Wind damage can cause serious problems to your roof. If the damage is visible or affects function, you should consider filing a roof insurance claim. But not all damage qualifies. This guide explains when it makes sense to file. Don’t forget to check out what services Wales Roofing can assist you with.
When do I Submit an Insurance Claim for Roof Wind Damage?
This depends on how evident the damage is. Wind damage seems to be a hot topic in Florida. With our consistently brutal heat, afternoon flooding rains, pop-up hailstorms and heavily predicted hurricane season it would suggest anyone in the state should apply!
Wind damage may be easy to see. The damage may be obvious to the insurance adjuster as they navigate the power cords and generator powering your home.
Other times, wind damage can be more subtle and unnoticeable from the ground level. Shingles damaged from wind will pull up from their seal strip and become perforated to develop a “hinge” like feature. The dark line show in the picture is the asphalt composition of the shingle. This defect may not be viewable without a rooftop inspection. The shingles may appear flat but won’t reseal, making your roof vulnerable to future storms.
Your home insurance provider has their own internal policies and guidelines that the adjusters are deemed to use.
These parameters help them determine whether the damage is:
- Covered
- Repairable or requires replacement
- Cosmetic or functional
- Caused by hail or pre-existing
Not all claims are created equal
Over the previous years, Florida had a 25% rule. If 25% of your roof is considered damaged the Statute mandated the entire roof be replaced and brought up to code.
Effective May 26, 2022, Florida’s legislature passed SB 4-D, which amended how the 25% rule applies. It’s ordered in Section 553.884(5), Florida Statutes.
Essentially if your roof was installed March 2009 or later there is not a requirement to replace the entire roof. Instead, large repairs or replacing only affected elevations are acceptable. Your insurance company will not necessarily be absorbing the full replacement costs.
Review Your Policy First
Before you pick up the phone and call your insurer, take a few moments to get your ducks in a row. Here’s what to consider so your roof-claim process goes smoothly—and you maximize your payout.
- Covered Perils: Does your policy cover wind, hail, falling trees, fire, or water backup?
- Exclusions & Limitations: Look for wear-and-tear, maintenance lapses, or age caps.
- Deductible Amount: Know how much you’ll pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
Prorated Roof Payment: Read all the small print first. Insurance companies have written policies that have your roof prorated for coverage in addition to any deductible
Between the diminished roof payout and your deductible, the math may not be there to support going through the claim process.
💡 Tip: If your deductible is higher than the estimated repair cost, or prorated coverage, you may opt to pay cash and skip the claim.
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