At S&S Insurance Services, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“My roof is 10–15 years old and has been through a lot of storms. Can I file a claim?”
This is where an important insurance principle comes into play:
🔑 Insurance is designed for sudden and accidental damage
It is not designed to pay for things that happen gradually over time.
🟢 What Insurance Does Cover
Insurance is meant for one identifiable event that causes damage.
Examples:
A specific hailstorm damages shingles
A tree limb falls on your roof during a windstorm
A pipe suddenly bursts and floods a room
Lightning strikes your home
These are:
✔ Unexpected
✔ Caused by a single event
✔ Not part of normal aging
That’s what a claim is for.
🔴 What Insurance Does Not Cover
Insurance does not cover:
Wear and tear
Deterioration
Aging materials
Ongoing exposure to weather
Maintenance issues
So when someone says:
“My roof has been through 10 years of wind and hail.”
That’s describing gradual deterioration, not a covered loss.
A 12-year-old roof that has slowly lost granules, dried out, curled, or weakened over time is considered maintenance, just like replacing tires on a car.
🏠 The Shingle Example (Most Common Situation)
Shingles are designed to withstand weather — but they still age.
What insurance looks for:
Damage tied to one specific storm date
Visible signs consistent with a single event (like hail bruising or wind creases)
What insurance will deny:
“It’s just old”
“It’s been through a lot of storms”
“It’s worn out”
That’s considered normal life cycle, not a loss.
⚠️ Why This Matters Before Filing a Claim
Many people don’t realize:
❗ Even a denied claim goes on your insurance history
❗ Claims history can raise your premiums
❗ Too many claims can make it harder to find coverage
Filing a claim when damage is actually wear and tear can hurt you more than help.
🗣️ How to Talk About Damage the Right Way
If you believe damage happened from a storm, here’s what helps:
Helpful to know:
Approximate date of the storm
What you noticed afterward (leak, missing shingles, dented vents, etc.)
Whether neighbors had storm damage
Avoid saying:
“It’s just old”
“It’s been bad for years”
“It’s worn out”
“It’s time for a new roof anyway”
Those statements point toward maintenance, not a covered event.
🛠️ Insurance vs. Homeownership Responsibility
Think of it this way:
Insurance Covers Homeowner Covers
Sudden storm damage Aging roof
Accidental pipe burst Old plumbing
Fire Worn-out wiring
Wind tearing off shingles Gradual shingle deterioration
Insurance is for unexpected loss, not expected upkeep.
🤝 Our Goal
Our job isn’t just to sell policies — it’s to help you understand:
✔ When a claim makes sense
✔ When it doesn’t
✔ How to avoid hurting your insurance record
If you’re unsure whether something is claim-worthy, talk to your agent first. A quick conversation can save you years of higher premiums.
