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After a Minnesota storm rolls through, many homeowners are bound to experience damage to their roofs. The big question after every storm is: Will my insurance cover the cost of replacing my roof? It’s a fair question, and the answer often depends on the specifics of your policy, the extent of the damage, and how the claim process is handled.
At Legacy Construction, we’ve guided countless Twin Cities homeowners through this very situation. While every insurance policy is different, we want to help you understand the basics of how roof replacement coverage usually works, what steps to take after a storm, and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way.
Before we begin, please take note. Any roofing company that tries to tell you outright that your insurance will cover the damage is not being completely honest with you. Beware of companies that try to force you into filing a claim with your insurance!
What Homeowner’s Insurance Usually Covers
Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage caused by sudden, unexpected events like:
- Hailstorms
- Heavy wind
- Fallen trees or debris during a storm
- Storm-related water damage
This type of coverage is typically meant to help you restore your home to the condition it was in before the damage occurred.
However, normal wear and tear or age-related deterioration is not covered. If your roof is simply reaching the end of its lifespan, your insurance will generally not pay for a replacement. This is why documentation of the storm date and damage, plus a roofer who can identify and verify it, is crucial.
Always check your specific policy to confirm what is and isn’t covered. Every policy has its own rules, exclusions, and limitations.
The Claim Process: Step by Step
If you suspect your roof has storm damage, here’s a general outline of the steps you’ll need to take:
Inspect the Roof Safely (or Call a Professional)
After a storm, look for obvious signs of damage like missing shingles, dented gutters, or water spots on your ceiling. If it’s safe, take photos. But in most cases, calling a professional roofing company is the best way to get a thorough and accurate assessment.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the potential damage and ask about filing a claim. They will explain the next steps and schedule an adjuster to inspect your property.
Work with a Trusted Roofer
Having a local, experienced roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection is invaluable. Our team can point out damage the adjuster might overlook and provide a detailed estimate.
Review Your Claim Approval
Once approved, your insurer will issue payment based on your policy’s terms and deductible.
Understanding Deductibles
Your deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, if your deductible is $2,000 and your roof replacement costs $15,000, your insurance would pay $13,000 and you’d cover the remaining $2,000.
It’s important to understand your deductible before filing a claim, as this can help set realistic expectations about what you’ll owe.
What if the Insurance Payout Is Less Than the Cost?
Sometimes, homeowners are surprised to learn that the insurance check doesn’t cover the full replacement cost. This can happen for a few reasons:
- Depreciation: some policies account for the age of your roof and pay out the “actual cash value” instead of the “replacement cost.”
- Coverage limits: if your policy caps roof coverage at a certain dollar amount.
- Missed damage: the adjuster may not have noted all areas of damage.
If this happens, don’t panic. Our team can help by:
- Reviewing the adjuster’s report and comparing it to our own inspection.
- Submitting supplemental documentation to your insurer.
- Advocating for additional funds if damage was missed or underestimated.
We’ve helped many Minnesota homeowners secure the coverage they deserve to fully restore their roofs.
Choosing the Right Roofer Matters
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during this process is who you hire to inspect, repair, or replace your roof. Here’s why:
- Local Knowledge: we understand Minnesota’s climate and storm patterns and know how to spot hail and wind damage that outsiders might miss.
- Insurance Experience: our contractors know how to document damage and communicate effectively with insurance adjusters.
- Trustworthiness: we have a reputation for giving honest assessment and quotes, not pushing you into unnecessary work.
At Legacy Construction, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, quality, and care. As a family-owned company based in Burnsville, we treat every roof as if it were protecting our own family.
Watch Out for Storm Chasing Companies
After major storms, it’s common to see “storm chasers”—companies that swoop into neighborhoods offering quick, cheap roof repairs or replacements. While tempting, these companies often:
- Pressure homeowners into signing contracts on the spot.
- Cut corners on workmanship and materials.
- Leave town once the storm repair rush is over, leaving you stranded when warranty work or future issues arise.
Work with a Trusted Roofing Company
Dealing with storm damage and insurance claims can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Legacy Construction, we:
- Provide honest, detailed roof inspections.
- Walk you through the claim process step by step.
- Meet with your adjuster to make sure nothing is overlooked.
- Advocate for you if your insurance payout falls short.
- Deliver high-quality replacements that protect your home for decades.
We’re local. We’re trusted. And we’re here to help Minnesota families get the roofs they deserve, without the headaches or high-pressure tactics. If you’re facing storm damage and wondering what comes next, we’re here to help you make sense of the process, fight for the coverage you deserve, and deliver a roof that will protect your home for years to come.
