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Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?
Updated July 8, 2026 . AmFam Team
Your roof has an important job to do: help protect everything underneath it. So, if you notice missing shingles, a leak, or signs of damage, it’s normal to be concerned and wonder what to do next.
While some roof issues happen suddenly and unexpectedly, others develop over time from age, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance. Understanding the difference can help you know when homeowners insurance may help and when repairs are simply part of home upkeep.
Let’s take a closer look.
What types of roof damage should homeowners watch for?
Roof damage comes in several forms. Knowing what you’re dealing with will help when it’s time to file an insurance claim. Here are a few common types of damage:
- Leaks. A drip from your ceiling is a tell-tale sign that something on your roof needs to be patched.
- Missing shingles. The shingles on your roof create a protective barrier. If any of those shingles are torn off by wind or storms, it leaves your home vulnerable to the elements.
- Cracked or warped shingles. Shingles are tough, but they aren’t invincible. Wind, heat, and falling debris can dislodge or damage them. It’s important to replace them as soon as you notice damage.
- Hail damage. Hail doesn’t always crack shingles, but it can leave significant bruising. Widespread hail damage may require a total roof replacement.
If you notice any of these issues, call a professional roofing inspector to take a closer look. Once you have the details, connect with your agent to review your options. If the damage was caused by a covered event, your insurance may help cover the losses.
What kind of roof damage is covered by insurance?
Homeowners insurance may help pay for a damaged roof if it’s caused by a covered event. Here are a couple of examples of incidents that could qualify for a roof damage claim:
- Strong winds cause a large tree branch to fall on your roof, causing damage.
- A lightning strike starts a fire that singes and warps your shingles.
In situations like these, contact your insurance company to understand how your policy can help. When you provide the details, they’ll determine if the event qualifies for coverage.
It’s also important to remember that insurance doesn’t cover damage from normal wear and tear. Even a durable roof requires regular homeowner maintenance to help maximize its lifespan.
Does home insurance cover roof replacement?
Patching holes is one thing, but does homeowners insurance cover a full roof replacement? It can—but, again, only if the damage is the result of a covered event. The amount you receive for a covered claim depends on a few factors:
The type of roof replacement coverage in your policy
At American Family, there are two types of roof replacement coverage available, and the one that applies may depend on your specific policy.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage may reimburse you for the full amount it would cost to repair or replace your roof after a covered loss, less your policy deductible. Eligibility varies by state and by age and type of roof, so connect with our agent for your specific policy details.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage pays for the current actual cash value of your roof just before the covered event occurred.
The age and condition of your roof
For ACV, the payout is based on the value of the roof when it was new, minus depreciation for its age and any wear-and-tear issues. This is another reason why regular maintenance is so important.
Additionally, having multiple layers of shingles can create structural issues. If your home has several layers of shingles installed on top of each other, reach out to your American Family Insurance agent. They can guide you on what steps you can take to help your home qualify for the right roof coverage.
Does home insurance cover damage from wind and hail?
Wind and hail are the most common causes of roof damage. Homeowners insurance may help pay for wind and hail damage caused by a covered event—subject to the policy’s terms, limits, and deductible.
Whether you're covered for ACV or RCV can depend on your roof’s age, material, and life expectancy. If wind or hail damage is covered and your policy provides replacement cost coverage, American Family may pay to repair or replace the roof. Typically, the initial payment is based on ACV, minus your deductible. After repairs/replacement are completed and required documentation is provided, you may be able to claim the remaining depreciation, subject to your policy terms.
Homeowners should also note that in addition to the standard property deductible, your policy may have a wind/hail deductible. Depending on your home’s location and value, this deductible may be higher than your standard one. Contact your agent for more details.
How do you file a roof damage insurance claim?
At American Family, one of the easiest ways to file a claim is to log into My Account or use the MyAmFam app. Filing your claim with one of these options allows you to:
- File from anywhere, at any time
- Track the status of your claim
- Easily communicate with your claims representative
You can also call us at 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326) to speak directly with a claims representative or contact your American Family agent.
Tips for filing a roof claim
When filing, it’s helpful to document the damage by taking photos from several different angles on the ground. Don’t get on the roof yourself—leave that to the professionals. Be sure to include a brief description of what happened, plus the date and time the damage occurred.
Get the homeowners protection your roof needs
Want to ensure your roof is properly protected? Start with our primer on roof insurance. With the right coverage, you’ll find real peace of mind knowing you’re insured carefully by a company you can trust.
This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features, limits, and discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. Some products are not available in every state. Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions.
Homeowners premiums are based on a variety of factors including roof age, roof material and more, which impacts the rate you are quoted and that you will pay.
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