What kind of roof damage is covered by insurance?

If you’re a new homeowner, or even a longtime homeowner, you may not know the first thing about filing roof insurance claims, or any kind of claim as far as that goes.  In our piece today, we’re going to answer some questions about how to file an insurance claim for roof damage and all things related to roofing issues and problems.  Hopefully, we will provide you answers that can give you some understanding of the process, or at least provide you a way to question your insurance agent should you have roof leaks and insurance claims to file in the future. 

The majority of home insurance policies are standard with include coverage on the dwelling and other structures. The dwelling coverage assist the homeowner in costs of rebuilding or repairing their home  your home and all attached structures.  There are sixteen disasters that are referred to as perils that homeowner insurance will pay claims, including roof insurance claims: 

  • Accidental and sudden water discharge from the following: 
    • air conditioners
    • appliances
    • heating systems
    • sprinkler systems
  • Accidental and sudden bulging, burning, cracking, tearing resulting in destruction of the following: 
    • AC/ Heating systems
    • water heater
    • sprinkler systems
  • Aircrafts
  • Civil riots and unrest 
  • Explosions
  • Falling items or objects
  • Fire, lightning
  • Frozen AC or heating system
  • Frozen appliances, plumbing, and sprinkler systems
  • Hailstorms  and windstorms
  • Malicious vandalism
  • Power surges
  • Smoke
  • Theft
  • Vehicles
  • Erupting volcano
  • Weight from ice, sleet, snow

A homeowners policy stating that all perils are covered should be reviewed in detail with the fine print where exclusions are often listed that will throw any roof insurance claims out.  Those exclusions may include damage from any of the following: 

  • Earthquakes
  • Floods
  • Landslides
  • Mudslides
  • Nuclear accidents
  • Sinkholes
  • Wars 

How do I get my insurance to pay for a new roof?

 Nobody wants to deal with a damaged roof for a couple of reasons: 1). It isn’t fun. 2). It can be costly. 3). It means dealing with roof insurance claims with your homeowners’ insurance, which certainly isn’t fun and can be very frustrating. 

However, homeowner’s insurance is a resource that is there for you, and roof insurance claims is only one of the things they handle. To make your roof insurance claim smooth, we offer you the following tips that can help you get that roof insurance claim check: 

Review Your Policy

Review now before you have plumbing or roof insurance claims, or any type of claims. When you know and understand the terms of any given insurance policy, you have one step up in a possible battle. That doesn’t mean that your specific situation won’t be denied, but if you know this is possible going to battle, then the rest of these tips may be what helps you get that claim check. 

Get Damage Documented

Insurance companies typically find roof insurance claims to be more compelling when there are pictures and videos. Take pictures, date and time stamped, now before there any roof damage for reference point to compare to if and when you do have any roof insurance claims to file later on. In addition to pictures and videos, when you do have damage, document everything about the damage starting with the date and time frame and details of the damage. 

The Professional Inspection

Next to pictures, videos, and documentation, insurance companies regard professional estimates as valuable information. Even though they will do their own for all roof insurance claims with a staff insurance adjuster, furnishing them one yourself is more helpful documentation. A professional roofing contractor should be accustomed to working with roof insurance claims and know exactly what your homeowner’s insurance will require. Remember, this contractor  is on your side and will work the estimate to get you the best outcome so they can get the job. It will be helpful to have two to three roof inspections with written estimates to furnish  your insurance company. 

Your Roofs Age

Before you find yourself deep into the roof insurance claims process, you should have some idea the age of your roof. Even if your roof insurance claims  are approved, they payment issued will factor in the age of the roof and prorate the amount they pay. A roof that 10 years old or less will likely have full payment value. A roof over 10 years old, they are paying you a depreciated amount. 

What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?

Okay, you have all your pictures, videos, documentation, professional inspections with estimates, why is the insurance company sending somebody out to inspect the roof too? Well, they are the verge of having to pay you money and they want to make sure all roof insurance claims are based on legitimate needs. So, they send one of their own, an insurance adjuster, to inspect the roof. What are they looking for? 

  • Determine the roof’s age.
  • The installation of the existing roof.
  • Any broken, curled, or missing shingles.
  • UV damage.
  • Overhanging tree branch damage.
  • Loose or popped nails.
  • Basic wear and tear.

Can you keep insurance claims for roof?

What if you get a check for  insurance roof claims for hail damage, but you don’t see the damage so bad it needs repairing. You could use that money to pay up some bills or take a trip. Can a homeowner do that? Well, the check is made out to you, that makes it your money …. Unless your mortgage company is listed on the check too.  Yes, that means both parties would have to sign the check for it be cashed or deposited. If there is any clause within your mortgage, you’ll have to get the repairs done. 

Does insurance pay for replacing old roof?

For roof insurance claims caused by perils we listed earlier, most homeowner’s insurance policies will pay for roof replacement. If roof insurance claims is for damage as the result of age, normal wear and tear, or homeowner’s neglect, then no, your claim will be denied. 

Any type of claims, especially roof insurance claims, can be tricky if you don’t understand what is in your homeowner’s insurance policy.  Review this documentation a couple of times each year and if you’re in doubt with any part of it, ask your insurance agent to explain it to you and advise you if there are changes you can make that will better benefit you with roof insurance claims or any other claims. Need help with your roof insurance claim in Chambersburg, PA? Call 717-267-0059 today.