Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Most homeowners assume their insurance has them fully covered when it comes to roof damage. After all, you’ve paid your premiums, you’ve been responsible, you’ve done your part—so if a storm rolls through and tears off half your shingles, it should be a straightforward claim… right?
Well, not exactly.
What insurance companies don’t advertise is that roof claims can get messy—fast. And if you’re not aware of the fine print (and the sneaky loopholes), you might end up footing more of the bill than you bargained for.
Not All Damage is Created Equal
Here’s where things get tricky. Most policies cover “sudden and accidental” damage. So if a tree crashes down on your roof during a nor’easter, that’s probably covered. But what about slow leaks from worn shingles? Or that flashing that’s been letting in water for months without you noticing?
That kind of wear-and-tear isn’t usually covered. And worse, if the insurer determines the damage was due to “lack of maintenance,” they can deny your claim altogether.
The Age Game
Your roof’s age can also work against you. If your roof is over 20 years old, some policies only offer actual cash value—not replacement cost. That means they’ll cut a check for what your old roof was worth today, not what it costs to replace it. And with material and labor prices where they are? That gap can be thousands.
Deductibles That Creep Up
Ever heard of a “wind or hail deductible”? Many policies have separate (higher) deductibles specifically for storm-related roof damage. So instead of your usual $1,000 deductible, you could be looking at a percentage of your home’s value—say 2%. On a $400,000 house, that’s $8,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Surprise!
How to Stay a Step Ahead
Here’s where the good news comes in: You can protect yourself. Step one? Regular inspections. At Jersey Build, we offer roof inspections that can catch minor issues before they become claim-denying disasters. Step two? Keep documentation. Photos, notes, invoices from any past work—it all helps if you ever need to prove the damage wasn’t your fault.
And if you ever do need to file a claim? Don’t go it alone. We’ve worked with countless New Jersey homeowners to navigate the process, from assessments to estimates to helping advocate for proper coverage.
Your Roof. Your Investment. Your Call.
You’ve put too much into your home to let red tape and technicalities leave you exposed—literally and financially. If you’re not sure what shape your roof is in, or you want to be proactive before the next storm hits, let’s talk.
Call Jersey Build Contracting for a roof inspection and peace of mind, backed by over 35 years of local experience.
We’ve got your back—when insurance might not.
