← Back to Roof Insurance Glossary What Are Additional Living Expenses (ALE)? Additional Living Expenses (ALE), also called “Loss of Use” coverage, is a homeowners insurance provision that pays for temporary housing and increased living costs when your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. If severe roof damage from hail, wind, or fire … Read more

What Is a Bundle? A bundle is a packaged unit of roofing shingles, typically containing between 16 and 29 individual shingles depending on the style and manufacturer. Three bundles generally cover one square (100 square feet) of roof area. Understanding how bundles work is essential when estimating material costs, verifying contractor quotes, and ensuring you’re … Read more

What Is Depreciation? Depreciation is the reduction in your roof’s value based on its age, condition, and expected lifespan. In insurance claims, depreciation represents the difference between what it costs to replace your roof with new materials (Replacement Cost Value) and what your roof was worth at the time of loss (Actual Cash Value). Think of … Read more

What Is Date of Loss? Date of Loss is the specific date when covered damage to your property occurred. In roofing insurance claims, this is typically the date of the storm, hail event, wind damage, or other incident that caused damage to your roof. The date of loss is one of the most critical pieces of … Read more

What Is Code Upgrade Coverage? Code Upgrade Coverage (also called “Ordinance or Law Coverage” or “Law and Ordinance Coverage”) is an optional insurance endorsement that pays for upgrades required by current building codes when you repair or replace your roof after covered damage. Without this coverage, you may have to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to … Read more

What Is Cosmetic Damage? Cosmetic damage refers to damage that affects only the appearance of your roof without compromising its ability to function properly as a weather barrier. This type of damage is purely aesthetic—it may look unsightly, but it doesn’t create leaks, reduce lifespan, or affect the roof’s protective capabilities. The distinction between cosmetic and … Read more

What Is Collateral Damage? Collateral damage refers to secondary or consequential damage that occurs as a direct result of the primary covered loss to your roof. When a storm or other covered event damages your roof, water infiltration, structural stress, or falling debris can cause additional damage to other parts of your property beyond the roof … Read more

What Is Coverage? Coverage refers to the protection your homeowner’s insurance policy provides for roof damage, repairs, or replacement resulting from covered perils. It defines what types of damage are protected, under what circumstances, and how much your insurance company will pay when you file a claim. Understanding your roof coverage is essential before damage occurs. … Read more

What Is an Insurance Adjuster? An adjuster is a licensed professional who investigates insurance claims to determine the extent of the insurance company’s liability. In roofing claims, adjusters assess damage to your property, review your policy coverage, and calculate what your insurance company should pay for repairs or replacement. Understanding the adjuster’s role—and the type of adjuster … Read more

What Is a Claimant? A claimant is the person or entity who files an insurance claim seeking compensation for covered damage. In roofing insurance claims, the claimant is typically the homeowner (the policyholder) who has experienced roof damage and is requesting that their insurance company fulfill the policy’s coverage obligations. As the claimant, you’re the party initiating … Read more

What Is a Declaration Page (Dec Page)? A Declaration Page (commonly called a “dec page”) is a summary document that outlines the essential details of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It lists your coverage amounts, deductibles, policy period, insured property, and premium costs—all condensed into typically 1-3 pages. Think of your dec page as your policy’s quick-reference guide. … Read more

What Is a Roofing Insurance Claim? A roofing insurance claim is a formal request submitted to your homeowner’s insurance company asking for coverage and compensation for roof damage caused by a covered peril. These perils typically include hail, wind, fire, falling objects, and other sudden, accidental events outlined in your insurance policy. Filing a claim initiates a … Read more

What Is Shingle Bruising? Shingle bruising is a type of impact damage that occurs when asphalt shingles are struck by hail, fallen tree branches, or other blunt objects. The impact compresses and fractures the underlying mat (fiberglass or organic) while the surface granules may remain intact, making the damage difficult to spot from ground level. Think … Read more

What Is a Claim? A claim is a formal request submitted to your insurance company asking for coverage and compensation for roof damage caused by a covered peril. When you file a claim, you’re invoking your insurance policy’s contractual obligation to pay for repairs or replacement of your damaged roof, up to your policy limits and subject … Read more