Understanding Roof Coverage in Ohio:
Why Your Home Insurance Policy Might Not Be What You Think
If you’re a homeowner in Ohio, you’ve probably noticed your home insurance premiums creeping up — or maybe you’ve had a claim denied or paid out for less than expected. One of the biggest reasons behind this? Roof coverage.
Home insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, especially when it comes to your roof. In today’s changing insurance market, knowing the differences in coverage is more important than ever. Here’s what you need to know — and why it may be time to take a closer look at your current policy.
Replacement Cost vs. Scheduled Roof Coverage
Not all home insurance policies treat roofs the same. Traditionally, roof damage was covered at replacement cost, meaning your insurance would pay the full cost to replace your roof, minus your deductible. But today, that’s often no longer the case.
Many insurance companies have started moving toward scheduled roof payments or actual cash value (ACV) based on the age of your roof. That means:
- A 5-year-old roof may still qualify for full replacement cost.
- A 15-year-old roof might only be eligible for 40% or 50% of the replacement value — or even be excluded entirely from certain types of coverage.
This shift is especially common for roofs over 10-15 years old, even if they’re still in good shape.
Deductibles & Roof Coverage: What Homeowners Should Know
As agents, one of our top priorities is making sure you fully understand your coverage — especially when it comes to something as important (and expensive) as your roof.
In recent years, many insurance companies across Ohio have made changes to how roof claims are handled. One of the most noticeable changes has been in the structure of deductibles, which determine how much you pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in. Today, we’re commonly seeing:
- Flat Deductibles – These might be $1,000, $2,500, or in some cases, $5,000 or more.
- Percentage-Based Deductibles – Typically 1% or 2% of your home’s insured value.
For example, on a $400,000 home, a 1% deductible means you would pay the first $4,000 of a claim. A 2% deductible would double that. Sometimes homeowners aren’t even aware this change has occurred until they file a claim — which can be a frustrating surprise.
In addition to the deductible, it’s also important to be aware that many companies have shifted to scheduled roof payments, which reduce the payout based on the age of your roof. So if your roof is older, your policy might not pay the full replacement cost — instead, the reimbursement could be based on the roof’s depreciated value.
We’re not sharing this to alarm you — but to help you stay informed. These changes are becoming more common across the industry, and we want to be sure our clients aren’t caught off guard.
That’s exactly where we come in. We’re here to walk you through your current policy, answer any questions, and make sure you have coverage that actually works the way you expect it to when you need it most.
Why You Should Review Your Policy Now
Insurance companies across the country are tightening up roof coverage in response to rising claim costs, severe weather, and material price increases. Ohio is no exception. But not every policy or company handles things the same way — and that’s why it’s so important to review your coverage before the next storm rolls through.
Why an Agent Matters More Than Ever
When you buy from a 1-800 number or .com site, you might get a fast quote — but you’re also left to navigate the fine print on your own. And unfortunately, that fine print is exactly where roof coverage limitations and high deductibles tend to hide.
Working with an experienced local agent means:
- You’ll get a clear explanation of how your roof is covered — and what’s not.
- Your coverage will be tailored to your home, your budget, and your risk tolerance.
- You have a real person to call when you need help — not a call center.
Why Choose Us and Farmers Insurance
At McKinnon Insurance, we’re proud to be part of the Farmers Insurance family, which offers flexible roof coverage options, smart deductible structures, and the ability to adjust your policy as your roof ages. But more than that, we believe in building relationships, not just writing policies.
We live here. We work here. And we know what it takes to protect a home in Ohio — from hail and wind to rising repair costs, we are here to help!
So if you’re not sure how your roof is covered — or if you’ve never reviewed your deductible — now is the time. Let’s sit down, take a look at your current policy, and make sure you’re not caught off guard when the next storm hits.
📞 Call us today at (330) 339-3431
📧 Or email us at mckinnoninsurance@farmersagent.com
💬 Or just stop by — we’d love to meet you.
Your roof is one of the biggest investments in your home. Let’s make sure it’s properly protected.
