Guide
Ohio storm roof claims: deductibles and your three-day exit
Updated
Two numbers decide what an Ohio storm roof actually costs you: which deductible applies, and whether your policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost. Neither is on the roofer's bid. Nothing here is insurance advice, and only your own policy decides.
Two deductibles, not one
The Ohio Department of Insurance explains it plainly: most policies covering your home carry an all other perils (AOP) deductible and a wind and hail deductible. The AOP deductible applies when damage is caused by perils other than wind or hail; the wind and hail deductible applies when the damage is due to wind or hail (Ohio Department of Insurance, roof insurance).
The department also flags the part that confuses people most: a percentage deductible is based on the amount the home is insured for, not the amount of damage to the home. Its worked example is a home insured for $300,000 with a 2 percent wind and hail deductible, giving an out-of-pocket cost of $6,000 regardless of the size of the damage. Read your declarations page before you read a single bid.
Questions the department suggests you ask
- Does the age, condition or composition of my roof affect the cost of my policy, and can I lower it?
- Am I being charged more for an older roof, and would replacing it earn a discount?
- Does my policy settle roof damage on a replacement cost or actual cash value basis?
- Does the age, condition or composition of my roof determine which of those applies?
- If my policy currently settles roof claims on actual cash value, would replacing the roof make me eligible for replacement cost coverage?
- Does my policy cover damage found to be only cosmetic?
- How quickly must I report a roof claim to the agent or insurer?
Actual cash value settlement means depreciation is taken off, so on an older Ohio roof the gap between the settlement and the bid can be substantial. That gap, plus the deductible, is your real number.
The doorstep contract, and the three-day exit
After a storm, crews go door to door. Ohio's Home Solicitation Sales Act gives you a way out. The required notice states: "You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction." Notice of cancellation may be given by certified mail with return receipt requested, personal or manual delivery, facsimile transmission or electronic mail, and the seller must orally inform the buyer of the right to cancel at the time of signing (Ohio Revised Code 1345.23).
- If you signed at your door and want out, send written cancellation before midnight of the third business day and keep proof of sending.
- Do not let work start inside that window if you are unsure. Once materials are on the roof, unwinding gets complicated.
- Get the itemized scope and the deductible confirmed before you commit to anyone.
- Verify the contractor with the municipality that will inspect the work. See Ohio roofing licensing.
- Decline any offer to cover, absorb or discount your deductible, whoever makes it.
We recommend no insurer, no public adjuster and no contractor, and nothing on this page is advice about your claim. The Ohio Department of Insurance publishes consumer guidance and handles complaints about insurer conduct.