Filing a Home Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
Filing a home insurance claim for roofing damage is not as overwhelming as it may sound. Let us examine how you can prepare to make a home insurance claim for your roof damage.
Types of Roof Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance
The dwelling coverage portion of your homeowner’s insurance covers the home’s structure, including the roof. The types of roof damage that are covered by your insurance depends on your policy and the reasons your roof needs to be replaced or repaired. Many policies cover issues that are sudden or accidental and caused by events like fire, hail, wind or snow. After certain types of damage, home insurance may cover the cost, but for some homeowners you can’t count on your monthly payment to cover everything.
Insurance for partial damage
Depending on your coverage, your insurer may cover the cost to replace your entire roof even if it is only partially damages.
For example, if you have a asphalt shingle roof damaged by hail an insurance adjuster will come to your home to assess the damage. The adjuster would count the number of strikes that have occurred in a section of your roof and determine the impact on the lifespan of your roof. If significant damage has occurred, the adjuster will state that your roof needs to be completely replaced to prevent long term issues.
Insurance for matching issues
It may be possible that the original materials on your damaged roof are unavailable. If that is your case and you can’t match the original roof materials, insurance may have to replace the entire roof.
Wind and hail damage
Most home insurers have different coverage levels for wind and hail damage. If your roof is too old to qualify for replacement value coverage you can only buy actual cash value coverage for hail and wind damage that occurs to your roof. The insurance reimbursement that you receive is based on the depreciated value of your roof at the time of the damage. If your roof is new or in good shape you may be able to purchase roof replacement cost coverage. This type of coverage will pay out the full amount to get a new roof.
What is not covered
Since it is a homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their home, policies do not cover damage that is caused by lack of maintenance. Things like wear and tear or roof degradation will not be covered or paid for by insurance.
If you live in an area that is at risk of flooding or earthquakes, consider flood insurance or earthquake insurance. Homeowners insurance will not cover damage caused by floods or earthquakes.
Insurance Coverage Tips
Do you have a wood roof?
You may be paying more for your home insurance. If you have a wood roof Farmers Mutual Insurance CO. of Nebraska charges 25% more for dwelling coverage.
Do you have a metal roof?
Cosmetic damage from hail is most likely not covered.
Do you need to include hail damage coverage or wind coverage?
Depending on where you live, you may want to include insurance coverage for hail damage or wind damage. On the other hand and in the interest of saving money, if you live in a state that does not experience high wind or hail you may want to exclude that coverage in the interest of saving money.
Consider Your Deductible
Your deductible is amount you pay for repairs before your insurance company covers the rest of the cost. Some insurers have special deductibles for wind or hail damage from hurricanes.
Filing Your Claim - Best Practices
Understand your insurance policy.
When you need to file a roofing claim you should try your best to understand your policy coverage and details. For instance, if you experienced hail damage and want your roof to be replaced, first you should know if your coverage includes wind and/or hail damage.
Some of the more popular home insurance providers are Allstate, Safeco, Amica, Travelers, State Farm, USAA, Chubb, Nationwide, Farmers, AIG, Geico, and Liberty Mutual. Here are some best practices
Get estimate from a roofing contractor
Don’t rely on just the adjuster to determine the repair cost of the roof. Get a written estimate from a roofing contractor, if you can, get it on their company’s letterhead.
Keep a log of your communication
Sometimes specific details in insurance claims can be forgotten or overlooked. It is best practice keep a record of communication and paperwork between your insurance company, insurance adjuster, claim specialist and roofing company. If something goes wrong, you will be glad that you have a paper trail.
Other Things to Consider
When it is time to repair or replace your damaged roof, here are a few things to consider.
Consider a roof that provides an insurance discount.
Research materials that are more durable than your damaged roof. Your insurance company may be willing to offer you a discount for a durable and impact-resistant roofing product, You should be able to request a list of products from your insurer that provide insurance savings.
Upgrade your existing roof covering
Upgrading your existing roof covering has many benefits. Upgrading to a premium synthetic roofing material like CeDUR provides insurance savings and will increase the re-sale value, appearance, durability, and curb appeal of your home.
Beware of roofing scams
Scams are more prevalent after a storm, but some people still take advantage of vulnerable homeowners.
If a roofing contractor wants a large sum of money upfront, be wary.
Ensure proper licensing
Before you commit to a roofing company or sign paperwork it is wise to know if the company is properly insured. Some states do not require a roofing license, but you may want to choose a properly insured contractor that must meet professional standards,
Save Money - Upgrade to a Synthetic Roofing Material
Upgrading your existing roof covering to a synthetic roofing material has many benefits. A new synthetic composite roof will provide you with insurance savings, improved re-sale value, long-term durability, and instant curb appeal. To learn more about the benefits of installing a CeDUR synthetic roof click here.
If you have a wood roof that has experienced hail damage, it is important to understand that insurance companies are more and more leery of advising homeowners to install or repair their natural wood roof. If you live in a high fire danger zone a wood roof or asphalt shingle roof is more susceptible to fire damage. The installation of a synthetic roofing material like CeDUR, means extreme fire resistance and potential reductions in your Homeowner's insurance cost. CeDUR is listed on most major insurance companies premium credits product listing, including State Farm, and American Family Insurance, homeowners have the potential to receive up to 20% in insurance discounts.