Midwest Storm Damage in Wisconsin: What Homeowners Need to Know About Insurance Coverage

Recent wind and hail storms across Wisconsin have caused significant damage to homes—especially roofs. After these events, many homeowners are surprised to learn they don’t fully understand what their insurance actually covers.

Why Your Roof Matters Most

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against storms, which is why it’s often the most affected area. However, not all insurance policies treat roof damage the same as the rest of your home. In many cases, roof coverage is more limited or based on different terms.

Understanding RCV vs. ACV Coverage

One of the most important things to know is the type of coverage you have:

• RCV (Replacement Cost Value):

  
  

  This covers the full cost to replace your roof with a new one of similar quality, minus your deductible. It provides the most protection.

  
  

• ACV (Actual Cash Value):

  
  

  This factors in depreciation. If your roof is older, your payout may be significantly lower, leaving you to cover the difference out of pocket.

Many homeowners don’t realize they have ACV coverage until they file a claim.

Common Misconceptions

A big misunderstanding is assuming “full coverage” applies to everything equally. In reality, insurance policies often include specific endorsements or exclusions for roofs—especially as they age.

What You Should Do After a Storm

• Inspect your property (or have a professional do it safely)

• Look for missing shingles, dents, or granule loss

• Document any visible damage

• Contact your insurance company if damage is suspected

Why Education Matters

At GGG Exteriors, we believe homeowners should understand their options before a problem happens. Knowing your policy—especially your roof coverage—can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.