Did your roof sustain damage from a storm or other disaster? Homeowners insurance policies can cover roof damage, depending on the cause. This coverage can help you with the cost of repairs or even roof replacement if you are eligible.
How Homeowners Insurance Works for Roof Damage
The dwelling coverage in your home insurance policy protects your home’s structure, which includes the roof, from a range of different causes of damage. Homeowners insurance commonly covers perils or damages caused by unexpected incidents or extreme weather conditions like high winds or heavy snow, hail, or torrential rain. But keep in mind that the policy won’t cover roof damage That’s a result of a lack of proper maintenance on the homeowner’s part, such as keeping the gutters clean of debris- or replacing an aging roof. The estimated lifespan of a new roof is 30 to 50 years, depending on the original roofing materials used. Also, it’s important to note that you will still have to pay a deductible before the coverage assists you in paying for roof repair.
Different Kinds of Roof Damage Homeowners Insurance Covers
Most insurance companies will list the different types of roof damage they cover as well as the causes. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage that is sudden, accidental, or caused by certain weather events. Here are a few examples.
Fire
Homeowners insurance policies cover accidental fires. If you find your home going up in flames due to forgetting to turn the stove off or anything similar, your home and your roof will be covered. The only time your policy won’t cover fire damage is when you deliberately start it.
Severe Weather Conditions
High winds, storms, hail, or other severe weather events are typically covered by homeowners insurance. These conditions can cause serious damage, but with your insurance policy, your storm damage roof repair can be covered. However, some insurance policies exclude windstorms and hail in areas prone to them.
Falling Objects
Falling objects, such as a tree falling onto your roof and damaging it, may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. The reason behind the tree falling will determine whether your claim is approved or denied.
Filling a Homeowners Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
If your roof is damaged by fire, windstorms, or other covered perils, you will need to file a claim to receive insurance-covered roof repair or replacement. Here are a few steps you need to take when filling a claim:
- Review your insurance policy: Understand your policy and ensure you know the type of damage and situations it covers.
- Assess the damage: Safely inspect your roof after the storm has cleared to fully understand the extent of the damage. You will want to take pictures and videos of the damage and note certain details to submit as proof.
- Get an estimate: Hire a professional roofing contractor to conduct a thorough roof inspection of the damage and give you a written estimate of the repairs or replacement.
- Contact the insurance provider: Get in touch with the insurance provider and submit the claim with all the proof of damage immediately.
Contact Us for Expert Roofing Solutions
At Rhode Island Roofing, we offer a wide range of quality roofing services, and we can help you file a claim to get your roof replacement covered through your insurance.
Contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.