Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a New Roof in Rhode Island?

Damage, not age

Homeowners policies typically cover roof damage caused by a covered peril, such as wind, hail or a falling tree, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Replacing a roof because it has simply reached the end of its life is generally treated as upkeep, so check the exclusions in your own policy.

If a storm damaged your roof, contact your insurer, take photos, and keep receipts for any emergency repairs, such as a tarp, that stop further damage while you wait for the adjuster.

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value

Replacement cost coverage pays to replace damaged property with something of similar kind and quality without subtracting depreciation. Actual cash value coverage subtracts depreciation, so an older roof can bring a much smaller payment. Insurers that accept older roofs may cover them only at actual cash value.

In Rhode Island, if your claim is settled at actual cash value, you can ask the insurer for a copy of the worksheet showing every deduction for depreciation.

Rhode Island's hurricane deductible rules

Rhode Island doesn't allow separate windstorm deductibles on residential policies. Policies can include a hurricane deductible, but it can't be more than 5% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), and the dollar amount must be printed on your declarations page.

A hurricane deductible applies only to hurricane losses during the period that starts when the National Weather Service issues a hurricane warning, and only when hurricane-force sustained winds are reported in the state. Block Island has its own trigger based on winds on the island.

Look at your declarations page now, before a storm, so you know what you'd pay out of pocket.

Matching shingles

Under Rhode Island's claim settlement rules, when replaced items don't match the rest in quality, color or size, the insurer must replace enough of them to give a reasonably uniform appearance. That applies to the outside of your home too, though it doesn't automatically mean a whole new roof for a few damaged shingles.

Who can negotiate your claim

In Rhode Island, people who are paid to investigate, negotiate or settle insurance claims must be licensed adjusters. A roofer can document damage and give you a repair estimate, but someone who isn't licensed can't advertise or offer to adjust your claim.

If you can't get coverage, or need help

The Rhode Island FAIR Plan (the Rhode Island Joint Reinsurance Association) provides basic property insurance for eligible homes that can't get coverage from regular insurers.

If you have a question or a problem with a claim, the Rhode Island Insurance Division takes complaints online and by phone at (401) 462-9520. Its website also has a Rhode Island claims disaster guide.

Where RoofPrice fits

A RoofPrice estimate is a preliminary replacement price for your roof. It isn't a damage assessment or an insurance claim estimate, but it can help you understand what a full replacement would cost if your claim only covers part of it.