Key Takeaways:

  • Most insurance policies usually don’t cover weathering or cosmetic roof damage.
  • Insurance policies tend to cover damage caused by acts of God, like storms, falling trees, or gales.
  • Check with your house insurance company to see what your policy specifically covers.
  • Never delay relaying storm-caused roof damage to your insurance company so they can have it inspected & reimburse you.
  • For better reimbursement, an insurance resolution service can help you file a claim or appeal a denied claim.

House insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection against risks to property, such as fire, theft, or storm damage. It can also cover the contents of your home and liability arising from accidents in or around it. One common question about house insurance is whether they can claim a new roof if their current one needs replacing. This post will explore this topic in detail.

What Should You Know About Roof Coverage?

Most standard house insurance policies will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your roof if it is damaged by fire, gales, hail, or other covered perils. However, there are some noteworthy things to remember regarding roof coverage.

  • Remember that most insurance policies have a clause that excludes damage caused by "wear and tear." If your old roof must be replaced due to normal wear and tear, your insurance policy is unlikely to cover the cost of a new roof. However, your policy should cover the cost if your roof is damaged by a severe storm or another covered event.

 

  • Your insurance company will also consider your roof's age when considering a claim. Suppose your roof is 20 years old and starting to show its age. In that case, your insurer may only approve a partial replacement or repair instead of a full replacement. But if your roof is only five years old and was damaged by a severe storm, you're more likely to get a full replacement.

 

  • Most insurance policies have a dwelling limit, the maximum amount the policy will pay for repairs or replacement of your home. The dwelling limit is typically a percentage of the coverage on the policy, so it's important to ensure you have enough coverage to protect your home in the event of a major disaster.

 

  • Most policies have a deductible. The deductible is typically a set dollar amount, and it's important to know your policy's deductible so you can budget for it in a roofing emergency.

If you're unsure whether your policy will cover the cost of a new roof, contact your insurance agent or company and ask. They'll review your policy and let you know what coverage you can expect if you need to file a claim. In most cases, you'll need to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof and provide an estimate of the repair or replacement costs before your insurance company approves a claim.

Cosmetic Roof Damage vs. Dramatic Severe Damage

There's a big difference between needing a new roof because of cosmetic damage and needing a new roof because of severe damage. Cosmetic damage, such as missing or curling shingles, can usually be repaired without replacing the entire roof. However, don't expect your insurance company to cover the cost of cosmetic damage. Since cosmetic damage is usually caused by normal wear and tear, most house insurance policies don't cover it.

Dramatic, severe roof damage is a different story. Suppose your roof has been damaged by a tree, hail, wind, or another type of covered peril. In that case, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of repairs or replacement up to your policy limits.

Most house insurance policies have a maximum payout for any one claim. So even if you have severe damage and need a new roof, your insurer may only pay out up to the policy limit.

What to Do After Roof Damage?

The process can be intricate, so it's necessary to understand what your policy covers and what to expect. Your insurer should help you with this, but you can also find information online or by talking to an experienced insurance agent.

If your roof is severely damaged, the first step is to contact your insurance company. An adjuster from the insurance agency will come and inspect the damage. They'll also review your policy to ensure that the damage is covered. If it is, they'll work with you to start the claims process.

If approved, they will pay for the cost of the new roof minus your deductible. Sometimes, they may also cover the cost of temporary repairs until the new roof is installed.

You also have a responsibility to your insurance company. They're trusting you to make a claim in good faith, and if they find out you've lied or exaggerated the damage, they could deny your claim or cancel your policy altogether. So be honest from the start, and be prepared to provide documentation to support your claim.

If the damage is done due to poor maintenance, you likely won't be able to file a claim. And, even if the damage is covered, there may be limits on how much the insurance company will pay. So check your policy documents before filing a claim.

Check out our blog about five reasons you can't afford to delay roof leak repair.

Work with an Insurance Resolution Service

If unsure whether or not you can file a claim, or if you've already filed a claim that was denied, you may want to work with an insurance resolution service. These services help policyholders resolve disputes with their insurance companies. They can often help you get the coverage you rightly deserve.

An insurance resolution service can help you:

  • Understand your policy
  • File a claim
  • Appeal a denied claim
  • Negotiate with your insurance company

If you're having trouble getting your insurance company to pay for damage to your home, working with an insurance resolution service may be the best way to get the coverage you need. City Roofing, serving Miami, FL, is a roofing contractor specializing in insurance resolution services. We have experienced professionals familiar with insurance claims and can help you get the most out of your claim. We'll work with your insurance company to ensure that your roof is repaired or replaced correctly and that you receive the full coverage you deserve.

Let City Roofing handle your insurance claim so that you can focus on what's important - your family and your home.