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The price for a complete roof replacement depends on the size of your home and other factors, including the size of the roof, your location, and the roofing materials. However, this cost is usually too high for homeowners to bear, but homeowners insurance can help you cover the cost of some types of roof damage.
The main thing to note is that you can't always use insurance to cut down on costs. In this article, we'll take you through everything you should know about how you can deal with insurance claims for roof damage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
This is one of the most common questions people ask about homeowners insurance. Interestingly, a standard homeowners insurance policy can provide coverage for hail damage. This includes roof damages that are caused by hail. The covering provides the money you'll need to repair damages caused to your home, especially after weather-related issues like hail.
A key thing to note is that home insurance dwelling coverage usually covers hail damage. Still, there are a few exceptions, particularly in coastal regions where hail coverage does not include windstorms, nor do they have a wind or hail damage deductible.
Hail damage deductibles
In some states, home insurance companies can implement a particular deductible for hail and wind damages caused by hurricanes. Cases like this can cause the roofs to blow off during a storm, and this can cause you to have a higher deductible in the roof claim. The regular home insurance deductible will also apply if the damage is caused by fire.
Wind and hail insurance exclusions
Another thing to note is that home insurance companies usually have different levels of coverage for hail and wind damages compared to other damage causes. For instance, you might only be able to buy the actual cash value coverage for hail and wind damage in a case when your roof is old and can't qualify for replacement cost coverage.
In this case, the insurance reimbursement you get will be based on the depreciated value of your roofing system when the damage occurred. Basically, this will also include the materials and age of the roof. This will also mean you'll get less money than you need for the roof replacement.
Cosmetic roof damage
Cosmetic damage caused by hail on metal roofing systems may not be covered by insurance. With a wood roof, you'll pay more for the home insurance. You should always recognize that the insurance company will not give you an upgrade of what you had before the damage occurred.
Types of Roof Damage Covered by Insurance
The first thing to note is that the dwelling part of the homeowners' insurance covers house structures, including the roofing system. The type of damage the roof damage insurance will cover depends on the policy terms and why you'll need to replace or repair your roof. In general, the policy covers primarily accidental or sudden issues, particularly those caused by fire, hail, weight of snow, or wind.
Here's an overview of the types of roof damage that the insurance covers:
Insurance for partial roof damage
There are cases where the lifespan of a roofing system is reduced due to damage. In this case, the insurer may provide coverage for replacing the roof, even if the damage is only partial.
For instance, if you have asphalt shingles that get damaged due to hail strikes, the number of strikes on the damaged section may be counted, which can also determine how it will affect the roofing system's lifespan. If the strikes are enough, the lifespan will be significantly impacted, and you may need a replacement.
Insurance for matching roof material issues
If the materials needed to fix your roof are not available, the insurance company may provide a replacement for the entire roofing system. For instance, if you have a missing slate tile, they may change the whole roofing system to ensure the roofing materials match.
Other insurance exclusions for hail damage
It's your responsibility to ensure that your house is well maintained, which is why most insurance companies won't provide coverage for damages due to poor maintenance. Therefore, the insurance company will not pay for replacing your roof because it has exhausted its lifespan or getting a repair done due to wear and tear.
Poor maintenance often leads to more severe issues, especially after a storm. If you have an old or poorly maintained roofing system before the storm, you won't get a full reimbursement.
Tips for Filling a Roof Damage Insurance Claim
With everything above, here are some handy tips to help you fill a roof damage insurance claim:
Review the insurance policy
Reviewing and understanding your insurance policy is crucial before making any claims. It is essential to clearly understand your coverage, policy limits, deductibles, and any specific requirements or exclusions stated in the policy. You can easily navigate the claims process by carefully reviewing and understanding your insurance policy.
This knowledge ensures that every step you take towards making a claim is in the right direction, increasing the likelihood of a smooth and successful claim settlement. If you have any doubts or questions about your policy, you should seek clarification from your insurance provider or a professional insurance advisor.
Assess the damage
After reviewing the insurance policy and you fully understand it, the next thing you should do is assess the damage level. If you think your roof has been damaged after a storm, you might need to inspect your property to determine where the damage occurred and the level of damage. You must also know the damage's scope before filing a roof insurance claim.
Get a repair estimate
The next step is to get an estimate of the repair cost, which should be done concerning what you had before the damage occurred rather than what you want to change in your roofing system. You don't have to wait for the adjuster to ascertain the repair cost before you take action. Ensure that you also have a written copy of the estimate.
Be proactive
Time is vital, and you must act as fast as possible when dealing with a roof insurance claim. Delays can cause further damage due to different weather changes, and this is not what you want.
In addition to everything above, you also want to ensure you have a correspondence log about the insurance claim. These records will always come in handy for you, and you'll be glad you kept them.
You must also know what to do when your roof gets damaged. First, you want to ensure that you keep your house protected to avoid further damage. Insurance companies will likely boss you around, but you must ensure you don't let this happen.
Also, avoid getting multiple estimates because this will only cause the insurance company to choose the lowest one. Another vital thing you should do is consider opting for roof materials that offer insurance discounts.
Getting the Right Contractor
While you do everything above, the most important thing is to ensure you don't fall victim to roof repair scams. These scams usually increase after a large storm, and you must ensure you don't fall victim to them.
Some key things to watch out for include contractors insisting on a significant upfront payment. This is a red flag and a potential indication that you are about to fall victim to a roof repair scam.
Also, remember to check licensing, even though only some states require a roofing license. However, if you live in a region that requires these licenses, you must ensure that the contractor you hire has the correct license type.
So, by being cautious and following these handy tips, you can lower the risk of becoming a victim of roof repair scams. Remember, choosing a reputable and trustworthy roofing contractor ensures that your roofing project is carried out with professionalism, quality, and integrity.
