Understanding Roof Insurance in Kansas and Oklahoma
When hail, wind, fallen trees, or severe weather damages your roof, insurance exists to help you recover. Understanding how roof insurance works, what’s covered, your deductible, and the claims process helps you make informed decisions when damage occurs.
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Hartley Roofing has helped hundreds of homeowners navigate roof insurance claims in north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas. We’ve learned what insurance covers, how claims work, and tactics that ensure homeowners receive fair treatment from their insurance carriers. This guide shares that knowledge with you.
What Homeowner Insurance Covers
Covered Damage:
Your homeowner’s insurance typically covers damage from:
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Hail
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High winds and straight-line winds
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Tornadoes
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Heavy rain (if it reveals existing roof defects)
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Falling trees or branches
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Weight of snow or ice
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Weather-related events
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What’s NOT Covered:
Your insurance typically does NOT cover:
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Normal wear and tear or aging
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Lack of maintenance
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Poor installation
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Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
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Earthquake damage (requires separate earthquake insurance)
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Manufacturer defects (often covered under manufacturer’s warranty)
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Gradual leaking from poor maintenance
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Negligence
Understanding what your specific policy covers is essential. Review your policy or call your insurance agent with questions.
Understanding Deductibles
Your deductible is the amount of money you’re responsible to pay for a new roof or repair before insurance coverage begins.
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Fixed Deductibles
Most homeowner policies specify a fixed deductible, typically:
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$500
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$1,000
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$2,500
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How Your Deductible Works
If a storm damages your roof for $8,000 and your deductible is $1,000:
Insurance pays: $7,000
You pay: $1,000
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If damage totals $600 and your deductible is $1,000:
Insurance pays: $0
You pay: $600
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Percentage Deductibles:
Some policies, especially in high-risk areas, use percentage deductibles:
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1% of home value
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2% of home value
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5% of home value (common in storm-prone areas)
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Deductibles by Peril
Some policies have different deductibles for different types of damage. Wind damage might have a 5% deductible while other damage has a fixed deductible. Review your policy carefully.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
Insurance can be written two ways:
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Actual Cash Value (ACV):
Insurance pays the replacement cost minus depreciation. Example: If your roof would cost $12,000 new, but over the years has depreciated 20%, insurance might pay $9,600. You’d be responsible for the remaining $2,400 even if the true replacement cost is $12,000. The premiums for this option can save you money, but offers you less protection.
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Replacement Cost:
Insurance pays the actual cost to replace or repair damage, without deducting depreciation. Example: If replacing your roof costs $12,000, insurance pays $12,000 (minus your deductible). The premiums for this option can be higher, but offers better protection and is generally recommended.
Check your policy to determine which type you have. Replacement cost is preferable because it reflects the actual cost to repair or replace your roof.
The Roof Insurance Claims Process
Step 1: Document Damage Immediately
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Take photos and video of all visible damage
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Document any water entry or interior damage
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Preserve damaged materials if possible
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Don’t attempt roof repairs or inspections yourself
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Step 2: Call Hartley Roofing For an Inspection and Estimate
Before you call your insurance to even talk about a hypothetical claim, have the pros take a look. We can help determine whether your needed repairs will exceed your deductible and whether you are entitled to a new roof.
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Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly
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Contact your insurance company by phone
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Provide date of loss and description of damage
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Submit your policy number
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File promptly because some policies have time limits
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Step 4: Schedule Adjuster Inspection
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Your insurance carrier will contact you to schedule an adjuster inspection
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Provide access to your roof and interior for water damage assessment
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Answer the adjuster’s questions honestly
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Request copy of adjuster’s report
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Step 5: Receive Settlement Estimate
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Insurance provides estimate for repair/replacement cost
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Review this estimate carefully, ensuring all damage is documented
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If you disagree with the estimate, request reconsideration
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Provide additional evidence if damage was undercounted
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Step 6: Schedule Repairs
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Use your settlement to hire qualified contractor
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You’re not required to use insurance-preferred contractors
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The contractor you choose should be licensed, insured, and experienced, like Hartley Roofing (KS #23-008511 & OK #80007543)
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Repairs should meet manufacturer and building code standards
Working with Your Insurance Company
Be Honest and Accurate
Provide complete, accurate information about damage and previous issues. Misrepresentation can result in claim denial.
Keep Records
Maintain copies of all correspondence, photos, estimates, and documentation related to your claim.
Communicate Clearly
Explain damage clearly. Use photos and detailed descriptions. Ask adjusters to explain decisions you don’t understand.
Request Reconsideration
If you disagree with insurance’s assessment, request reconsideration in writing. Provide additional evidence. We can help.
Get Everything in Writing
Request written explanation of coverage determination, settlement amount, and denial reasons if applicable.
Working with Roofing Contractors on Insurance Claims
Choose Qualified Contractors Hire contractors who are:
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Licensed and insured
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Experienced with insurance claims
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Willing to communicate with adjusters
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Transparent about pricing and timeline
Get Multiple Estimates
Obtain two or three repair estimates. Insurance often requires multiple bids for large claims.
Document Quality Standards Ensure contractor agrees to:
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Meet manufacturer installation specifications
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Comply with building codes
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Provide warranty on workmanship
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Communicate with your insurance carrier if additional issues are discovered
Understand Payment Terms
Clarify when your contractor is paid:
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Some insurers pay first before repairs
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Some pay after repairs are inspected and approved
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Some use split payments
Special Situations
Undercounted Damage If insurance underestimated damage cost, you can:
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Request reconsideration with additional evidence
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Get your contractor to challenge the estimate
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Seek independent appraisal or arbitration (most policies allow this)
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In significant disputes, consult an insurance attorney
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Denied Claims If insurance denies your claim:
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Request written explanation
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Review your policy to understand denial reason
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Provide additional evidence if denial seems incorrect
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Consider requesting appraisal/arbitration per policy terms
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Consult an attorney if the claim value is substantial.
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Multiple Insurance Carriers If you have both primary and supplemental coverage:
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File claim with primary carrier first
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Once primary settlement is determined, file with secondary
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Understand how policies coordinate to avoid confusion
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Insurance
Q: How long do I have to file an insurance claim?
A: Most policies require claims to be filed within one to three years of damage. Don’t delay. File as soon as you discover and confirm damage.
Q: What should I do if I find damage months after a storm?
A: First, have a professional assess the damage. If it will cost more than your deductible to restore, file an insurance claim immediately. Insurance should cover damage caused by the storm, even if discovered later. Some damage (like rot from prolonged leaking) might have coverage questions, but storm damage typically has clear coverage.
Q: Can I choose my own contractor?
A: Yes. Insurance cannot force you to use a specific contractor. However, your carrier might have preferred contractor networks offering negotiated pricing.
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Q: What if repair costs exceed the insurance settlement?
A: If repair costs exceed the settlement, you’re responsible for the difference. Ensure estimates are comprehensive and don’t omit necessary work.
Q: How often can I file insurance claims?
A: Theoretically, you can file claims for each separate loss. However, filing multiple claims can impact your premium rates or coverage. After major claims, some insurers might increase rates or reduce coverage.
Q: What if I disagree with the insurance settlement?
A: Most policies allow appraisal or arbitration for disputes. This is a formal process where an independent appraiser evaluates the disputed amount. Consult your policy for appraisal provisions.
Q: Should I wait for insurance approval before hiring a contractor?
A: You don’t need to wait. However, most contractors prefer to wait for insurance approval before providing final invoices. Emergency tarping can begin immediately regardless of insurance status.
