When you go to purchase home insurance, one of the main questions you will be asked is about your roof. An underwriter from the company will investigate the quality of the roof and the rest of your home before determining your home insurance rates.

This is because the roof of a home is crucial to the protection and structural integrity of the building and everything inside. Roofs are also extremely expensive to repair and replace, which means insurance providers will want to make sure they’re charging enough for insurance in case a claim has to be filed.

That being said, home insurance can cover roof replacement. Basic home insurance covers damage due to:

• Fire
• Lightning
• Smoke
• Wind
• Hail
• Weight of snow/sleet/ice
• Falling objects
• Explosions
• Vandalism
• Theft

Replacing the roof will only come in if the roof is not able to be repaired. Be sure to check your home insurance policy to make sure you have roof repair and roof replacement covered.

Common Exclusions

Home insurance won’t always cover your roof, however, especially when your location is considered. In a usually hot state like Texas, hail and snow damage are commonly covered under home insurance. In a state like Florida that has frequent storms, however, damage and replacement caused by accidents like hurricanes may not be covered.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof Out of Pocket?

Roof costs vary between location and home. High quality roofs and roofs of certain material cost more to insure. In Texas, the average cost of replacing a roof is between $5,730 and $10,545. In states like Colorado, the average cost of roof replacement is higher, at around $6,300 and $12,300. This isn’t always possible out of pocket, but it’s dangerous to live without a roof that is up to standard. Deciding whether or not the roof needs replacement can be difficult, so it’s important to consult a professional after an incident.

Be sure to have the roof evaluated by an expert before filing an insurance claim on your home insurance. If the cost to repair the roof is lower than your home insurance deductible, you may want to pay for the damages out of pocket. In all likelihood, however, the cost of repairing or replacing your roof will be much higher than your deductible, so you will want to file a claim with your home insurance provider in able to receive compensation.