Will Insurance Cover My Roof if a Hurricane Hits?

If you live in Florida, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question before hurricane season rolls around:
“Will my insurance cover roof damage if a hurricane hits?”
The short answer is: it depends. The long answer? Well, that’s what we’re here to break down. At Bold City Roofing and Solar, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners navigate roofing claims after storms, and we’re sharing what you need to know before the next one arrives.

1. What Kind of Damage Is Typically Covered?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies do cover roof damage caused by hurricanes—but only if it’s from a sudden and accidental event. That includes:

• Wind damage (like shingles blown off or entire sections uplifted).

• Falling debris (like tree limbs crashing through the roof).

• Water damage caused by roof openings created during the storm

But here’s the catch:
If your insurance company determines that the damage was due to pre-existing wear and tear, poor maintenance, or an old roof past its life expectancy, they may deny the claim or reduce the payout.

2. Why Insurance Companies Ask for Proof of Maintenance

Insurance providers want to see that you’ve taken reasonable steps to maintain your roof. This is especially true in Florida, where roofing claims are common.

What helps your case:

• A recent professional roof inspection.

• Photo documentation of the roof’s condition before the storm.

• Records of past repairs or upgrades.

At Bold City Roofing and Solar, we provide detailed roof reports that can serve as valuable documentation if you ever need to file a claim.

 

3. Hurricane Deductibles: What You Might Owe Out-of-Pocket.

Florida policies often have separate hurricane deductibles—and they’re usually higher than your regular deductible.

For example: If your home is insured for $300,000 and your hurricane deductible is 2%, you’d be responsible for the first $6,000 of repairs after a hurricane-related claim.

Always check your policy’s declarations page to understand your specific deductible amount.

4. Will They Cover Full Roof Replacement or Just Repairs?

That depends on:

• The extent of the damage.

• The age and type of your roof.

• Local building codes.

In many cases, if 25% or more of the roof is damaged, Florida law requires a full replacement to comply with current code. Your insurance may then cover the entire roof, not just the damaged section.

5. Timing Is Everything—Don’t Wait to File a Claim

In Florida, you have up to one year from the date of the hurricane to file a claim—but we strongly recommend acting sooner.

Delaying can:

• Make it harder to prove damage was storm-related.

• Increase the chance of further damage (and lower your payout).

• Create unnecessary stress during the busiest season for adjusters and roofers.

6. What to Do After the Storm Passes

Here’s a quick action plan:

1. Inspect from the ground—don’t climb the roof yourself

2. Take clear photos of visible damage

3. Call a trusted roofing contractor for a professional inspection and report

4. Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process

Our team at Bold City Roofing and Solar can assist with storm reports, temporary coverings (like tarps), and we’ll even meet with your adjuster if needed.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Not Panicked

Florida weather is unpredictable, but your insurance coverage doesn’t have to be. Knowing what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t—can save you thousands and bring peace of mind when storms roll in.

Want to make sure your roof is covered?
We offer free roof assessments with photo documentation that you can keep on file for your insurance records.

📞 Call Bold City Roofing and Solar today at (888)994-3277 or schedule an inspection online.
Being proactive now could be the smartest move you make this season.