Roof damage can be tricky when it comes to your home insurance. On one hand, you’re covered, but it’s also not that simple. Why you need your roof fixed, along with the terms of your policy, where you live, and other factors, are all going to play a role. Let’s break it down further so that you can better understand how you’re covered for what might come.

Cause of Damage	Typically Covered?	Local Example
Storm-related roof leaks	Yes	Tennessee thunderstorm tears shingles.
Roof replacement (storm)	Yes	Colorado hailstorm requires a new roof.
Normal wear and tear	No	Missouri roofs aged past 25 years.
Wind damage	Yes*	Tornado in Missouri; special rules in Texas.
Snow collapse	Yes	Heavy spring snow in Colorado.
Hail	Yes	Frequent in Colorado and Texas.

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Yes, if the leak is caused by a sudden event like a storm or a falling tree, home insurance covers it. However, leaks from age or lack of maintenance are not covered.

Example: A storm in Tennessee tears shingles away, causing a leak. That’s usually covered. A slow leak from worn-out flashing? Not covered.

Will Home Insurance Pay for a Roof Replacement?

It can, but only if the replacement is required because of a covered event like hail, fire, or wind. Normal aging is excluded.

Example: After a major hailstorm in Colorado, full roof replacements are common and often covered.

Does Insurance Cover Getting a Brand-New Roof?

Only when the damage comes from a covered peril, if you’re looking for a new roof because you need an upgrade or replacement after years of neglect or service, you’ll have to foot the bill yourself.

What About Wind Damage and Your Roof?

Most policies cover wind damage, but some regions may require special deductibles.

Example: Missouri tornadoes often trigger covered claims. In coastal Texas, a separate windstorm policy may be required.

Gulf Coast Texans and TWIA

In Texas, wind damage gets even more complicated, as it isn’t always covered by a standard homeowners policy when you live along the Gulf Coast.

Many carriers exclude wind and hail in high-risk zones, which means your home insurance alone may not be enough.

Instead, you may need a separate windstorm policy through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) or a private insurer. Although many homeowners find it easier to add windstorm coverage to their home policies.

However, what’s important to note here is that without this extra layer of protection, you could be left paying out of pocket for roof repairs, siding damage, or even total losses after a hurricane or severe storm, since it’s a protection not always included as it is in other regions.

Always review your policy closely and confirm whether wind coverage is included, or if you need to add it, to avoid costly surprises when the next storm hits.

What About Damage From Snow Collapses?

Yes, if your policy includes collapse coverage, then heavy snow damaging your roof shouldn’t be a problem. Many home insurance policies include coverage for heavy snow, but like always, checking your individual coverage is the only way to know for sure.

Example: Heavy, wet snow in Colorado, causing a roof cave-in, is generally covered.

How About Hail Damage?

Thankfully, hail is covered. This is a big deal in many states, as it’s one of the most common roof claims home insurance companies have to deal with.

Homeowners will find plenty of protection from pesky hail, but it’s important to ensure your roof is in good standing and to quickly repair any damage as soon as you can after a storm.

Extra damage that comes from a damaged roof after the hailstorm is over will unlikely be covered by your policy.

Example: Colorado regularly ranks among the top states for hail-related roof replacements.

Pro Tips for Protecting Your Roof and Insurance Coverage

Even solid homeowners insurance won’t guarantee a smooth payout if your roof isn’t properly cared for. By combining coverage with proactive maintenance and documentation, you’ll be in the best position to protect your home and your wallet.

Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

Bring in a licensed roofer once a year to check for wear and tear. After big storms, schedule follow-up inspections to catch damage early before it leads to leaks or structural issues. A small repair now is far cheaper than fighting a denied claim later.

Keep Detailed Photo Records

Take clear photos of your roof when it’s in good condition, and update them after major storms. This “before and after” record helps show insurers that the damage is sudden and storm-related and not the result of long-term neglect.

Understand Your Deductible

Wind and hail deductibles in Texas can be higher than standard deductibles, sometimes set as a percentage of your home’s value. Know these numbers ahead of time so you aren’t surprised by out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim.

File Claims Promptly

Don’t wait weeks to report roof damage. The longer you delay, the harder it is to prove the damage was recent. Quick action shows you’re a responsible homeowner and makes it easier for adjusters to connect the loss to a specific storm.

Stay on Top of Roof Maintenance

Replace missing or cracked shingles, clear out gutters, and trim back trees near your roofline. Insurers can and do deny claims if they determine poor maintenance made the damage worse or even caused it outright.

Review Coverage Annually

Storm risks evolve, and so should your coverage. Hail is a major concern in Colorado, tornadoes frequently strike Missouri, and Texas homeowners often face hurricanes and windstorms. Sit down with your agent each year to confirm your policy matches today’s risks.

How To Make Sure Your Home Insurance Covers Roof Damage

Insurance is there to cover sudden, accidental damage, but as you can see, policies can vary when it comes to roof damage.

To ensure you’re not dealing with surprises when you need protection the most, it’s always a great idea to review your policy at least once per year.

Doing so not only helps you ensure that your policy meets your coverage needs, but you can also shop around and compare the lowest rates available to unlock savings you deserve.

From snow in Colorado to tornadoes in Missouri to tree damage in Tennessee and even hurricanes in Texas, our roofs go through a lot. They deserve proper coverage at a rate that won’t break the bank.

Free The Insurance can help you compare top-rated, trusted carriers to secure the protection you deserve at the lowest possible rate.

Get a home quote in just a few clicks or contact one of our experts to find the best home insurance options for protecting against roof damage in your area.

Read Next: Does Home Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Sources:

TWIA. Accessed October 2025.