It is not pleasant to consider the possibility that your home may be destroyed in a matter of minutes. After all, it represents one of your most significant assets! Having your roof replaced by insurance if, for example, a tree falls on it would give you peace of mind.
Make sure you are protected in case of a disaster. Thus, get insurance, whether it be for theft, an accident, or extreme weather.
If you’re wondering, will my homeowners insurance pay for a new roof after suffering storm damage, Watkins is here to help.
Do Roof Replacement Costs Fall Under the Coverage of Homeowners Insurance?
Typically, homeowner’s insurance covers the cost of a roof replacement because of lightning or snowfall. But most insurance plans do not cover the usual roof repair or replacement costs.
There is no universal rule for determining whether an insurance company would pay for a new roof in the event of damage.
Did your roof withstand considerable damage and require extensive repairs or possibly replacement? Your homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for those costs. Roofing damage from events beyond the homeowner’s control -like a fire or vandalism- also falls under this category.
Likewise, as Allstate states, hurricanes and tornadoes are examples of extreme weather that often insurance policies cover.
Insurance companies do not like paying out significant amounts on claims. Besides, they especially dislike having many claims in the same location. But, likely, many homes may suffer damage or even destruction when a storm brings hail and high winds through a region.
Does Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Did an event covered by your policy cause the roof to leak? Did the damage was suddenly? If your answers are “yes” your homeowner’s insurance will probably pay for the repairs.
Instead, insurance providers frequently reject claims, including damage accumulated over time.
The homeowner may believe the leak started suddenly. Meanwhile, the claims inspector may believe the homeowner’s lack of maintenance caused the issue.
In the event of a severe blizzard, a homeowner may claim because their roof has collapsed. If the inspector determines the roof collapsed because of years of snow accumulation, then coverage might be refused.
Therefore, review your policy to refresh your memory on what is and is not covered. By doing so, you will avoid nasty surprises that might make a bad situation even worse.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a New Roof If It Is Only a Maintenance Issue?
Unfortunately, “no” is a typical response.
Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover all roofing needs. There are many additional variables involved.
For instance, if your roof is over 20 years old, your insurer may refuse to pay for any repairs. Also, it may only pay a percentage of the cost if you opt to replace the roof.
Insurance Coverage Restrictions for Roofs
Investopedia lists faulty maintenance, neglect, and old age as potential policy exclusions.
Have not you carried out routine maintenance on your roof? Did you attempt repairs yourself instead of hiring a professional? In these cases, the insurance company may deny your insurance claim.
Other factors may also influence an insurer’s decision on whether to pay for roof damage:
- The age of the roof,
- The number of layers of roofing material
- The cost of the materials,
- The location of the house.
Has a Storm Recently Struck Your Area?
If you need a new roof, we will coordinate with your insurance carrier to make the process as easy and stress-free for you as possible. Get some rest by getting in touch with reliable roofers.
Watkins Construction and Roofing can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.
