File a roof insurance claim when a covered event like wind, hail or a falling tree caused the leak and the total repair, including interior damage, costs clearly more than your deductible. If the leak comes from age or wear, or the repair costs less than your deductible, a claim usually does not help and paying for the repair yourself makes more sense.
A quick way to decide
What caused it?
Storm, hail or tree damage points to a claim. Worn parts point to paying yourself.
What will it cost?
Get a written repair price for the roof and any ceiling damage.
Compare
Check your deductible, including any separate wind and hail deductible.
Decide
If the repair is well above the deductible, a claim can make sense.
When a claim usually makes sense
- Hail or wind damage across several slopes of the roof
- A tree or large limb damaged the roof and decking
- Serious interior damage from a sudden storm leak
- Damage large enough that a full replacement may be needed
When a claim usually does not make sense
- A cracked pipe boot or worn flashing, which insurers see as wear
- A small repair that costs less than or close to your deductible
- A leak that has been ignored for months, which is often excluded
Things to know before you call
Ask your agent how weather claims affect your premium. Check your policy’s deadline for reporting storm damage. Take photos of the roof, the yard and every stain before any repairs, and keep receipts for tarping. An inspection and written price first help you decide with real numbers. See roof insurance claim help and does insurance cover roof leaks.
Is a small roof leak worth an insurance claim?
Usually not. If the repair is close to or below your deductible, you pay it anyway, and a claim goes on your record. Small leaks from worn parts are also usually excluded as wear.
What happens after I file a roof claim?
The insurer assigns an adjuster, who inspects the roof and interior, writes an estimate and decides coverage. You then get payment, often minus depreciation until the work is done, or a written denial. See hail damage claim steps in Arkansas.
How long does a roof claim take?
Simple claims can settle in a few weeks. After a big hailstorm, when adjusters are busy across the county, it can take longer. Tarp the roof while you wait so damage does not grow.
Does my policy cover the roof at full replacement cost?
Check your declarations page. Replacement cost coverage pays to replace damaged roofing with new materials, while actual cash value pays less for older roofs because of depreciation. That difference changes whether a claim is worth it.
What if the storm damage is small?
Get it fixed and keep the photos and invoice. A small repair now keeps the roof sound and gives you a record if a bigger storm comes later.
Will one roof claim raise my premium?
It depends on your insurer. Weather claims are often treated differently than other claims. Ask your agent.
Should I call a roofer or my insurance first?
Stop the water and take photos first. An inspection helps you know whether a claim is worth filing.
What if I am not sure the damage is from a storm?
A roof inspection with photos can show whether damage is fresh storm damage or long-term wear.
Can I still file if I already paid for repairs?
Possibly, if you kept photos and receipts, but file promptly. Waiting makes claims harder.
Back to the Roof Leak Help Center.