A deteriorating roof is a common source of damage for homeowners. Unless the roof is 20 years old or more, most homeowners insurance policies will not cover the repair of this damage. For this reason, it is essential to retain records of repairs made and photos from inspections to help your insurance claim be approved. As roofs receive the most exposure to the elements, they are especially susceptible to damage from hail and heavy snow. In northern climates, ice storms are common, while tropical climates may experience hurricane-force winds.
Limitations to roof damage insurance claims
While it is easy to assume that your home insurance policy will cover damage caused by storms, hail storms, and even natural disasters, some policies actually have limitations. These exclusions apply to situations such as leaking roofs, roof damage caused by sudden accidents, and roof damage caused by acts of nature. However, many insurance companies have policies that will cover these situations. Read on to learn about limitations in your policy.
The first thing to keep in mind is the policy deductibles for wind and hail. In many cases, this is equivalent to one percent of the value of the home. However, in coastal states, the deductible is a separate amount for damage caused by hurricanes. For these types of claims, the deductible will vary from state to state. In some states, wind and hail damage will be covered under your standard deductible, but in other states, the deductible will be much higher.
Documentation required
Filing an insurance claim for roof damage can be a tricky process. You may not know where to start or where to find the right information. The best way to begin is by taking before and after photos of the roof damage. Also, be sure to take pictures of any invoices, bills, or estimates related to the damage. In addition, you may want to get a copy of your insurance policy to submit with your claim.
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, you can begin preparing your insurance claim. Review your policy and prepare any additional information you may need. It’s also a good idea to inspect your home’s exterior for any damage to windows, doors, siding, or gutters. If necessary, hire a professional to inspect the damage. If you’re not sure how to assess the extent of the damage, it’s best to consult an attorney to determine if your claim is valid.
Filing a claim
After a storm has caused damage to the roof, homeowners should contact their insurance company to file a claim. They should prepare all relevant paperwork and gather any additional evidence. Taking photos of the damage and filling out a detailed report are helpful when filing a claim. The date of the storm should also be noted. If possible, you should also document the interior damage caused by the storm. During this process, you may also receive help from a professional.
Keeping records of communications is crucial when filing a roof damage insurance claim. If the homeowner makes a mistake, the process could become more complex than it appears. For instance, an insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage and offer a settlement amount to pay for repairs. However, many policies include a clause that may limit your ability to file a claim if further damage has already occurred. If you suspect that you are not being paid for repairs, speak to a property insurance lawyer about your policy to make sure that you are being treated fairly.
Dealing with a denied claim
You’re facing a denied roof damage insurance claim, but don’t lose hope. Here are a few tips to get your claim approved and your roof back to its original state. First, gather evidence that supports your claim, and document it. Then, take your appeal to a second Insurance Adjuster and eventually to the Claims Manager. If all else fails, consider hiring a lawyer. Remember: your insurance policy may provide you with an appeals process, so you’d be better off hiring a legal professional.
Another common reason for a denied roof damage insurance claim is that the repairs cost less than or greater than your deductible. For example, a $1,000 deductible does not cover repairs worth $100 over that amount. If the cost is below the deductible, the insurance company might consider it a ‘wear and tear’ issue, which would mean you’ll be unable to get the full amount covered. However, this is not the case with every insurer.
