Summary: In most cases, your home owner’s insurance will pay for your roofing repair, but there are some key exceptions that you need to be aware of. Read on to learn more.
Did you know that roof damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file insurance claims? Whether it’s from heavy storms, falling debris, or age-related wear and tear, roofing issues account for a significant portion of property-related problems.
For many, the stress of dealing with unexpected roof repairs is only matched by the uncertainty of whether their insurance will cover the costs.
In this guide, we’ll help you determine whether your house insurance pays for your roofing repair.
Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Pay For Roof Repairs?
Let’s get to the good news right away. Â
A standard “all-perils” homeowners insurance policy typically includes coverage for roof damage.
However, it’s important to note that this type of policy usually only includes roof damage caused by accidents or nature. Your insurance does not usually cover wear and tear.
What is Covered Under Homeowner’s Insurance?
Roofing damage is typically covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy as long as it was caused by one of the following named perils:
- Fire or lightning
- Windstorm or hail
- Explosion
- Riot or civil commotion
- Aircraft
- Vehicles
- Smoke
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Volcanic eruption
- Falling object
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Accidental water overflow or steam
- Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning, or bulging of certain household systems
- Freezing
- Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current
If your roofing issue falls into one of these categories, you can usually rest assured that your insurance will cover the damages. However, it’s always important to review the specific details and limitations of your policy to ensure complete coverage.
Notice that there are a few categories not mentioned in the above list, such as floods and earthquakes. In these instances, you’ll need to purchase additional insurance for coverage, or seek specific types of policies that cater to these events.
Need a roof inspection? We would love to help you out. Give us a call today
When Does Homeowner’s Insurance Not Cover Roof Repair?
Now for the bad news.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover roof damage that is the result of age-related wear and tear.
This means that if your roof is deteriorating due to regular use and aging, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover the repair costs.
So, for example, if you have a roof leak as a result of normal roof aging, your insurance policy may NOT cover that situation. Another example:Â if your roof collapses due to old age, your insurance policy may NOT cover that situation either.
Is Cosmetic Damage To a Roof Covered By Home Insurance?
In some cases, cosmetic damage to your roof may also not be covered by homeowner’s insurance. For example, say that a storm knocks a few shingles off your roof. While this may not cause any significant damage, it can certainly decrease the aesthetic appeal of your home. In these cases, insurance companies may deem the repairs as “cosmetic” and therefore not covered by your policy.
However, if the cosmetic damage affects the structural integrity of your roof or leads to further damages, it may be eligible for coverage under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
With a free roof inspection, we can tell you exactly how much damage has been done to your roof. Give us a call today.
How To Know Whether Your Roof Is Covered
So how can you know for sure whether your roof is covered by insurance? Consult your homeowner’s insurance policy. Look for any specific exclusions or limitations related to roof damage.
Another important factor in determining coverage is the cause of the damage. If it is a sudden and accidental event, as listed above, then there is a higher chance that your insurance will cover the damages. However, if the issue is due to lack of proper maintenance or neglect, it may not be covered by your policy.
It’s also crucial to regularly review and update your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate coverage for potential roof repairs or replacements.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value
When it comes to determining the amount of coverage for roof damage, insurance companies will typically offer two options: actual cash value and replacement cost value. Actual cash value takes into account the depreciation and age of your roof, meaning you may only receive a portion of the cost to repair or replace your roof.
On the other hand, replacement cost value does not factor in depreciation and provides coverage for the full cost of repairing or replacing your roof. This option typically has a higher premium but can provide more comprehensive coverage.
What Should You Do When Your Roof Is Damaged?
If your roof has sustained damage, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure efficient processing of your insurance claim.
Document The Damage
Before making any repairs, be sure to document the damage with photographs, videos, and notes. This will serve as evidence for your insurance claim and can help ensure that you receive proper coverage for the damage.
Remember, most insurance companies only pay for roof damage that has been caused by one of the perils listed above. It’s really important that you have clear evidence of how the damage has happened so that you can prove that it was indeed caused by one of the listed perils.
It’s also important to have an experienced roofing company take a look at the damage to give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair or replace your roof. This can guide you as you negotiate with the insurance company for your settlement amount.
At M&M Roofing, we provide free roof inspections after storms. M&M Roofing’s emergency roof repair services include sending a trained roofing professional to your house who will assess the damage, develop a plan for repairs, and ensure that your roof can withstand future severe weather.
Call us today to get a free roof inspection!
File An Insurance Claim
Big question: how do you get insurance to pay for the roof replacement?Â
Once you have documented the damage, contact your insurance company and file a claim. Be sure to have all of the necessary information ready, including policy number, date of damage, and documentation of the damage.
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine coverage for the repairs or replacement. It’s important to review any estimates provided by your insurance company with your roofing contractor to ensure accuracy and proper coverage.
Proceed With Repairs
Once the claim has been settled, you can proceed with getting your roof repaired or replaced. Be sure to work with a reputable and experienced roofing company that is licensed and insured. This will ensure that the repairs are done properly and to code.
Throughout the repair process, be sure to document everything and communicate regularly with your insurance company. This will help ensure that any additional damage discovered during the repair process is also covered by your insurance policy.
Conclusion
The good news is that your house insurance will cover roof damage that has been caused by one of the items listed in your insurance policy. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully navigate filing a claim and getting your roof repaired or replaced.
At M&M Roofing, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with roof insurance claims. That’s why we offer our expertise and assistance throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free inspection and let us help you get your roof back in top shape. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Act now to protect your home and ensure its longevity
