Coverage gaps · Roof
Every roof exclusion that quietly shrinks your claim.
Over the last decade, carriers in hail-prone states have layered exclusion after exclusion onto roof coverage. Most never make it onto the summary page — you find them only after a denial letter shows up. Here are the seven worth checking before storm season.
Wear and tear
Damage caused by age or gradual deterioration is never covered. Adjusters use this to deny claims on 15+ year old roofs where hail evidence is debatable.
Cosmetic damage
Hail-dented metal roofs, gutters and siding may be excluded if the damage is 'aesthetic only' and doesn't reduce function. Common on metal-roof policies.
Age-based ACV
A schedule that depreciates the roof payout based on years of installed life — typically once the roof is 10+ years old. RCV reverts to ACV automatically.
Cosmetic to metal / membrane
Specific to standing-seam, screw-down metal, and TPO membrane roofs — excludes cosmetic hail dents.
Roof age cap
Some carriers won't cover roofs over 20–25 years at all, or only at ACV with a roof-replacement limitation.
Manufacturer defect
Curling, blistering, or premature failure traceable to a defective product is excluded — that's the manufacturer's warranty problem.
Improper installation / repair
Damage that's the fault of a bad installer or repair is excluded — your recourse is the contractor, not the carrier.
Which of these exclusions is on your policy?
Upload your dec page — we'll list every roof exclusion attached, with the form number and what it costs you in a claim.
Frequently asked
Can a carrier deny my hail claim because of wear and tear?
Yes — wear and tear is excluded on every HO-3 policy. The dispute is almost always whether the visible damage is from a covered peril (hail, wind) or from age. An independent inspection report often decides it.
What does 'cosmetic damage exclusion' mean on metal roofs?
It means hail dents that don't affect roof function — water-shedding, structural integrity — are not covered. The roof can be visibly hammered and the carrier still pays $0.
How do I find roof exclusions on my policy?
Look on your declarations page for endorsements like 'roof surfacing payment schedule,' 'cosmetic loss exclusion,' or 'roof settlement endorsement.' The exact form number tells you which restrictions apply.
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