Dealing with roof damage is stressful enough navigating the insurance system on top of it shouldn't make things worse. Shingle Roofers is New Zealand's trusted roofing partner for homeowners who need professional support from the moment damage occurs right through to fully completed repairs. We have guided hundreds of Kiwi homeowners through storm damage claims, hail impact assessments, and EQCover processes, providing the documentation, quotes, and expert liaison that give your claim the best possible chance of success.
Whether your roof has been hit by a summer storm in Auckland, hail in Christchurch, or a falling tree in Waikato, our experienced team will inspect your property, prepare a comprehensive damage report, provide an insurer-ready written quote, and work directly with your loss adjuster or EQC assessor. We do not charge for the initial inspection our goal is to make sure you receive the full benefit of your home insurance policy.
In Plain English
If your roof is damaged by a sudden event storm, hail, fallen tree, or fire your home insurance should cover repair or replacement costs. Shingle Roofers provides the professional inspection report and quote your insurer needs. We also help you understand whether EQCover applies, and we liaise with your loss adjuster so you don't have to figure it out alone.
Can I Claim Roof Damage on My Home Insurance in NZ?
In most cases, yes. New Zealand home insurance policies are designed to cover sudden and unexpected damage and your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during severe weather events. If a storm tears off ridge capping, hail punctures your iron roofing, or a large branch crashes through your tiles, these are exactly the kinds of events that insurance exists to cover.
The important distinction that insurers draw is between sudden accidental damage and gradual deterioration or wear and tear. A leaking roof that has been deteriorating for years due to age, neglect, or poor maintenance will generally not be covered. However, a roof that was in reasonable condition and suffered damage as a direct result of a weather event or sudden incident will normally qualify for a claim.
To give your claim the best chance of success, it is critical to document the damage promptly, report it to your insurer in a timely manner, and have a licensed roofing professional provide an independent assessment. Shingle Roofers can help with all of these steps. Our inspection reports are detailed, photographic, and written specifically to meet the requirements of NZ insurers and loss adjusters.
It is always worth reviewing your policy wording before lodging a claim. Look for terms like "sudden and accidental damage," "natural event," or "weather damage" in your policy schedule. If you are unsure whether your damage qualifies, call Shingle Roofers first our free inspection will give you a clear picture before you commit to the claims process.
What Roof Damage Is Covered by NZ Insurance?
Typically Covered
- Storm and high wind damage
- Hail damage to roofing materials
- Fallen trees or branches
- Fire and smoke damage
- Lightning strike damage
- Earthquake damage (via EQCover)
- Flood damage (policy-dependent)
Typically Excluded
- General wear and tear
- Age-related deterioration
- Poor or lack of maintenance
- Pre-existing damage
- Defective workmanship (prior)
- Gradual water ingress
- Mould from long-term leaks
The line between covered and excluded damage is sometimes contested by insurers. This is why having a licensed roofing contractor provide an independent written assessment is so valuable it gives you expert documentation to support your position. Shingle Roofers has helped many homeowners successfully contest initial claim decisions by providing thorough inspection reports that clearly attributed damage to a specific weather event rather than pre-existing conditions.
Regular roof maintenance and annual inspections also strengthen your position when making a claim, because they demonstrate that the roof was properly cared for prior to the damaging event. Consider booking our annual roof inspection service to keep your roof in documented good condition year-round.
EQCover vs Private Insurance What's the Difference in NZ?
New Zealand has a unique two-tier system for covering property damage from natural disasters. Understanding how EQCover and your private home insurer interact is essential when making a claim for earthquake, storm, or flood-related roof damage.
EQCover (Earthquake Commission Cover) is a statutory scheme administered by the New Zealand government. When you hold a private home insurance policy, you automatically receive EQCover for your residential building. EQCover responds to damage caused by natural disasters including earthquake, natural landslip, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, and tsunami. As of 2024, EQCover covers residential building damage up to $300,000 (plus GST) per event.
For damage that exceeds the EQCover cap, or for events not covered by EQCover (such as storm or hail), your private insurer takes over. In practice, for a major earthquake event, EQC pays first up to the cap and your private insurer pays the balance above that cap. For non-EQC events like storms or fires, your private insurer handles the entire claim.
The interaction between these two systems can be confusing, especially when damage results from multiple causes for example, a storm that then leads to water ingress into a structurally compromised post-earthquake home. Shingle Roofers has experience navigating both EQC and private insurance claims and can help you determine the correct pathway for your specific situation. Learn more about EQCover directly at eqc.govt.nz.
Our free inspection report clearly identifies the cause and extent of damage, which is exactly what both EQC and private insurers require when assessing your claim. We work alongside assessors and adjusters to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Roof Insurance Claim in NZ
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1
Document the Damage Immediately
As soon as it is safe to do so, take photographs and video of all visible damage. Capture wide establishing shots as well as close-up detail shots. Note the date, time, and the weather event responsible. Do not undertake permanent repairs until your insurer has been notified temporary measures to prevent further damage are fine and often required, but major works should wait for insurer approval.
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2
Contact Your Insurer Promptly
Call your insurer as soon as possible after the damage event. Most policies have notification requirements delaying contact can jeopardise your claim. Have your policy number handy. The insurer will open a claim file and may arrange for a loss adjuster to visit your property.
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3
Book a Free Inspection with Shingle Roofers
Call us on 022 196 9021 or submit a quote request online. We will schedule a free roof inspection at your property. Our assessors produce a detailed written report with photographs, identifying all damage, its probable cause, and recommended remediation works. This report is formatted to meet insurer requirements.
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4
Obtain a Detailed Written Quote
Shingle Roofers will provide a fully itemised written quote for the recommended repairs or replacement. This quote is a critical document for your insurer. It clearly outlines labour, materials, disposal, and any associated costs so the insurer can assess the quantum of your claim accurately and fairly.
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5
Lodge Your Formal Claim
Submit all documentation your photographs, the Shingle Roofers inspection report, and our written quote to your insurer or EQC. We can deal directly with your loss adjuster to answer technical questions and provide supplementary information if needed. Our team is experienced in presenting roof damage claims in the format insurers expect.
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6
Approve and Complete Repairs
Once your claim is approved and the settlement is agreed, Shingle Roofers will schedule all repair or replacement work. We use quality materials, employ skilled tradespeople, and back our workmanship with a 12-month warranty. Our goal is to return your roof to full condition properly, permanently, and without cutting corners.
How Shingle Roofers Helps With Your Insurance Claim
Many homeowners don't realise how much professional support is available to them during the claims process. Shingle Roofers does far more than just fix roofs we are your advocate and technical expert throughout the entire insurance journey.
We attend your property, safely access the roof, and document all damage thoroughly.
Our reports include timestamped photography and written descriptions that meet insurer standards.
Itemised, professional quotes that give your insurer everything they need to assess your claim.
We communicate directly with your insurer's loss adjuster to answer technical questions on your behalf.
Once your claim is approved, we complete the agreed works to a high standard with a 12-month workmanship warranty.
Our team is fully licensed and insured, giving your insurer confidence in the quality of our assessments and repairs.
Our services cover all roof types and all residential and light commercial properties across Auckland, Northland, Tauranga, Waikato, and Christchurch. We are familiar with the requirements of all major NZ insurers including IAG, AA Insurance, Tower, AMI, State, and others. Whether you need a roof repair, a full roof replacement, asbestos removal, or gutter replacement following storm damage, we have the expertise to handle your claim end-to-end.
Will Making a Claim Affect My Premiums?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners who have experienced roof damage. The honest answer is: it depends on your specific policy and insurer, but making one legitimate claim for significant weather-related roof damage rarely results in policy cancellation or dramatic premium increases.
Some insurers offer a "no-claims bonus" or discount that reduces your premium each year you do not make a claim. Making a claim may reduce or remove this discount at renewal. However, the value of the repair or replacement work often far exceeds the premium difference especially for significant damage like a full roof replacement or major structural repair.
Before deciding whether to proceed with a claim, we recommend asking your insurer directly about the premium implications for your specific policy. You might also wish to obtain our written quote first, so you can weigh the repair cost against any likely premium change and make an informed decision.
In general, insurers in NZ expect homeowners to use their cover for legitimate weather-related damage. One well-documented claim from a licensed contractor is unlikely to mark you as a high-risk customer. The key is ensuring your claim is legitimate, well-documented, and supported by professional evidence which is exactly what Shingle Roofers provides.
What If My Insurance Claim Is Declined?
A declined or underpaid claim is frustrating, but it is not necessarily the end of the road. In New Zealand, you have several avenues available if you believe your insurer has handled your claim unfairly or incorrectly.
Step 1: Request an Internal Review. Every NZ insurer is required to have a formal complaints and internal dispute resolution process. Contact your insurer in writing, stating the reasons you believe the decision was incorrect, and request an internal review. Provide any additional documentation including a supplementary report from Shingle Roofers if relevant.
Step 2: Contact the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO). If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you can escalate to the IFSO scheme. The IFSO provides free, independent dispute resolution for insurance complaints. Most NZ insurers are members of the scheme. Visit ifso.nz to learn more about the process.
Step 3: Seek Independent Legal Advice. For high-value disputes, independent legal advice from a lawyer specialising in insurance law may be warranted. A well-documented case, supported by professional inspection reports and quotes from Shingle Roofers, puts you in the strongest possible position.
Shingle Roofers can prepare supplementary technical reports to support a dispute or review. If we assessed your roof and believe the damage is clearly attributable to a covered event, we are prepared to provide that expert opinion in writing. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Need Help With Your Roof Insurance Claim?
Shingle Roofers provides free inspections, professional damage reports, and full loss adjuster liaison across Auckland, Northland, Tauranga, Waikato, and Christchurch. We make the claims process simple.
Did You Know?
Under NZ's EQCover scheme, damage from sudden natural events (storms, earthquakes) is partly covered, with private insurance typically covering the balance Shingle Roofers helps you navigate both. Many homeowners who experience significant storm roof damage are entitled to claim through their private insurer and, in some cases, EQC simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions Roof Insurance Claims NZ
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