Have you ever stepped outside after a big storm and noticed a few shingles scattered across your yard? Or maybe, you spotted patches on your roof where shingles used to be? If so, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of homeowners across the U.S. face this exact situation, wondering, “Will my insurance help me cover this wind damage to shingles?”
Wind damage to roof shingles is one of the most common and frustrating issues homeowners experience, especially during storm season. In fact, wind-related damage accounts for over 30% of all property insurance claims in the U.S., according to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute.
Whether you’re dealing with a couple of missing shingles or you suspect more serious wind damage shingles problems hiding beneath the surface, this post will walk you through exactly what you need to know about your insurance coverage, how to handle the claims process, and what to expect when it comes to repairs.
It’s easy to miss the early signs of wind damage to shingles especially if you're not sure what you're looking for. Maybe a recent storm just blew through your neighborhood, and now a few shingles look a little off. But how can you tell if it’s serious?
Wind damage to a roof doesn’t always mean shingles flying off entirely. High winds can lift shingles just enough to break their seal, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks. You might notice cracked, curled, or even slightly shifted shingles that don’t quite match the original shingles pattern. These subtle signs often go unnoticed until water starts getting into the attic or ceiling.
If you’re wondering whether homeowners insurance will cover wind damage to your shingles, you’re definitely not alone. The short answer? Yes most policies do cover it, but the details matter more than you might think.
Insurance typically covers roof wind damage caused by strong wind events like storms or hurricanes. If high winds tear off shingles or cause them to lift and break their seal, that’s usually considered sudden storm damage something most policies are built to protect you from.
But your coverage can depend on a few key things: how old your roof is, how well it’s been maintained, and even the type of roof system you have. For example, if your asphalt shingles are older and haven’t been replaced in decades, your insurer might say the roof was already “susceptible to wind damage” and reduce what they’ll pay. We’ve seen this happen with homeowners in Portland who didn’t know their policy had an age-based payout clause until they filed a claim.
So if you’re not sure where your coverage stands, it’s worth checking now before the next storm rolls in.
Let’s say you walk outside and spot a few missing shingles after a night of heavy winds. Is that enough to file a claim? In most cases, yes. Insurance often covers missing or wind-blown roof shingles but how much they’ll pay can vary.
If the damage is isolated and small, your insurance company might only cover a patch repair. But here’s where it gets tricky: matching the new shingles to your existing roof can be a challenge, especially with older architectural shingles or rare colors. That’s where shingle matching laws come in. Some states require insurance to replace the entire roof if a perfect match can’t be made others don’t.
If you’ve ever read through your homeowners insurance policy and felt confused by the terms “ACV” and “RCV,” you’re not alone. These two acronyms make a big difference in how much your insurance actually pays out when your roof is damaged by high winds.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) means your insurance pays you what your roof is worth today, not what it cost when it was new. So if your asphalt shingles are 15 years old, they’ll subtract for age and wear and you’ll get a lower payout.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV), on the other hand, means they’ll cover the cost to replace the damaged shingles at today’s prices, with no deduction for depreciation. That often covers more of your repairs.
In the roofing industry, the shift toward ACV policies has been picking up especially since 2024. Insurers are trying to limit payouts, which means more homeowners are surprised by smaller checks after roof wind damage. We recently heard from a Portland homeowner who assumed their entire roof would be replaced after storm damage, only to find their ACV policy barely covered half the cost.
Understanding these terms now gives you a chance to review your policy before you’re forced to find shingles in your yard and scramble to file a claim.
Not sure where to start after noticing roof wind damage? It’s okay filing a claim doesn’t have to feel complicated when you break it down.
Start by inspecting your roof safely. If you notice wind-lifted shingles, missing patches, or even pieces flapping in the wind, take clear photos from different angles. These pictures of the damage help prove your case.
Next, make temporary repairs if needed like a tarp over a leak so things don’t get worse. Then contact a licensed roofing contractor to inspect the damage and determine what repairs are needed. They can help you spot hidden problems and speak the language insurance adjusters understand.
When the adjuster comes, make sure you’re there. Show them where the damage is and share the photos and contractor notes. If you’ve had storms with higher wind speeds in your area recently, mention it that helps show why the roof couldn’t withstand the conditions.
A homeowner in Vancouver did this exact process last fall after a big windstorm. They caught the damage early, documented everything, and ended up getting approval for a full roof replacement. That kind of preparation makes a real difference.
You followed all the steps, filed your insurance claim for roof damage… and then it gets denied. Why does this happen?
One big reason is wear and tear. If your roof was already showing signs of age, your insurance might say it wasn’t properly maintained and they won’t pay. Another issue? Cosmetic-only damage. If shingles are curled or loose but haven’t caused leaks yet, they may argue that the damage isn’t serious enough to cover.
Some policies also exclude certain types of architectural shingles or limit coverage for roofs over a certain age. And if they believe damage was caused by something other than wind like improper installation they’ll push back.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. If your claim gets denied, you can request a reinspection or bring in an independent roofing contractor for a second opinion. A homeowner from Portland shared how their first adjuster missed wind-lifted shingles, calling the roof “fine.” A second inspection revealed water had already seeped under the lifted shingles, leaving the roof vulnerable. Their appeal got approved with full coverage for repairs.
So don’t assume the first no is final sometimes, knowing your roof and your rights is all it takes to get the coverage you deserve.
When wind damage to your roof happens, figuring out what kind of repair you need can feel confusing. Do you patch a few shingles or is a full replacement necessary?
If your roof is leaking or you notice loose shingles flapping in the wind, it’s important to act quickly with emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your home. These short-term fixes can buy you time while you explore more permanent solutions.
In many cases, a professional roof inspection will help you decide whether a full roof replacement makes more sense than a patch job. For example, a homeowner near Vancouver had only a small section of lifted shingles but once a contractor got on the roof, they discovered that water had already seeped beneath the asphalt shingles and damaged the roof deck. That turned a small patch into a full replacement covered by insurance.
And don’t forget: if the new shingles don’t match the old ones, some insurance policies or local laws might allow you to replace the entire roof. We’ll explain more on that next.
Here’s something many homeowners don’t know until it’s too late shingle matching is a real issue. After a storm, if your roof has wind damage and only part of it is repaired, the new shingles may not match the old ones in color or texture. That mismatch isn’t just cosmetic it can affect resale value and the roof’s performance.
Some states have what are called shingle matching laws. These laws require insurance companies to replace the entire roof if the replacement shingles can’t reasonably match the existing ones. It’s a hot topic in the roofing industry, and whether or not it applies to you depends on where you live and your homeowners insurance policy.
We helped a homeowner in Portland who had about 25% of their shingle roof damaged by high winds. The insurance company initially only approved repairs, but after learning about Oregon’s interpretation of uniform appearance standards, they negotiated a full replacement because the new shingles couldn’t match.
Knowing your state’s stance on this issue can make a major difference in what’s covered by insurance and how your roof looks after the repairs.
You can’t stop the wind, but you can make sure your roof is ready to handle it. Protecting your roof from wind damage starts with the right materials and regular upkeep.
If you're replacing a roof or building new, look into wind-resistant products like impact-rated asphalt shingles or a certified Fortified Roof™ system. These roofs are tested to withstand wind speeds that typically cause widespread damage and some insurers even offer discounts if you install them.
Routine roof inspections are just as important. Spotting loose shingles early or noticing signs of damage like curling or cracks can help you avoid bigger problems later. A homeowner in Portland shared how they caught lifted shingles during a spring checkup had they not fixed it, that section could’ve ripped away in the next storm.
Also, check for local or state programs that offer upgrade incentives. In some areas, you can get rebates or tax credits for making storm-resilient home improvements.
By taking steps now, you’re not just preventing future roof repairs you’re giving your roof a better chance to withstand the next round of high winds.
Yes, but it depends on your policy. If only part of your shingle roof is damaged by high winds, your insurer might approve a spot repair. But if the new shingles don’t match, you might qualify for a full replacement especially in states with shingle matching laws. We’ve seen cases where what started as five missing shingles ended up with a whole new roof approved, just because the repairs couldn’t blend in.
In 2025, the average payout for wind damage to your roof ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, depending on roof size, material, and location. Asphalt shingles tend to fall in the lower range, while architectural shingles or roofs with underlying damage may push that higher. Just remember, payouts vary based on whether you have ACV or RCV coverage.
Most homeowners insurance policies give you up to one year to file an insurance claim for roof damage. But don’t wait some companies expect you to report damage “promptly.” If you delay and more damage occurs (like a leak caused by lifted shingles), your claim might be reduced or denied.
Yes. If strong winds rip shingles away from the roof and rainwater causes interior damage, you can usually file claims for both roof repairs and water damage inside. We worked with a homeowner who filed for both roof repairs and a ceiling replacement after noticing water spots weeks after the storm. It was all covered by insurance.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but many insurance policies reference wind ratings or storm classifications. Generally, winds above 45–50 mph can start to lift shingles, especially older ones. If your roof has wind damage after recorded high wind speeds in your area, that’s strong evidence to support your claim.
So, does insurance cover wind-damaged shingles? In most cases yes. But how much you get, and whether your entire roof gets replaced or just patched, depends on your policy details and how well you can document the damage.
If you’ve experienced wind damage to your roof, the first step is to inspect your roof, spot missing shingles, and take clear photos. Then review your homeowners insurance policy and consider bringing in a trusted roofing pro, like IBEX Roof, who understands what insurers look for and can help you protect your roof the right way.
The topic of wind-lifted shingles remains a controversial subject in the roofing industry but one thing is clear: small damage left unchecked can quickly lead to bigger problems. Stay ahead by scheduling regular roof inspections, understanding your policy, and making sure your roof is ready to withstand wind speeds that could cause future damage.
