What standard New York policies cover
| Policy | Roof-related coverage (typical) |
|---|---|
| Basic (HO-1) | Named perils only, including windstorm and hail. Few insurers still sell it.[1] |
| Broad Form (HO-2) | HO-1 perils plus falling objects, weight of ice, snow and sleet, and freezing of plumbing.[1] |
| Special Form (HO-3) | The most widely used policy: all risks of physical loss to the home except listed exclusions such as flood and earthquake. Mortgage lenders may require it.[1] |
Policies vary, so read your declarations page and exclusions. New York regulators recommend reviewing the declarations page for coverage limits and every deductible on the policy.[4]
Wind damage: check for a separate windstorm deductible
Wind damage to a roof is a covered peril on standard policies,[2] but your policy may carry an optional windstorm deductible. In New York it commonly runs 1% to 5% of the dwelling's value or insured amount, and state rules require insurers to disclose every deductible on the policy.[4] Hurricane deductibles are mainly required in New York City, Long Island and coastal Westchester, not Western New York.[4] If you live somewhere exposed like Grand Island or the Lackawanna lakeshore, know your wind deductible before storm season.
Snow and ice dams: damage vs. removal
Weight of ice, snow and sleet is a listed peril on broad-form policies and covered under HO-3.[1][2] Interior water damage caused by an ice dam is frequently covered. The cost of removing the ice dam usually is not, because insurers treat it as preventable maintenance, and damage from a DIY removal attempt likely isn't covered either.[3] Flood damage is excluded from standard New York homeowners policies and requires separate flood insurance.[4]
In Buffalo, where over half of the snow comes from lake-effect bands and winters bring frequent thaws,[5] it pays to know which of these applies before you call. See ice dam removal cost in Buffalo.
What insurers won’t pay for
- Damage from lack of maintenance, mold, or pests.[2]
- Flood and earthquake, unless you buy separate coverage.[1][4]
- An old roof simply wearing out. Coverage is for sudden, accidental damage from a covered cause.[2]
How to file a roof claim in New York
- Notify your insurer promptly by phone, then follow up in writing and keep copies. Late notice can put coverage at risk.[6]
- Document before cleanup. Take photos and video of the damage.[7]
- Prevent further damage with temporary fixes such as tarping. These costs are generally covered; save every receipt.[6]
- Wait on permanent repairs until the insurer inspects. It can refuse to pay for damage repaired before inspection.[6]
- Compare estimates. You can get your own contractor's estimate to compare with the adjuster's.[7]
- If you disagree, ask for the exact policy language, request a line-by-line review with the adjuster, or use the appraisal process in every New York homeowners policy. Licensed public adjusters' fees are capped at 12.5% of the recovery.[6][7]
What your roofer can and can’t do on a claim
New York law bars roofing contractors from advertising or promising to pay or rebate any part of your deductible, and from reporting, adjusting or negotiating a claim for you. A roofer can share technical knowledge with the insurer when the insurer starts that conversation. If your insurer tells you in writing that the claim isn't covered, you can cancel an insurance-funded roofing contract until midnight of the third business day after that notice.[8] See how to avoid roofing scams after storms and our storm and wind damage contractor list.