Homeowners insurance is built to pay for sudden, accidental damage — not for a roof that has simply worn out. That one idea explains most claim decisions.
Usually covered
- Hail that bruises or cracks shingles, cracks tile, dents metal or fractures flat roof coatings
- Wind that tears off shingles, lifts flashing or peels membrane
- Falling trees or limbs — common under Corrales' big cottonwoods
- Fire
Usually not covered
- Old age, sun damage and normal wear
- Flat roofs that weren't recoated and broke down over time
- Leaks from poor installation or long-ignored maintenance
- Slow leaks that caused rot or mold over months
Why the check is sometimes smaller than the roof
Replacement cost policy
Pays what a new roof costs, minus your deductible — often in two payments, with depreciation released after the work is done.
Actual cash value policy
Pays the roof's depreciated value. On an older roof that can be a fraction of the replacement price.
Roof payment schedules
Some newer policies pay a set percentage based on roof age, no matter what the repair costs.
Percentage deductibles
Some wind and hail deductibles are a percentage of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount.
Pull out your declarations page and look for these words before a storm, not after.
Partial damage and matching
If hail damaged one slope, an insurer may pay for that slope only. Whether they pay to make the rest of the roof match depends on the policy and the situation. Ask your adjuster how matching is handled.
If the answer is no
A denied claim doesn't always mean you're stuck. A targeted repair may buy years, a recoat can extend a flat roof, and some homeowners qualify for help paying for a roof.
Call (505) 448-8495 for a free inspection. We'll tell you whether it looks like storm damage or age.
Roofing questions
Will insurance replace my whole roof for a few damaged shingles?
Usually not. Insurers often pay to repair the damaged area unless the damage is widespread.
My roof is 20 years old. Will they still pay?
They may, if there's real storm damage, but depreciation or a roof schedule can lower the payment a lot.
Does insurance cover a leaking flat roof?
Only if a covered event caused it, like hail fracturing the coating. Leaks from wear usually aren't covered.