The good news is that a typical all-peril homeowner’s insurance policy covers a roof repair, provided it satisfies the eligibility criteria.
Usually, the coverage is granted only if the roof is damaged due to accidents or an act of nature. In case the deterioration ensues from negligence, regular wear and tear, or exceeding lifespan, you will not be entitled to any reimbursement. These instances fall under general maintenance, and the insurance company isn’t liable to pay for the same.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROOF COVERAGE
The roof is an indispensable component of every house. But, it’s also undeniably one of the most directly affected parts of the entire structure.
Homeowners have been through nightmares of problems, including ice storms, snow, tornadoes, and hurricane-forced winds, etc. Not just direct damage, natural disasters also trigger a string of consequent adversities. A fierce windstorm might knock down a tree onto the roof or blow off the shingles. There can be wildfires, debris from explosions, and much more.
So the homeowner’s policy ideally protects you from such dangers. These unfortunate and uncontrollable events qualify you for a partial or total roof replacement.
Getting your claim approved by the company can be a bit challenging. But knowledge is your power – you shouldn’t let the company inform you about what’s covered and what’s not. Get the copy of your policy and read through all the clauses to know how our coverage works.
Often, roofs that are more than 20 years old have limited coverage. These may be insured for their actual cash value and not replacement value. Each fine print of the policy mentions such details – you just have to pay attention to your policy’s framework. You also have to pay a high deductible, especially if you’re in a high-risk region before the coverage kicks in.
For instance, if you wish to protect your property in circumstances where hailstorms or hurricanes mostly strike your region, you may have to separately purchase a windstorm policy for extra protection in addition to the homeowner’s policy.
Types of Coverage
Most often, you get two of these options:
Repair Coverage: Based on the roof’s age and material, you’ll get a percentage of the replacement costs.
Replacement Coverage: These are common, cost more, and totally replace the tattered and damaged roof with a new one.
We suggest you maintain a good relationship with your insurance agent and question them if you don’t understand the terms and conditions of your policy. Also, when it comes to filing insurance claims for a new roof, contact a reputed and experienced contractor for discussing your issue and getting fair estimates.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
If a drastic event causes the roof to collapse, produce a significant hole, or tear off entirely, the insurance company is likely to pay for the damages. However, instances where the destruction is less intense, the coverage may be inadequate or even denied.
For example, a devastating thunderstorm chips off just a bunch of shingles. Or heavy rains after the storm makes the roof leaky. The company would deny the claim classifying the problem as cosmetic damage or gradual deterioration resulting from normal wear and tear – both of which aren’t covered in the policy. No matter if it’s an act of nature, getting the claim will get complicated.
On the contrary, if the leaking roof leads to water damage, such as affecting the walls, furniture, or floor, you might be covered within your policy. However, the roof repair itself would still not be considered.
REIMBURSEMENTS
In case of roof-related damages, age isn’t just a number – it’s the deciding factor of whether or not your claim will be passed. Unless you’ve used durable and long-lasting materials, the life of your roof will depreciate every year. Companies also do not cover roofs that are over a quarter-century worn. Other possible exclusions comprise of:
- Improper installation
- Faulty material
- Multiple layering
- Negligence
- Poor maintenance
- Inappropriate attic ventilation
Most roof-related claims are confusing, and it requires a lot of back-and-forth between the insurance company and the roofing contractor. 911 Exteriors Roofing & Fence has years of experience to help you negotiate and get your new roof right within your means. So to give yourself a fair chance, adopt a practical approach:
Assess The Damage
Before starting the process, self-assess the amount of damage that’s occurred. The aftermath of an unfortunate accident may also leave the area very unsafe, so you can always call a professional to inspect the area. Assessing the situation will reasonably help you justify the insurance claim.
Gather All Documents
If the damage is significant, gather all proofs. Get a copy of your policy, inspection report, repair receipt (if any), and before-after photograph. Having images is always useful in strengthening your case file as these can visibly document the area that’s been compromised. Your roofing contractor can help you take photos from both inside and outside as they’re experienced even in gauging the hidden spots that might cause problems at a later stage. Also, pull out any pictures that show what the roof or the property looked like before the damage.
Get Estimates From Your Roofing Contractor
Now that you’re halfway through, it’s time to know what you’re going to be asking for. Request your roofing contractor to list a detailed estimate which you can use while filing your claim. Make sure you have well-written explanations of what needs to be done to fix the damage and its expected costs.
File Your Claim
Finally, coming to the final step – filing your roof repair/ replacement claim. If you understand that a violent storm has caused significant damage to your roof and you have all the supporting documents, ask your insurance agent to help you file the claim. They can better assist you with further procedures. Moreover, the insurance adjuster is the person you must be looking out for. They’re responsible for getting you the claim, so you don’t have to pay for the services right out of your pocket.
NEED RELIABLE ROOFING EXPERTS IN DALLAS? CONTACT 911 EXTERIORS!
Now that you understand how home insurance covers your roofing needs, contact your local agent to build your case. If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced, and reputable roofing contractor, get in touch with us.
With over 30 years of industry experience, we’re well-equipped to accommodate both commercial and residential roofing needs in Dallas and around. You can also make use of our claim assistance expertise.
Call 911 Exteriors Roofing & Fence experts at 972-243-6700 to know how we can help you with your roofing and claim requirements. You can also drop in your queries via email for additional support, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
