Today, most lenders require borrowers to obtain homeowners insurance before they approve loans. The majority of insurance policies include coverage for roofing systems. If your roof is damaged, you may be able to cover some of the repair or replacement costs with your insurance. When the damage occurs, you’ll be tasked with filing an insurance claim. This process can be time-consuming, which is why you should understand what it entails before you begin.
Roof Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Find out what your insurance policy covers before filing a claim. The amount of coverage you have access to depends on the cause of the damage as well as the policy’s terms. Insurance usually covers damage that’s caused by:
- Smoke
- Lightning
- Hail
- Falling objects
- Fire
- Vandalism or theft
- Weight of snow and ice
- High winds
Your insurer determines how the damage to your roof is fixed. If a section of your roof has sustained a significant amount of damage, it may be enough for your insurer to cover the entire cost of replacing the system. Even if a large portion of your roof is still in good shape, the structure’s lifespan could be compromised after a major storm.
Types of Damage That Aren’t Covered
Most policies don’t provide coverage for roof damage that’s caused by the following:
- Flooding
- Wear and tear
- Lack of maintenance
- Earthquakes
Insurance companies often sell separate policies that cover earthquakes and floods.
What to Expect When Filing an Insurance Claim
When you file a claim with your insurance company, the process shouldn’t be too complicated. To begin, call your insurance company to inform them that your roof has been damaged. Once you call them, the insurance company should send an adjuster to your property to thoroughly inspect the roof. If you’ve taken videos or photos of the damage, give copies to the adjuster. The things an adjuster looks for include missing shingles, signs of general wear, water damage, and the type of roof.
Your next step is to file the claim with your insurance company, which can be done by phone or online. You can also choose to meet directly with an insurance agent if you prefer a face-to-face conversation. If your claim is approved, you’ll be tasked with hiring a contractor to make the necessary repairs. You’ll pay the contractor with the money you receive from the claims check. Your insurance company may choose to deny your claim if the cause of the damage to your roof isn’t covered by your policy.
Additional Tips to Consider
Before you file an insurance claim, there are some things you can do to expedite the process and avoid a denial. First, perform a comprehensive review of your insurance policy. You should be able to prove that the damage to your roof was caused by a problem that’s covered by your policy. Find out if your insurance covers the actual cash value or replacement cost for your roof. The actual cash value is equal to the replacement cost minus any depreciation.
It’s also a good idea to obtain a repair estimate before an adjuster arrives. This person works for your insurance provider, which means that their estimate could be biased toward the company. If you have a written estimate from a professional roofing company, you can show this document to the adjuster.
Keep in mind that only the initial damage will be covered by your insurance. If additional damage takes place while you’re waiting for your roof to be fixed, your insurance may not pay for it. You can prevent further damage by placing a tarp over the impacted area.
Because of the high costs associated with repairing a roof, wait to have the structure fixed until your claim has been approved. To ensure the final decision is fair and accurately reflects the amount of damage that was done, the adjuster needs to complete this process before repairs are made.
If you need to obtain roof repair or replacement services for your Lenexa home, our team at HT Roofing & Construction has the experience required to work with any roofing materials. When you notice that your roof has been damaged, we’ll look at it to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Our inspection and repair services are effective at preventing water damage, sagging, and other common roofing problems.
Some of the additional services you can request from our team include exterior painting, window replacement, and gutter cleaning. Call us at HT Roofing & Construction today to learn what we can do for you.
