Before storm season, not after, pull out your policy's declarations page and check four things: your dwelling coverage amount, your deductible type (flat dollar or percentage), whether your roof is covered at Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value, and whether a separate wind/hail deductible applies. Each one changes what a storm claim actually looks like financially, and none of them are obvious from the premium you pay.

Start with the declarations page

The declarations page — usually the first page or two of your policy packet — summarizes the numbers that matter most: coverage amounts, deductibles, and policy period. It's the fastest way to find what's covered without reading the entire policy document.

Check your deductible type

Many Illinois policies now carry a separate wind/hail deductible, distinct from your standard deductible, and it's increasingly calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. On a $300,000 dwelling coverage, a 1% wind/hail deductible means $3,000 out of pocket before coverage kicks in — a meaningfully different number than a flat $1,000 deductible, and one that's easy to miss if you're only glancing at the premium.

Check whether your roof is covered at RCV or ACV

This is one of the most consequential details in the entire policy for an older roof. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays what it actually costs to replace your roof. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays that amount minus depreciation for the roof's age — which can leave a real gap between the payout and the actual cost of a new roof. Many insurers apply ACV specifically to roofs over a certain age, commonly around 10 years, even on a policy that's RCV for everything else. This is worth confirming directly rather than assuming.

Confirm your dwelling coverage amount is realistic

Dwelling coverage (often called Coverage A) should reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild your home today, not its market value or what you paid for it. Construction costs change, and a policy that hasn't been reviewed in a few years can be under-insured without anyone noticing until a major claim.

Look for additional living expense coverage

If storm damage makes your home temporarily unlivable, additional living expense (ALE) coverage helps with hotel or temporary housing costs. It's easy to overlook until you actually need it.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I review my policy?
Once a year is a reasonable baseline, and definitely before severe storm season ramps up in late spring — coverage amounts and deductible structures can change at renewal without always being obvious.

Who can help me actually understand my specific policy?
Your insurance agent is the direct source for policy-specific questions — they can walk through your declarations page and explain exactly what applies to your situation.

Does a roofing contractor need to see my policy before an inspection?
Not necessarily for the inspection itself, but having your policy's key details in mind is useful once you're discussing next steps after a storm.

Last updated: August 2026. This is general educational information, not insurance advice — review your specific policy or talk to your agent for details. If you're assessing storm damage, schedule a free AI drone roof inspection with RS Five for documentation to support a claim either way.