After a major windstorm, hail event, or the kind of hard rain that doesn't happen often in the Inland Empire but does real damage when it does, one of the first questions I get is: "Is this covered by insurance?" The honest answer: it depends on your policy, the cause of damage, and how the claim is handled. I've helped homeowners navigate dozens of claims over the years, and there are a few things that consistently make the difference between a smooth process and a frustrating one.
This guide isn't legal or insurance advice - I'm a roofer, not a claims attorney. But it reflects 35 years of experience working alongside adjusters, documenting damage, and helping Riverside-area homeowners understand what they're dealing with.
What Homeowner's Insurance Typically Covers
Standard homeowner's insurance policies generally cover roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events - what insurers call "covered perils." In the Inland Empire, the most common covered causes include:
- Wind damage - including Santa Ana wind events that are common in our region
- Hail damage - less frequent than in the Midwest, but it does happen, particularly in higher-elevation areas of San Bernardino County
- Fire damage
- Falling objects (tree limbs, debris)
- Weight of ice or snow (rare here, but relevant for mountain-adjacent homes)
- Water damage from sudden and accidental events (burst pipe, sudden storm intrusion)
What's generally not covered: normal wear and tear, age-related deterioration, lack of maintenance, gradual leaks that developed over time, and damage from pests or vermin. This distinction - sudden event vs. gradual deterioration - is where most claim disputes originate.
ACV vs. RCV: Understanding Your Policy Type
This is one of the most important things to understand before you file a claim. There are two primary types of roof coverage:
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
ACV policies pay out the depreciated value of your roof - meaning what it's worth today, accounting for age and wear. If your 15-year-old shingle roof would cost $12,000 to replace but has a 20-year lifespan and was 75% through its life, you might receive $3,000. You cover the rest. ACV policies have lower premiums, which is why many homeowners have them without fully understanding the implication.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
RCV policies pay the full cost to repair or replace the roof with comparable materials, regardless of age. You typically receive an initial payment minus your deductible, with the remaining "depreciation holdback" released once the work is completed and documented. RCV policies cost more upfront but protect you far better in a major event.
Pull out your homeowner's policy and look for the words "replacement cost" or "actual cash value" in the roof section - they may be in the declarations page or in a specific endorsement. If you're not sure which you have, call your agent and ask directly. Knowing before a storm hits means you won't be surprised during one of the most stressful weeks of your year.
How Deductibles Affect Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Roof insurance deductibles come in two forms:
| Deductible Type | How It Works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flat dollar deductible | Fixed dollar amount you pay first | $1,000 deductible on a $10,000 claim = $9,000 payout |
| Percentage-based deductible | A percentage of your home's insured value | 2% of $350,000 home = $7,000 out of pocket before insurance pays anything |
| Wind/hail deductible (separate) | Some policies have a higher specific deductible for wind or hail | 2% wind deductible even if your regular deductible is $1,000 |
Percentage-based deductibles have become more common in California. On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind deductible, you're responsible for $7,000 before insurance pays a cent. That's a significant number that many homeowners don't realize until they're filing a claim.
The Claims Process: Step by Step
-
Document the damage immediately after the event Take dated photos and video of all visible damage - broken shingles, missing sections, damaged gutters, interior leaks, and any personal property affected. Don't clean up or make repairs before documenting. If possible, photograph your roof from multiple angles.
-
Make temporary protective repairs If your roof is actively leaking, you're generally permitted - and in some policies required - to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Tarping a damaged section is the most common example. Keep receipts for any emergency materials or labor.
-
File your claim promptly Contact your insurance company or agent to open a claim. Most insurers want you to file within a reasonable time after the event. Waiting too long can complicate or invalidate coverage. Ask for a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster.
-
Schedule an adjuster inspection The insurer will send an adjuster to assess the damage. This inspection determines what's covered and how much they'll pay. The adjuster works for the insurance company - their job is to accurately assess damage, but their starting point is the insurer's interest, not yours.
-
Get your own contractor assessment Before or during the adjuster visit, have a licensed roofing contractor walk the roof with you. An experienced roofer knows what storm damage looks like and can identify damage that a non-specialist adjuster might overlook. Having documentation from your own contractor gives you a factual basis if you need to dispute the adjuster's findings.
-
Review the scope and estimate The insurer will send you a claim estimate (the "scope of loss") detailing what they'll pay for. Compare it against your contractor's estimate. If there are discrepancies, you have the right to dispute - and you'll want documentation to support your position.
-
Select your contractor and schedule work Once the claim is approved and you've agreed on scope, select a licensed, insured roofing contractor. The insurer pays based on their estimate; you're responsible for your deductible and any costs outside the approved scope.
-
Submit completion documentation for depreciation holdback (RCV policies) If you have an RCV policy, send the insurer your final invoice and photos showing the completed work. They'll release the withheld depreciation amount at this stage.
What Adjusters Look For
Adjusters are trained to distinguish storm damage from pre-existing conditions and normal wear. They look for:
- Directional damage patterns consistent with wind (shingles lifting or missing in a consistent direction)
- Hail impact marks on soft metals - gutters, vents, flashing - as corroborating evidence
- Age and condition of the existing roof as context for valuation
- Evidence of prior repairs that may indicate pre-existing issues
- Interior damage (water staining, mold) and whether it's consistent with reported event timing
Why Having a Contractor Present During the Adjuster Visit Matters
This is one of the single most effective things you can do to protect your claim. When I walk a roof with an adjuster, I point out damage they might not have noticed, explain why certain features indicate storm damage vs. normal wear, and ensure the scope of loss is complete. Adjusters aren't trying to shortchange you - but they walk dozens of roofs a week and may miss things. A knowledgeable contractor on-site evens the playing field.
I offer to accompany homeowners during the adjuster inspection at no charge as part of our estimate process. I'm not a public adjuster and I won't make your claim for you - but I know what I'm looking at, and I can make sure the adjuster sees everything that's legitimately claimable. Call us before the inspection is scheduled.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied or Reduced
- Damage attributed to wear and tear, not a covered event
- Policy exclusion for roofs over a certain age (common in California - some policies won't fully cover roofs over 20 years old)
- Failure to maintain the roof prior to the event
- Claim filed outside the window specified in the policy
- Inadequate documentation of the damage or the event
- Pre-existing conditions that contributed to the damage
- Choosing a contractor whose estimates significantly exceed the approved scope without supplementing properly
Red Flags to Watch Out For
After every major storm, out-of-area contractors flood into affected neighborhoods offering to handle your claim for you. Be cautious. Legitimate roofing contractors help you understand the process and can be present at inspections - but no contractor can legally "handle your claim" for you (that's the domain of licensed public adjusters). Watch for:
- Contractors who ask you to sign assignment-of-benefits documents giving them control of your claim
- High-pressure tactics urging you to sign before the adjuster has visited
- Unsolicited door-to-door solicitation right after a storm - not illegal, but worth extra scrutiny
- Contractors who can't provide a California contractor's license number on request
- Anyone who offers to "waive your deductible" - this is insurance fraud and can void your coverage
Thompson Roofing has been in Riverside since 1990. We don't do storm chasing. We're here year-round and our reputation depends on every job we do in this community. If you need help navigating a claim or just want a second opinion on what the adjuster found, give us a call.