the spot, or who promises insurance will pay before they've even looked at your roof.

How we help

We'll inspect your roof for free, document what we find, and tell you straight whether we think it's storm damage or age. We're family-run, local since 1947, and we answer the phone 24/7.

What John says in the video

Transcript: Will insurance pay for your new roof? It depends. Storm damage, like hail and wind, is usually covered. Old age and wear and tear usually aren't. Before you file, get a roofer to inspect it and document the damage. Call me, 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?

Usually when the roof was damaged by a covered event like hail or wind. It usually does not cover a roof that has simply worn out from age.

Should I get a roof inspection before filing a claim?

Yes. Have a roofer inspect the roof and document the damage first, so you know whether there is real storm damage and have photos to support the claim.

What if a roofer offers to pay my deductible?

Walk away. Waiving or covering an insurance deductible is illegal in Missouri and Illinois.

Is there a deadline to file a roof claim?

Many policies set time limits for reporting storm damage. Read your policy or call your agent, and do not wait long after a storm.

Can John Beal Roofing inspect my roof for an insurance claim?

Yes. Our inspection is free, and we document what we find. Call 1-800-JOHN-BEAL.