Will Insurance Pay For A New Roof

When Should I Upgrade My Roof

Depending on your roofs materials, you should replace your roof every 12 to 25 years. Most homeowners have asphalt shingles, which should be replaced every 15 to 30 years. If you live somewhere on the coast where you see lots of hurricanes or tropical storms, or more inland and experience a lot of hail or wind, you may need to replace before the 30-year mark.

A good rule of thumb is to have your roof inspected yearly to stay on top of minor repairs before they grow into even bigger ones.

How Do I Get My Insurance To Pay For A New Roof

When your roofs been damaged after a storm has passed through your area, if the damage is severe enough, you might have to get your roof replacement. This can be an expensive proposition because new roofs can cost as much as or more than a new car. When you file a roof insurance claim, youll want to make sure everything is in order so they will cover the full cost of a new roof. Make sure you follow these steps:

• Know exactly what your policy covers. Read over your policy so youll understand everything thats covered.
• Before you contact your insurance company, document all the damage. This means getting an estimate from a reputable roofer, but you also want to supplement your documentation as much as possible. For instance, after a hailstorm, if you can, take photos of the hailstones.
• Research roofers and hire a reputable company like Colony Roofers. Reputable companies will be licensed and insured and will consistently get good reviews from past customers and from trade organizations or groups like the Better Business Bureau.
• Make sure you follow all your insurers procedures to file a claim and the procedures to take to file an appeal if the claim is denied.

Age Of Roof And Insurance

When it comes to roof coverage, age is a big factor, and time is not really on its side. During a home inspection, insurance adjusters make a special note of your roofâs age and quality. If you indicate that your roof is over 20 years old in your application or at renewal, most insurance companies will require it to pass an inspection. Other insurers simply wonât write new policies for homes with 15 to 20-year-old roofing, and if they do, theyâll specify that itâs only covered at its actual cash value.

Replacing a roof is expensive, but you may not have much of a choice if your roof is older â doing nothing could make it difficult to insure your home.

You May Like: How Much For Shingle Roof

When Will Insurance Pay For A New Roof On Your House

May 13, 2021

If its time for a new roof, you may be cringing at the thought of receiving the bill that might come along with it. Replacing a roof can be expensive, but its certainly not something you want to skimp on or neglect altogether. Your roof makes your home more energy-efficient and is key in protecting your home from rain, snow, wind, falling debris, and more.

Fortunately, if youre wondering how to pay for a new roof or install a ridge vent, youll be glad to hear that sometimes insurance will give you much-needed relief and cover the cost of roof replacement.

But when will insurance pay for a new roof? And how do you go about getting that kind of coverage? Check out our guide below for answers to all of your insurance and roof replacement questions.

Tips For Filing A Roofing Insurance Claim

To begin the process, call your insurance company so that they can inspect your roof to determine if damage has occurred. They can then give you an estimate for your roof insurance claim.

Be sure to gather up as many documents as you can before you call your insurance company.

A copy of your current home insurance policy, any home inspection reports, receipts for any roof work youve done and before-and-after photos of any damage that has occurred are all helpful in easing the claims process.

Read Also: Trailer Roof Repair Cost

Get A Roof Inspection

Before your insurance company approves your claim, they will want to see an inspection report and an estimate for the repair or replacement. A professional roofing company can inspect the roof and provide details for the insurance company.

Your homeowners insurance company might not pay for your roof insurance claim without an inspection from a roofing contractor. So, the out-of-pocket expense for the inspection might actually save money in the long run.

Get A Professional Opinion

In fact, one of the best pieces of documentation can come from a professional roofer. An inspection will get a professional assessment of the roof, and that can clearly determine that the roof needs attention.

You can certainly look around for free roofing consultations, but if youre in contact with your insurance company, theres a good chance that theyll set up an inspection. Even though theyd prefer to not have to pay you to fix the roof, theyd rather deal with that smaller claim than the huge one that occurs if the roof fails. Your insurance company isnt really an adversary in this venture they just come with a lot of bureaucracy. A professional statement can help you get through a lot of it.

Read Also: Extending Roof Overhang Cost

Signs You Need To Repair Or Replace Your Roof

No roof will last forever. Being vigilant and monitoring your roof, however, can help you spot signs of deterioration before they become a serious issue. Some signs to watch for include:

• Worn, broken, buckled, or missing shingles

• Finding granules from your shingles in your gutters

• Water damage in your attic

• Cracks in your flashing

Ideally, you should inspect your roof every spring. If you notice any of these issues, you should have them addressed right away. In some cases, you may be able to get away with repairs, rather than needing a full replacement.

Will Insurance Pay For A New Roof

• View Larger Image

When your Maple Grove or Delano area home has been damaged by a storm or hail, one of the first things on your mind may be, Is insurance going to pay for this? Thats quite literally the $20,000 question. And, its not so easy to answer and it can take time to evaluate your roof, get the claim started, and get some real answers for you to mull over. However, knowledge is power as is said. So, we at Welter Construction have put together a little information you hopefully wont need to use, but if you do it could come in handy.

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR MY NEW ROOF?

So, you pay your homeowners insurance premiums every year, and now you suddenly need it due to storm damage. Generally speaking, most insurance policies do cover roof replacements and roof repairs when the damage to the roof was caused by something outside the homeowners control. That includes damage caused by hail, rain, wind, and other natural occurrences. These are unpreventable disasters. Vandalism may be covered as well.

In fact, the entire exterior of your home, such as the gutter system, siding, windows, and doors, are probably covered under the same policy. The amount of coverage, exclusions, and deductible is up to your insurance company, which depends on a number of factors:

INCREASE YOUR COVERAGE CHANCES

FILING A CLAIM

Recommended Reading: How To Get Roofing Leads Without Door Knocking

Whats The General Lifespan Of Your Roof Type

A roof that exceeds its expected lifespan can lose its eligibility for reimbursement. If your roof is around 15 years old, youre definitely approaching the cutoff depending on your roof type.

So the first question is, What type of roof do you have? Not all roofs are created equal and some roofing materials last much longer than others.

Generally, there are three kinds of roofing types. Each one has different structures, appearances, and lifespans. They are:

• Tile roofing

A standard shingled roof, otherwise known as 3-tab shingles, will last for more than 15 years. It mostly appears flat and has a uniform space.

On the other hand, if your house has architectural roof shingles, it can last for 25 years or more. They are more expensive than the standard shingle roofs because they vary in spaces and styling.

Lastly, tiled roofs vary from the standard architectural and standard shingles. This type of home covering appears in modern homes. The materials used here are far more durable than the types mentioned earlier. Tile roofs use clay or concrete, making this type of roof last for 30 years or more.

Other Things Not Covered

Additionally, since its your responsibility to maintain your home, policies dont cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance. So repairing your roof due to wear and tear, or replacing it because its lifespan is over, wont be paid for by insurance.

Lack of maintenance could also come back to bite you after a storm. If your roof was old or not well-maintained before the storm, you could have trouble getting full reimbursement.

Homeowners insurance also wont cover damage caused floods or earthquakes, including roof damage. If you live in an area at risk for these disasters, consider flood insurance or earthquake insurance.

Recommended Reading: Metal Roof Extension

Your Roof Is Past Its Life Expectancy

Your roofs age plays a major factor in whether or not homeowners insurance will cover a new roof. Every roof has an expected lifespan depending on the material. For example, a standard asphalt roof should last 15 to 25 years, while a higher-end metal roof could last upwards of 50 to 75 years with proper maintenance. Most homes in America have an asphalt shingle roof which requires replacement every 15 to 25 years.

Roof Insurance: What You Need To Know

Homeowners insurance may pay to replace your roof, but only if it is damaged by a covered hazard, like fire or bad weather. If a tornado rips your roof off, for instance, you can file a claim with your homeowners insurance, pay your deductible, and then your insurer will kick in the remaining costs to replace your roof.

Below are some examples of covered perils that commonly damage or destroy roofs.

• Weight of rain, ice, or snow

• Fire and smoke

• Hurricanes

• Lightning strikes

There are some exceptions and limitations to roof coverage, depending on the severity of the damage. For example, if a few shingles on your roof had slight nicks in them after a hail storm, your home insurance company may classify it as âcosmeticâ damage â a common dwelling coverage exclusion.

Ready to shop home insurance?

Read Also: Hydro Stop Roof Coating Cost

What To Consider When Claiming For A Roof Repair With Your Insurance Company

A roof repair can be stressful because not only can repairs be costly but the overall issue can affect your day to day living. The latter means that the roof damage repair is not something that you can delay. For this reason, insurance companies can help you out with the costs. However, several things need to be considered before your insurance claim is granted.

When Can Homeowners Insurance Pay For A New Roof Installation

August 27, 2021 by Kevin Gottino

Anyone who is a homeowner knows there are limitations to all types of homeowners insurance policies that are available. Although the policy is designed to offer protection and coverage when materials need to be replaced, there are still times when it wont cover the cost, which includes if you need to reroof your home. As a homeowner, its important to know how to get your homeowners insurance company to pay for the expense to prevent it from coming out of your own pocket.

Don’t Miss: Roof Cost California

Spotting The Signs Of A Damage Roof

Spotting a damaged roof can be hard to the untrained eye. Here are a few ways to spot a damaged roof.

• Water Damage: Look for cracked paint or peeling wallpaper inside your home. Take a look in your attic for any signs of damp or a possible leak. If there is a draught, follow it until you find the hole and feel the area for dampness.
• Roof tiles: Look for cracked, loose, or frailed roof tiles. Repair or replace them as soon as you spot the damage, as leaving them can cause more damage in the future and are a possible hazard to people or property, as if winds pick up, they can fly off and injure someone.
• Vents: Check your properties vents, ensure they are open and unblocked. Having blocked vents can cause moisture to build up leading to dampness in the attic and then, in turn, damaging the roof.
• Flashing: Missing or damaged flashing can lead to leaks in the roof. Flashing is a watertight seal usually made from metal or cement, that is positioned around your chimney and roof valleys to protect them.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover A New Roof

With the increased likelihood of severe storms occurring, many people are wondering Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for a New Roof . And for those who live in areas where severe storms cause a lot of damage to their roofs, the stakes are very high. If ones roof is damaged in a storm, the likelihood that further damage will be done to the house increases. And with every additional amount of damage comes further costs to repair. Well, the answer is very simple.

Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage, depending on what caused the damage. If the damage was due to hail or a falling tree, or anything not directly caused by you, you should be covered.

So, how does one go about getting their roof covered? Keep reading to find out more about how to protect your roof and your bank account.

Also Check: Average Shingle Roof Cost

Prove Your Roof Is Damaged

Before you can file a roofing claim, take pictures of the damage. Your photos should be of the exterior damage to the roof and any damage you have on the inside of your home. If you can, use a ladder to get the closest photos of the roof damage. Also, consider using a drone camera to get the best views of the roof.

A local roofing company can help you with the photos. They can also give you estimates about repairing or replacing your roof.

Along with taking photos of the roof, document the date and time of the damage. Explain what happened, so your insurance company knows that you arent just trying to replace an old roof. If a damaging storm moved through your neighborhood, find newspaper articles that document the event.

If your roof damage is from a tree, take several photos of the tree from the ground to show where it fell. Show the damage to the tree, as well as to your roof.

How Do I Avoid Roof Scams

Fraudulent contractors often take advantage of homeowners after an area has been hit by severe storms. A typical roof repair scam involves a contractor who demands payment up front and often takes off with the cash. If they do the work, its usually shoddy, incomplete and substandard materials.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau says to be aware of contractors who insist on up-front payment before they begin work or offer lowball bids that come in much lower than other contractors. They may even offer a special hurricane deal or say theyll rebate your home insurance deductible.

If your roof is damaged after a storm, its a good idea to coordinate with your insurance company and get more than one estimate from licensed and insured contractors. Make sure you get a signed contract before the work begins that specifies the cost, time schedule and any other expectations.

Also Check: How Much To Shingle A House

The Process To Get Insurance To Pay For Your Roof Can Be Long

Some homeowners have the misconception their roof will be replaced quickly after filing a claim. Unfortunately, this isnt the case.

The truth is, getting insurance to replace your storm-damaged roof is a long process. Below is a list of some of the steps leading up to an insurance roof replacement:

• Youll call your insurance company
• They send out an adjuster for an inspection
• If approved by the adjuster, theyll write up a claim
• Youll find a reputable roof contractor
• Theyll go over the claim and supplement anything missing if needed
• The supplemented claim will be sent back to the insurance company for approval
• If approved, your roof replacement is ready to be scheduled

The steps above arent the exact process and vary based on your insurance company, policy, and even your roofing contractor. This list just demonstrates how much goes on behind the scenes once you file an insurance claim and that each phase of the process takes time.

Knowing this from the beginning helps you understand why its taking so long to get your roof replaced through your insurance company.

Too Many Insurance Claims

Before you file an insurance claim, consider how many claims youve filed on your homeowners insurance in the past three to seven years.

Insurance companies have a record of how many claims youve made. If youve filed more than two claims on your homeowners in the last five years it could drive up the cost of your premiums.

However, Its almost always worth filing a roof claim if the type of damage or the extent of the damage is extensive. The cost of replacing a roof often outweighs the cost of higher premiums.

Lets look at a few of the factors that determine whether your claim will end up covering your whole roof or leave you with a blemished record.

Don’t Miss: How To Extend A Roof