How Homeowners Insurance in Oklahoma City Handles Roof Damage

When Kevin and Amy bought their home in Oklahoma City, they knew they’d have to deal with unpredictable weather. But they never expected a spring storm to leave their roof in shambles. Hail the size of golf balls pounded their shingles, leaving dents and cracks that eventually caused leaks.

They assumed their homeowners insurance policy would take care of the damage, but when they filed a claim, they were met with unexpected questions about depreciation, policy limits, and exclusions they hadn’t considered.

For many homeowners in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas like Norman, Edmond, and Mustang, roof damage is one of the most common claims. But not all policies cover the full cost of repairs, and some homeowners don’t realize what’s excluded until they’re dealing with a damaged roof and an expensive repair bill.

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What Types of Roof Damage Are Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies generally cover roof damage caused by sudden, unexpected events. But the type of coverage and payout depends on the cause of damage and the details of your policy.

Covered Perils Typically Include:

• Hailstorms
• Windstorms and tornadoes
• Falling objects (such as tree limbs)
• Fire or lightning
• Sudden accidental damage

​What’s Not Covered?

Most standard policies exclude roof damage caused by normal wear and tear, aging, or lack of maintenance. If shingles are already deteriorating when a storm hits, an insurance company may deny part or all of a claim.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value CoverageHow much of your roof damage is covered depends on whether your policy provides replacement cost coverage or actual cash value (ACV) coverage.

Replacement Cost Coverage: This covers the full cost of replacing your roof with similar materials, minus your deductible. It’s the better option for homeowners who want full financial protection after storm damage.

Actual Cash Value Coverage: This accounts for depreciation, meaning the older your roof is, the less money you’ll receive for repairs. If your roof is 15 or 20 years old, you might only get a fraction of the replacement cost.

If you’re unsure which type of coverage you have, checking your insurance policy details before storm season hits is a smart move.

How Roof Age and Materials Affect Your Insurance

Oklahoma’s extreme weather makes roofs a top concern for insurance providers. Older roofs and certain roofing materials may affect your homeowners insurance rates or even determine whether a claim is paid in full.

• Roofs older than 15-20 years may only qualify for actual cash value coverage rather than full replacement cost.
• High-impact shingles and metal roofing may qualify for discounts since they withstand hail better than traditional asphalt shingles.
• Flat or wood-shake roofs might lead to higher premiums due to increased risk of leaks and fire damage.

If you’re planning a roof replacement, it’s worth talking to an insurance agent about materials that could lower your insurance premiums.

Common Roof Insurance Exclusions

Even with standard homeowners insurance, some types of roof damage might not be covered, including:

• Gradual wear and tear – Insurance is meant for sudden damage, not long-term deterioration.
• Cosmetic damage – Dents and surface marks from hail might not be covered unless they affect the roof’s function.
• Improper installation – If a previous contractor didn’t install the roof correctly, insurance companies may not cover damage related to poor workmanship.
• Mold or rot – If leaks go unaddressed, resulting mold or wood rot is usually considered a maintenance issue, not an insurable event.

When Additional Coverage Might Be Needed

If your current policy doesn’t provide adequate protection, there are options to add additional coverages for greater peace of mind.

• Extended Roof Replacement Coverage – This increases the payout beyond the normal policy limits, which is useful after widespread storm damage when costs rise.
• Matching Roof Coverage – If part of your roof is damaged, this coverage helps ensure the replacement shingles match the undamaged portion.
• Water Backup Coverage – If a damaged roof leads to interior water damage, this endorsement can help cover repairs.

It’s always best to review homeowners insurance policies annually to make sure you have the right level of insurance coverage for your home.

Tips for Filing a Roof Damage Claim

If your roof is damaged, taking the right steps can make the claims process smoother.

1. Document the damage – Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles before making any temporary repairs.
2. Prevent further damage – Cover exposed areas with tarps to prevent leaks from worsening.
3. Contact your insurance provider – File your claim as soon as possible to start the process.
4. Get an inspection – Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage. You can also hire a contractor for a second opinion.
5. Review your settlement offer – If the payout doesn’t seem fair, ask your insurance agent about an appeal or reconsideration.

Protecting Your Home Year-Round

Oklahoma City and the surrounding suburbs, including Moore, Yukon, and Del City, are no strangers to extreme weather. Having the right homeowners insurance policy means more than just protection—it gives homeowners confidence when the unexpected happens.
Oklahoma Insurance Professionals helps homeowners find policies that fit their needs, whether it’s replacement cost coverage for a new roof or additional coverages for wind and hail damage. If you’re wondering whether your home is fully protected, reach out today for a policy review. A conversation now could save you thousands in repair costs later.

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Scott Godwin
Founder

Oklahoma Insurance Professionals LLC serves Oklahoma City and the surrounding Oklahoma communities by protecting the people we work with just like we protect our own family members. Home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, and more. We can help you find the coverage you need. ​​