Updated December 3, 2020

Matching is one of the more difficult topics in insurance. When only part of the property is damaged—such as siding or a roof—and if the carrier cannot match the existing property, should the entire property be replaced in order to properly indemnify the insured, or is it acceptable for the carrier to simply repair the property and leave the roof or siding mismatched?

When replacement cost coverage is available, logic would dictate that "new for old" would apply and the entire item should be replaced; with mismatched siding, shingles, or other property, the value of the property is diminished. However, various courts have found for both options; some state the entire thing should be replaced, while others have found that repairs, even if they do not match, are acceptable.