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Roof Insurance Claims & How They Work

May 13, 2025

When a major storm hits Heber, snow piles up in Park City, or high winds sweep through Wasatch County, one of the first parts of your home to suffer damage is often the roof. If you’ve ever looked up and seen shingles missing, water leaking through your ceiling, or debris scattered across your property, you’ve probably wondered: Will my insurance cover this?

Dealing with a damaged roof is stressful enough without the added complexity of filing a roof insurance claim. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help Utah homeowners understand roof insurance claims, what to expect, and how to get the coverage you deserve.

Whether you're dealing with storm damage, wear and tear, or you're unsure whether you need a roof repair or full roof replacement, this post will walk you through the process step-by-step.

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

In Utah, most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover roof damage caused by sudden and accidental events. These can include:

  • Windstorms
  • Heavy snow loads (a common issue in Wasatch County and Park City)
  • Hail damage
  • Fallen trees or branches
  • Fire

However, damage caused by lack of maintenance, age-related deterioration, or neglect is not typically covered. For example, if your 25-year-old asphalt roof starts leaking due to worn-out shingles, your insurance provider may deny the claim because it's considered normal wear and tear.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Utah

Filing an insurance claim can seem overwhelming, especially if this is your first time dealing with roof damage. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process, whether you’re in Heber, Salt Lake City, Ogden, or anywhere along the Wasatch Front or Back.

1. Inspect Your Roof (Safely)

After a storm or visible damage, carefully inspect your roof. You don’t need to climb up yourself—just look for signs like:

  • Missing or curled shingles
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls
  • Shingle granules in gutters
  • Fallen branches or debris

Pro Tip: Take photos from ground level and document the date of the event.

2. Contact a Trusted Local Roofing Contractor

Before calling your insurance company, reach out to a licensed, experienced roofer in your area. At Cardinal Roofing, we offer free inspections throughout Heber, Park City, Saratoga Springs, and surrounding Utah communities.

A professional roofer can:

  • Assess the damage accurately
  • Determine if it's likely to be covered by insurance
  • Help you document everything with photos and written estimates

3. Review Your Insurance Policy

Before you file a claim, it's smart to understand:

  • Your deductible
  • Coverage limits
  • Exclusions or endorsements

If your deductible is $1,500 and your roof repair costs $1,600, it may not be worth filing a claim at all. But if you need a full roof replacement, your policy might cover tens of thousands of dollars in costs.

4. File the Claim with Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve confirmed that the damage is substantial and likely covered, call your insurance company or file online. They’ll ask for:

  • Date and cause of damage
  • Description of what happened
  • Photos and inspection documents

After the claim is filed, the company will assign an adjuster to your case.

5. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster will schedule a visit to inspect your roof. It’s critical to have your roofer present at this appointment to:

  • Point out the damage
  • Provide professional insight
  • Ensure nothing is overlooked

This collaboration can make a huge difference in how your claim is evaluated.

6. Receive Your Estimate and Approval

Once the adjuster finishes their report, you’ll receive a scope of work and estimated payout based on your policy and deductible.

There are typically two types of payouts:

  • ACV (Actual Cash Value): Covers the depreciated value of your roof
  • RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Covers the full cost to replace the roof (minus deductible)

7. Schedule Your Roofing Work

Once approved, you can hire your local roofing contractor to perform the work. Be sure to choose a licensed and insured company with experience working with insurance claims—like Cardinal Roofing.

Common Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid

Homeowners often make simple mistakes that delay or reduce their payouts. Here’s what to watch out for:

Waiting Too Long to File

Most policies require that you report the damage within a certain timeframe—often 30 to 60 days. Don’t delay!

Not Getting a Professional Inspection

Insurance companies may miss damage if it’s not clearly documented. A professional roofer ensures nothing is overlooked.

Trying to DIY Repairs Before Inspection

Avoid making permanent repairs before your adjuster inspects the roof. Temporary tarping is okay—full repairs may void your claim.

Accepting the First Offer Without Review

If your claim is underpaid, you have the right to dispute the amount. Your roofer can provide additional documentation to support a better settlement.

Roof Insurance in High-Snow Areas Like Heber & Park City

If you live in Heber, Midway, Park City, or other Wasatch County areas, you’re familiar with heavy snowfall. One major issue in these areas is snow load—when accumulated snow puts pressure on your roof and leads to leaks, ice dams, or even collapse.

It’s essential to ensure your homeowner’s policy covers weight of snow and ice as a peril. Many policies do, but some have exclusions. Make sure to:

  • Check for snow-related coverage
  • Keep your roof maintained and snow removed regularly
  • Document events when large storms hit your area

Does Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

It depends on the cause of the damage.

Yes — if your roof was damaged due to wind, hail, or falling debris
No — if your roof simply wore out or wasn't properly maintained

Age matters. If your roof is more than 20 years old, your insurer may only reimburse you for the actual cash value (ACV), which could be significantly less than replacement cost.

How Cardinal Roofing Helps with Roof Insurance Claims in Utah

We’re not just roofers—we’re advocates for our customers. Here’s how we make the insurance claim process easier:

  • Free, no-pressure inspections
  • Detailed documentation with photos and notes
  • On-site adjuster support during inspections
  • Insurance claim guidance from start to finish

We’ve worked with hundreds of Utah homeowners and know how to navigate the nuances of different policies, companies, and local weather damage. Whether you’re in Saratoga Springs, Provo, Ogden, or right here in Heber, we’re just a call away.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Your roof protects your entire home. If you suspect damage—after a windstorm, snowstorm, or even just over time—don’t wait. Roof problems tend to get worse quickly, and insurance companies may deny claims that are filed too late.

At Cardinal Roofing, we proudly serve Utah’s Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back with dependable roofing services, from repairs and inspections to full replacements and insurance guidance.

Need help with a roof insurance claim in Wasatch County or surrounding areas? Contact us today for your free inspection and expert support.

Have Questions?

Call Us 24/7 for Expert Support at ‭(801) 330-0311‬

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1124 N 1300 W
Orem, Ut 84057
‭(801) 330-0311‬

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