What Your Home Insurance Actually Covers (And Doesn’t) for Roof Damage in Ontario 📍

Last year, a Windsor homeowner called us after a windstorm ripped 40 shingles off their roof. They filed an insurance claim expecting coverage. Denied. Why? The roof was 22 years old, and the adjuster claimed it failed from “wear and tear,” not the storm.

This happens constantly across Ontario. Homeowners pay insurance premiums for years, then discover massive coverage gaps when they need it most. The problem isn’t just fine print—it’s that insurance policies are deliberately complex, and adjusters know which exclusions to invoke.

We’ve helped hundreds of Windsor-Essex homeowners through roof insurance claims. We’ve seen $25,000 claims approved and $3,000 claims denied. The difference? Understanding what your policy actually covers and how to document damage properly.

Here’s what you need to know about roof insurance coverage in Ontario—before you need to file a claim.

What Standard Policies Actually Cover

Every Ontario home insurance policy covers sudden, accidental damage. But “sudden” and “accidental” are interpreted very differently by homeowners versus insurance companies.

Typically Covered Perils

Your policy likely covers:

• Wind damage from storms (shingles blown off, structural damage)
• Hail creating punctures or functional damage
• Fire damage
• Falling trees or debris
• Roof collapse from snow/ice weight
• Lightning strikes
• Vandalism

But every peril has conditions. Wind damage is covered—unless your roof was poorly maintained. Hail is covered—unless the adjuster calls it “cosmetic.” The peril list means nothing without understanding the exclusions.

The Critical Distinction: Sudden vs. Gradual

This is where most claims die. Insurance covers sudden events, not gradual deterioration. Storm rips off 30 shingles overnight? Likely covered. Roof slowly leaked for six months? Denied as “wear and tear.”

Adjusters investigate:

• How quickly did damage occur?
• Is there pre-existing damage?
• Did maintenance neglect contribute?

One piece of evidence showing deferred maintenance can sink your entire claim—even if a storm was the final trigger.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

This determines whether you get $20,000 or $4,000 for the same damage.

Replacement Cost pays to replace your roof with new materials regardless of age.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays replacement cost minus depreciation. Your 20-year-old roof might be depreciated 70%, turning a $20,000 replacement into a $6,000 payout.

Check your policy declarations page NOW. If you have ACV coverage on an old roof, you’re essentially uninsured for most of the cost.

What’s NOT Covered: The Expensive Surprises

Wear and Tear

Your roof’s natural aging and failure isn’t covered:

• Worn, curled, brittle shingles
• Deteriorated flashing
• Poor ventilation damage
• Installation defects
• Normal end-of-life failure

The trap: Storm hits your 25-year-old roof. Adjuster argues it failed from age, not the storm. Without proof the storm caused new damage, you’re denied.

Maintenance Issues

Vague but powerful exclusion. Insurance denies claims if maintenance neglect contributed:

• Moss/algae growth damaging shingles
• Clogged gutters causing ice dams
• Unreparied missing shingles
• Small leaks that worsened
• Untrimmed branches damaging roof
• Ventilation problems causing moisture

Solution: Document maintenance religiously. Dated photos twice yearly showing clean gutters, trimmed trees, and prompt repairs can save your claim.

Pre-Existing Damage

Any damage existing before your claim isn’t covered—even if you didn’t know about it. Adjusters look for evidence damage pre-dates the incident you’re claiming.

Mold and Structural Issues

Even if insurance covers the leak, they typically won’t cover resulting mold remediation or wood rot repairs. Separate coverage limits and conditions apply.

How Roof Age Affects Your Coverage

Many Ontario insurers automatically change coverage when roofs hit 15-20 years old—often without clear notification.

Common Age-Based Restrictions

At 15-20 years, insurers may:

• Switch from replacement cost to ACV automatically
• Require roof inspection before renewal
• Add higher roof-specific deductibles
• Limit coverage to “repair only”
• Demand roof replacement to maintain coverage
• Non-renew your entire policy

We’ve seen homeowners discover at claim time that their policy switched to ACV three years ago when their roof turned 20—a detail buried in renewal documents.

The New Roof Advantage

Proactively replacing an aging roof gives you:

• More insurance options
• Better rates
• Full replacement cost coverage
• Fewer claim disputes
• Stronger negotiating position

Wondering about local costs? Check our Windsor roof pricing guide.

What Actually Gets Approved: Claim Success Patterns

Wind Damage

Approved:

• Multiple shingles completely blown off
• Lifted shingles with water penetration
• Structural damage visible in attic
• Fascia/soffit damage

Denied:

• Single loose shingle
• Pre-existing edge lifting
• Damage to already worn roof
• Late reporting (months after storm)

Critical documentation:

• Photos before storm (if available)
• Weather reports proving high winds
• Photos within 24-48 hours of storm
• Professional assessment noting storm patterns
• Neighbor claims proving widespread damage

If windstorm damage occurred, document immediately and call within 48 hours.

Hail Damage

Adjusters look for:

• Circular impact marks with displaced granules
• Consistency across entire roof
• Damage to other surfaces (siding, vehicles, AC units)
• Visible mat breaks or tears
• Metal component damage

Red flags:

• Hail claims on 15+ year roofs (they blame pre-existing wear)
• Inconsistent patterns
• No surrounding property damage
• Delayed reporting

Ice Dams and Snow Load

Covered:

• Roof collapse from excessive weight
• Sudden ice dam water intrusion
• Structural damage from ice

Denied:

• Ice dams from poor ventilation (maintenance)
• Recurring ice dam leaks (known problem)
• Damage after failing to clear excessive snow

Our winter warning signs article explains preventing ice dam insurance problems.

Tree Damage

Clear coverage:

• Healthy tree blown over by storm
• Neighbor’s dead tree
• Storm debris

Disputed:

• Your dead tree you should have removed
• Tree you knew was hazardous
• Gradual branch damage

Is Your Damage Worth Claiming?

The Claims Process: Maximizing Your Payout

Step 1: Document Immediately (Within 24 Hours)

Photo checklist:

• ✓ Wide shots of entire roof
• ✓ Close-ups of specific damage from multiple angles
• ✓ Interior damage (stains, leaks)
• ✓ Date-stamped photos
• ✓ Video walkthrough with narration

Written documentation:

• ✓ Date and time of discovery
• ✓ Weather conditions
• ✓ Timeline of events
• ✓ Emergency actions taken

Critical: Document BEFORE repairs. Once contractors touch your roof, insurance may dispute original damage scope.

Step 2: Mitigate Further Damage

Ontario policies require preventing additional damage:

• Tarp holes or exposed areas
• Place buckets under leaks
• Move valuables from affected areas
• Document all mitigation efforts

Save all receipts—insurance should reimburse reasonable mitigation costs.

Step 3: Get Professional Assessment BEFORE Calling Insurance

Call a roofer first. Here’s why:

1. Know if damage is claim-worthy
2. Avoid filing unnecessary claims (affects your record)
3. Get proper documentation
4. Have accurate repair estimates
5. Catch damage adjusters might miss

The risk: Filing a denied claim goes on your record, affecting future rates even though it was denied.

Cleroux Roofing provides pre-claim assessments to help homeowners make informed decisions.

Step 4: File Your Claim With Complete Information

Have ready:

• Policy number and coverage details
• Date, time, nature of damage
• Complete photo/video documentation
• Professional assessment if available
• Estimated repair value

Ask specific questions:

• “Is this a covered peril under my policy?”
• “What’s my deductible for this type of claim?”
• “Do I have replacement cost or ACV coverage?”
• “What’s the timeline?”
• “Can I choose my own contractor?”

Get everything in writing. Verbal promises mean nothing.

Step 5: The Adjuster Visit

Step 6: Review and Negotiate the Offer

Insurance often makes low initial offers. Review for:

• Complete damage scope
• Accurate pricing (market rates?)
• Appropriate materials specified
• Reasonable depreciation
• Justified exclusions

You can negotiate. Get competing estimates, challenge low line items, question excessive depreciation, and demand explanations for exclusions.

For major claims, consider hiring a public adjuster (10-15% of settlement but can significantly increase payouts).

Step 7: Complete Repairs With Qualified Contractors

Choose contractors who are:

• Licensed and insured (verify)
• Experienced with insurance work
• Willing to work with your insurer
• Following all local permit requirements

Warning: “Storm chasers” flood areas after major weather. Many are unlicensed, uninsured, do poor work, and disappear. Always verify credentials.

Common Insurance Myths

Myth: “Filing a claim always raises rates” Reality: One not-at-fault claim typically doesn’t spike premiums. Multiple claims in 3-5 years will affect insurability.

Myth: “Insurance won’t cover my old roof” Reality: Sudden damage to old roofs can be covered—just for less money with ACV. Age affects depreciation, not eligibility.

Myth: “The adjuster is on my side” Reality: Adjusters work for insurance companies. They assess fairly but minimize payouts. Be professional, stick to facts.

Myth: “I must use insurance’s recommended contractor” Reality: You choose your contractor. Insurance recommendations may simplify the process but aren’t mandatory.

Myth: “I have full coverage” Reality: No such thing. Every policy has exclusions, limitations, and conditions. Read your actual policy.

Windsor-Essex Specific Considerations

Lake Erie Wind Patterns

Our sustained high winds off Lake Erie differ from typical storms. When documenting:

• Reference specific Windsor Airport/Environment Canada data
• Note that 70+ km/h sustained winds are common here
• Explain lake-effect patterns to unfamiliar adjusters
• Point to multiple neighborhood claims as proof

Freeze-Thaw Damage

Our temperature swings create unique damage patterns. Adjusters may misattribute freeze-thaw damage (covered in winter storms) to wear and tear (not covered). Document weather patterns specifically.

When Claims Get Denied

Your Options

1. Request detailed written denial citing specific policy language
2. Gather additional evidence – second assessment, missed damage, technical explanations
3. File formal internal appeal with new evidence
4. Contact OmbudService for Life & Health Insurance (OLHI) for free dispute resolution
5. Consult insurance lawyer for large claims or bad faith denials

Warning: Limitation periods exist. Don’t wait years to pursue denied claims.

Protect Yourself Now

Annual Policy Review

Meet with your broker annually to:

• Verify replacement cost coverage
• Update dwelling coverage amount
• Understand exclusions
• Discuss age-related changes coming

Document Roof Condition

Create a photo archive:

• Quarterly photos from ground level
• Document all maintenance
• Keep receipts organized
• Store digitally with clear dates

This archive proves proper maintenance when you need it.

Professional Inspections

Get inspections:

• Every 3-5 years (roofs under 15 years)
• Annually (roofs over 15 years)
• After major storms
• Keep written reports

Know Your Deductible

If your deductible is $2,500 and damage is $3,000, you get $500 from insurance. Worth filing a claim for $500? Maybe you self-pay and avoid the claim record.

Maintain Records

Keep organized:

• All policies and declarations
• Broker and insurer contacts
• Maintenance receipts
• Inspection reports
• Warranties
• Contractor credentials
• Before/after photos

The Bottom Line

Ontario insurance covers sudden, unexpected roof damage. It’s not a maintenance plan, not a replacement fund for aging roofs, and not a blank check.

Successful claims require:

1. Understanding actual coverage (not hoped-for coverage)
2. Documented maintenance history
3. Immediate action when damage occurs
4. Professional documentation
5. Honest, accurate reporting
6. Negotiation persistence

The smart approach: Maintain your roof so you never need insurance. But when genuine damage occurs, know your rights and document everything.

Need Help With Insurance Claims?

Cleroux Roofing works extensively with insurance companies throughout Windsor-Essex:

• Free insurance inspection reports
• Pre-claim damage assessment
• Adjuster visit support
• Professional estimates for negotiating
• Direct insurance billing
• Documented emergency repairs

We’ve helped hundreds navigate successful claims. Whether you’re dealing with damage, need documentation, or want coverage clarity, we’re here.

📞 Contact Cleroux Roofing for honest advice about your roof and insurance. We’ll tell you straight if damage is claim-worthy or better handled yourself.

Serving Windsor-Essex County: Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Leamington, Kingsville, Essex, and surrounding areas.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage. Get informed, document everything, work with professionals who understand claims.