What insurance typically covers
Standard HO-3 homeowner's insurance policies in Ohio cover roof damage from these named perils:
- Hail: The most common claim in Northeast Ohio. Any hail event that causes sufficient damage — typically quarter-size or larger — may qualify.
- Wind: High wind damage including missing shingles, lifted sections, and structural damage from fallen limbs or trees.
- Fire: Including lightning strikes that cause fire damage.
- Falling objects: Trees, limbs, and other falling debris.
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet: Structural damage from snow and ice load.
What insurance does NOT cover
- Normal wear and aging: A 22-year-old roof that needs replacement because it's old is a maintenance expense, not an insured loss.
- Neglect or deferred maintenance: Damage that resulted from failing to maintain a roof that was already in poor condition.
- Cosmetic damage only: Some policies exclude cosmetic hail damage — dented metal but no loss of function. Read your policy carefully.
- Workmanship defects: Poor installation by a previous contractor is not covered by homeowner's insurance (though it may be covered by a workmanship warranty).
ACV vs RCV — the most important distinction
| Actual Cash Value (ACV) | Replacement Cost Value (RCV) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it pays | Depreciated value of damaged roof | Full cost to replace with like materials |
| Example: 20-year-old roof | May pay 30–50% of replacement cost | Pays full replacement cost minus deductible |
| Depreciation holdback | Depreciation is final — no recovery | Holdback released after work is completed |
| How to confirm | Check declarations page | Look for "RCV" or "replacement cost" in policy |
If your policy is ACV, an older roof may generate a very small insurance payment after depreciation. Consider discussing a policy upgrade with your insurance agent — the premium difference for RCV coverage is often modest.
Atlas Roofing's role in your claim: We provide a free written damage report with photos, attend the adjuster inspection with you, and review the adjuster's scope against our assessment. We work with your insurance company — not against them — to ensure the documented damage is properly addressed.