What Homeowners Insurance Really Covers for Roof & Storm Damage in Tennessee
- Quality Refurb Construction
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
What Nashville homeowners need to know before filing a claim—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
When a major storm rolls through Middle Tennessee, homeowners suddenly find themselves wondering: Will my insurance actually pay for this? Roof and storm damage can be confusing, and most people don’t really know what’s covered, what isn’t, or how to navigate the claims process without getting denied.
The truth is this: your policy will protect you from a lot of storm-related damage—if you know what to look for and what steps to take.
This guide breaks everything down in plain English so you can make smart decisions and protect your home (and your wallet). And if you ever need help with an inspection or navigating a storm damage claim, Quality Refurb Roofing & Construction offers free, no-pressure roof evaluations anywhere in Middle Tennessee.
What Storm Damage Is Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance in Tennessee?
Every policy is different, but most Tennessee homeowners insurance plans cover:
Wind Damage (including shingles blown off or lifted)
Windstorms are incredibly common across Nashville, Gallatin, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, and surrounding areas, especially in spring and fall.Insurance usually covers:
Missing or torn shingles
Creased or lifted shingles
Damaged ridge caps
Wind-driven rain entering through storm-created openings
Damage to flashing, soffit, fascia, or roof vents
If wind causes the opening and water enters because of that damage, it’s typically covered.
Hail strikes the roof at high speed, bruising shingles and weakening their ability to shed water. Insurance typically covers:
Hail impacts
Granule loss
Surface fractures
Dents in metal roof components (vents, gutters, flashing, etc.)
Even small hail can cause long-term problems—so it’s worth getting a professional inspection after any storm.
Falling Tree or Debris Damage
If a storm knocks down a tree that damages your roof, siding, gutters, or structure, insurance usually pays for:
Removal of fallen trees from the home
Structural repairs
If the tree was dead or neglected, coverage may vary—but most storm-caused tree damage is covered.
Water Damage from a Storm-Created Opening
This point is important: insurance doesn’t cover general leaks—but it does cover water that enters after wind or hail physically damages the roof.
Covered scenarios:
Rain entering through wind-torn shingles
Water damage caused by flying debris
Leaks that appear immediately after storm damage
Not covered:
Old leaks
Leaks caused by poor maintenance
Gradual wear and tear
What Insurance Doesn’t Cover for Roof Damage
Knowing what’s excluded can save you a lot of frustration.
Old or Worn Roofs
If the damage is mainly due to age or deterioration, it won’t be covered.
Improper Installation
Coverage can be denied if a previous installer cut corners.
Lack of Maintenance
If the roof was neglected (rotting decking, loose shingles, damaged flashing), insurers often deny claims.
Cosmetic Damage Only
If hail dents metal roofing or gutters but doesn’t affect functionality, some policies exclude it.
Long-Term Leaks
Water that has been entering the home slowly over time is considered maintenance—not storm damage.
Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost—Why It Matters in Tennessee
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of roofing insurance.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Your insurer pays for the full cost of a roof replacement minus your deductible.Most newer policies have this, and it’s much better for homeowners.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Your insurer deducts depreciation based on the age of your roof—leaving you to pay thousands out of pocket.
Example:
New roof replacement cost: $16,000
Roof age: 15 years
Depreciation: $8,000
With ACV coverage, you’re stuck paying the depreciation plus the deductible.
Tip: Many Tennessee homeowners don’t realize they can often upgrade to RCV for very little cost.
How to Know Whether Your Storm Damage Will Be Covered
Get a Professional Roof Inspection First (Not from the Insurance Company)
Insurance adjusters are trained to document damage, not look for it.You need a qualified roofing expert to:
Find wind-lifted shingles
Identify hail bruising
Check hidden structural damage
Document storm-created openings
Provide photos and a written report
Quality Refurb Roofing & Construction provides free, detailed storm inspections—and we’ll tell you honestly whether a claim is worth filing.
File the Claim Quickly
Most Tennessee policies require homeowners to report damage promptly.Delays can lead to denied claims.
Be Home During the Adjuster Appointment
Even better: have your roofing contractor meet the adjuster on site.
This ensures:
Nothing gets overlooked
The adjuster sees all damaged areas
Your claim is accurately documented
Do Not Sign Anything with the First Roofer Who Knocks on Your Door
Storm chasers target Middle Tennessee every year.
Use a local, licensed, insured contractor that will be here long after the storm.
Document Everything
Take photos, note dates, and save any fallen shingles or debris.Insurance companies love documentation—and so do contractors working on your behalf.
What If Your Insurance Claim Gets Denied?
It happens more often than homeowners expect—often because the inspector wasn’t thorough.
Common reasons claims get denied:
“Wear and tear” determination
“No storm-created openings”
“Damage not consistent with storm event”
“Roof too old”
“Cosmetic only”
Many denials can be appealed.
Quality Refurb Roofing & Construction can:
Review the denial letter
Inspect the roof for overlooked damage
Provide supplemental documentation
Communicate with your insurer
Request a reinspection when appropriate
Does Filing a Roof Claim Raise Your Insurance Rates?
Not usually.
Storm damage is considered a “no-fault claim.”That means the increase (if any) applies to your entire area—not you specifically.
Your rates are more likely to go up if:
You’ve filed multiple claims in recent years
You file claims for non-storm-related issues
You switch insurers often
How to Maximize Your Insurance Coverage (Without Getting Denied)
Here are simple ways to protect yourself:
✔ Keep your roof maintained
Insurance companies expect homeowners to take care of their property.
✔ Inspect after every major storm
Many homeowners don’t realize damage occurred until it’s too late.
✔ Work with a reputable local contractor
This is the biggest determining factor in claim approval.
✔ Know your deductible
In Tennessee, deductibles are usually between $1,000 and $2,500 for standard policies—and up to 1–2% for named storm deductibles.
✔ Avoid temporary DIY “fixes”
This can sometimes void coverage.
How Quality Refurb Roofing & Construction Helps Tennessee Homeowners with Insurance Claims
A storm-damaged roof can feel stressful and overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our team helps with:
Free storm inspections
Photos + written reports
Meeting with your adjuster
Supplement requests (if needed)
Roof replacement or repair
Emergency tarping
Guidance through every step
We’ve helped hundreds of Middle Tennessee homeowners get the coverage they deserve—without headaches or confusion.
Protect Your Home Before the Next Tennessee Storm Hits
Storms are unpredictable, but knowing what your homeowners insurance covers shouldn’t be.
Whether it’s wind, hail, flying debris, or a fallen tree, your roof is the first line of defense—and the sooner you address storm damage, the better your chances of full insurance coverage.
If you suspect damage or just want peace of mind:
No pressure. No scare tactics. Just honest answers and high-quality workmanship from a trusted local roofing and home repair team.