1. Is my roof damaged?
In many instances, roof damage is apparent, whether due to lifting, missing sections, or leaking inside your home. However, in other cases, the damage might not be visible and will require the careful eye of a trained roofing professional to identify.
This is where the expertise of a company like American Shield Roofing can prove invaluable. They do excellent work, deliver exceptional customer service and support, and are a trusted provider.
2. Does my homeowner’s insurance cover claims related to roof damage?
Homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover specific perils (i.e., causes of loss). Common examples include:
- Fire and smoke
- Lightning
- Windstorms
- Hail
- Explosion
- Vandalism and malicious mischief
- Damage from an aircraft, car, or vehicle
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Water
However, depending on the form on which your policy is written, your roof might be covered on an all-risk basis (i.e., it’s covered unless specifically excluded). Either way, your policy jacket will outline exclusions and other conditions, so make sure to reference it if you have any questions.
4. Is normal wear and tear covered under my homeowners insurance policy?
While normal wear and tear (i.e., the normal, gradual deterioration that happens over time) is a natural part of home ownership, most policies specifically exclude the peril from coverage. This is because insurance companies expect homeowners to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs on their homes and prevent any negligence that could cause property damage.
5. How do I file a homeowner’s insurance claim for my roof?
Following damage to your roof by a covered peril, it’s up to you to secure the area and prevent additional damage from occurring, such as tarping your roof to stop water infiltration.
Then, you’ll need to call your insurance company as soon as possible and let them know what occurred, the extent of the damage, and what caused it. The carrier will likely also provide some paperwork that you’ll need to complete in order to file a formal claim.
After filing a claim, meeting with contractors, and commencing work, make sure that you save all receipts and correspondence, which your assigned adjuster will need to finalize your claim.
6. Do I have a deductible for a roof insurance claim?
Most homeowner’s policies utilize deductibles, or a specific amount you must pay every time you make a claim. Common deductible amounts include $500, $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500.
For example, imagine that a lightning strike and subsequent fire cause $10,000 worth of damage to your roof. Your policy has a $2,500 deductible, which means that the insurance company would pay $7,500, and you’d be responsible for the remainder.
7. What type of materials does an insurance company approve for a roof claim?
Most homeowner’s policies contain provisions about “like kind and quality,” which means they’ll replace different aspects of your house with something as close to original as possible.
For example, suppose your previous asphalt shingles—or ceramic tiles, wood shake, cedar shingles, or metal panels—are no longer available. In that case, the insurance company will find a replacement that matches in performance as well as appearance.
The bottom line is that as long as your roof type isn’t excluded in your policy language, the insurance company will replace it with something at least similar in the event of a claim.
8. Can my insurance agent assist with a roof claim and help me find a roofing contractor?
If you think you need to file a claim, you should speak with your insurance carrier’s claims department as soon as possible. Every minute you wait could cost a meaningful amount of money.
With this said, the friendly, professional staff at IHS Insurance Group is available to answer questions about how your policy might respond to specific scenarios and whether or not you’re adequately insured. We love what we do!
Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Choose an Independent Medicare Insurance Agent or Broker
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