Will My Insurance Replace My Roof

The Cause Of The Damage Matters

Most insurance companies will only cover certain conditions when replacing your roof. Some of these conditions include fire, vandalism and acts of God, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Whether they cover the claim if your roof is damaged by rain, snow or hail is determined by the specific insurance policy you have with your insurance company.

The amount of damage may determine how much of your roof is covered. If only parts of your roof are damaged due to vandalism or fire, your insurance company may only pay the difference. Youll need to talk with your insurance agent to find out how much your insurance is able to cover in those conditions since it can mean more out-of-pocket costs.

You may need to show proof. When you file a claim, your insurance provider may request proof in the form of pictures, documentation of the incident, or simply sending an agent to check out your house in person. This will also determine how much insurance covers for your roof replacement if they deem that the damage was not from their covered causes.

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.

Dont Sign Any Paperwork Until Your Insurance Claim Is Actually Approved

The roofing industry doesnt have the best reputation, and honestly, some of its warranted. But a big reason for the reputation is because some roofing companies try to strong-arm and scare homeowners into signing something before theyll inspect the roof.

If a roofing company tries this, they’re trying to lock you into a contract that gives them the right to your roof before your claim has even been approved. This means you already sold them your roof without even knowing if theyre a reputable roofing company.

Thats why its important never to sign any paperwork until your insurance claim is approved. You shouldnt even let a roofing contractor on your roof until its approved, unless your insurance company tells you to find one in your area to inspect it.

Even if you’re panicking about storm damage or a door knocker tries to scare you, dont sign anything until your insurance claim is approved.

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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.

Are There Insurance Coverage Limitations On My Roof

Home insurance policies can include coverage limitations for roofs.

Scott deLuise, president of Matrix Business Consulting in Broomfield, Colo., suggests that homeowners read the existing or proposed policy carefully to look for that information.

“Coverage scope and exclusions are a big deal. Ask another insurance company for a policy bid at renewal if it contains a wood shake endorsement or an exclusion for roofs over 20 years old,” deLuise says.

He also suggests getting a qualified roofer to inspect the roof and provide a written report, so you know its condition in case it gets damaged.

“That way, if wind or hail strike your house, you can show the insurance company that there was no pre-existing damage. You can also request a cost estimate for replacing the roof so that you can decide if the cost of a new roof outweighs the risk of being denied home insurance coverage, deLuise says.

DeLuise says many insurers on the West Coast are adding new endorsements at renewal for the area’s popular wooden shingle roofs due to the fire risk. A wood shake or shingle endorsement is a written document attached to an insurance policy that excludes or restricts coverage of wooden shingle or shake roofs.

DeLuise has also seen many companies limit appraisal for wind and hail roof damage during the claims process.

He also says he sees new cosmetic roof exclusions on many client policies, meaning the homeowner must pay for any updates that the insurance company deems cosmetic.

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Materials Construction Age Of Roof And Insurance

Your roof materials are an essential part of determining the overall quality of your roof. Renovating or reinforcing your roof with stronger materials means your home could be less likely to experience costly damage during harsh weather conditions.

Roof materials are rated on a scale of one to four by insurance companies, so looking for modern, Class 4 materials will help result in the biggest shift in your homeowners insurance rates. This can include stronger shingles made from copper, aluminum, resin or plastic. But lets take a look at the most common types of roofing materials for homes

1. Asphalt Shingles

• Average Lifespan: 25 to 30 years
• Roof Material: Combination out of fiberglass, asphalt and paper fibers
• Durability: Among the least durable roof materials available
• Cost: Among the most expensive to choose from due to maintenance to retain effectiveness
• Look: Available in either a standard, single-thickness or a thicker, laminated shingles
• Compatibility: Can be installed on every roof up to relatively steeper finishes
• Natural Disasters: More effective at withstanding fire damage than wind damage

2. Wood Shingles and Shakes

3. Concrete & Clay Tile

4. Metal

Will Homeowners Insurance Pay For a New Roof?

It’s Time to Switch Your Homeowners Insurance

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Keeping Your Roof Safe

A roof in good condition can withstand extreme weather and damages better than an older roof. To keep yours in its best condition so it can continue protecting your contents for years to come, consider the following maintenance:

• Schedule a periodic inspection: Hiring a roof inspector to take a look at your roof every few years could help find issues early. Finding a reputable inspector you can trust is essential some roofing companies may claim there are issues simply to encourage you to replace your roof.
• Prune nearby trees: A tree too close to a rooftop can cause damage in a couple of ways. If there is a strong wind or ice storm, a tree branch can break, falling on the roof and causing damage to the structure. A tree branch can also rub against the roof for prolonged periods, deteriorating the surface or dislodging shingles. It is best to keep trees too close to a roof trimmed and clear of the area.
• Keep gutters clean: Gutters are meant to carry water what could be a roofs biggest enemy away from the rooftop. If a gutter is filled with leaves or debris that clogs the gutter, water can overflow onto the rooftop, weakening the structure or causing interior leaks.

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State Law Regarding Homeowners Insurance Claims

When one or just a few tiles or shingles are damaged on your roof, and you file an insurance claim, state law mandates that your insurer must replace the material in adjoining areas if its not possible to repair the damage so it matches the undamaged portion in quality, size or color. Florida roofing tends to fade over time due to constant exposure to the elements and UV radiation, and roofing material manufacturers discontinue profiles and colors on a regular basis. Unless your roof is virtually new when the damage occurs, it may be impossible to simply replace a single tile or shingle without the repaired area standing out glaringly against the remainder of the roof.

Are Roof Leaks Covered

If your roof is leaking due to damage from a covered peril, your insurer may pay to repair or replace it, up to the limits of your coverage and minus your deductible. If the roof damage is a result of neglect or wear and tear, it likely won’t be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Learn more about how homeowners insurance covers roof leaks.

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How To Keep Your Roof Insurable

The 20-year rule is not the only criteria that insurers use to assess coverage. Most roofs carry a warranty that lasts 20 to 50 years, depending on the roofing material. Insurance companies also look at the overall condition of the roof, which is determined by how well you have taken care of it over the years.

The best thing you can do to maintain insurance coverage and keep your rates low is to schedule routine roof inspections and professional roof maintenance. A roofing contractor in Florida can identify small issues as they arise before they turn into large problems that affect your roofs value. Make sure you follow the inspection and maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer and recommended by your roofing contractor.

Need a roof inspection, repair or replacement? Get a free estimate today!

Broken Shingle Or Tile May Equal 1 New Roof Heres How

If youre like many homeowners in Central Florida, you might mistakenly believe that your homeowners insurance will only pay for a new roof if yours gets severely damaged by a covered peril listed in your policy. If youre under this impression, you may not bother filing a claim for minor roof repairs because youre responsible for a deductible. You might be surprised to learn that under certain circumstances, you can be entitled to a new roof even if the extent of the damage is just one broken tile or torn shingle.Here, well explain how you could qualify for a new roof, based on Florida state law and 2017 building code.

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Have An Inspection Performed

Hire a contractor to inspect your roof, even if you dont think anything is wrong. This is especially important for roofs over ten years old. Having an assessment of the roofs current condition on file in case of an unfortunate event shows an insurer exactly what damages were done. Otherwise, it could be hard to determine what damage was caused by the event and what was due to negligence. Take before and after pictures of your roofs condition as well for visual proof.

What Is Typically Covered Under My Policy

Roof damage caused by most natural disasters is usually included in your homeowners policy. Covered natural disasters include fallen trees, hurricanes, tornados, lightning, hail and random fallen debris. Some policies do have a higher deductible for certain types of storm or damage, so consult your agent for more information on this.

Also, vandalism and home fire damage to roofing are typically covered.

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Replacement Cost Or Actual Cash Value

Some policies pay up to the full cost to repair your roof at current prices. This is called replacement cost coverage. Some policies pay less if the roof is older or showing wear. This is called actual cash value coverage.

When you renew your policy, check to see if there are changes to your roof coverage. As roofs age, some companies will switch to actual cash value. And if your roof is in poor condition, your company might not cover your roof at all. Your company should tell you when they change your coverage. Learn about replacement cost and actual cash value.

How Does The Roof Damage Insurance Claim Process Work

When the unexpected happens, our industry-leading claims service is always focused on getting your home, and your life, back to normal as soon as possible.

The fastest way to file a claim for roof damage to your home is with the MyAmFam app or by logging in to My Account. You can easily file your claim anywhere, anytime, just have these things on hand when you do:

• The date and time of the event.
• A brief description of what happened.
• Any photos of damage done to your roof.
• The insurance and contact information of any others involved.

You can also give us a call at to report your claim.

One thing to remember, if you have damage to your roof and you have replacement cost coverage settling losses for replacement cost coverage is a two-step process. First, well make an initial payment to you for the actual cash value of the roof. Then, once you repair or replace your roof, well pay the balance of the cost of the repair or replacement.

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Should You Exclude Wind And Hail From Your Insurance Policy

Most homeowners policies cover wind and hail damage, which are common causes of post-storm roof damage. Its always a good idea to have as much protection as possible. Also, the insurer chooses exclusions and may require a separate wind deductible if you live in a storm-prone state that sees hurricanes and tornadoes.

Your roof is integral to your familys safety and comfort. Your homeowners insurance can keep your family protected too. Homeowners insurance will cover roof damages caused by a sudden accident or a weather event. SmartFinancial can help you shop around for homeowners insurance that fits your budget and needs. Just enter your zip code below or call 855.214.2291 to get started on your free homeowners insurance quote.

Can The Age Of My Roof Affect My Homeowners Insurance Coverage

A quality roof can last between 20 and 100 years, depending on the type of roofing material you use to cover your house. However, every roof, regardless of the material or quality construction, is subject to an insurance providers scrutiny. Meaning, as your roof gets older, two things are likely to happen: your insurance rates are likely to go up, or your coverage is likely to go down.

You can expect to see minor changes in your policy after your roof reaches 10 years of age and more drastic changes once the roof reaches 20 years old. For this reason, you should schedule routine roof inspections and roof maintenance annually to keep your roof in excellent condition. Routine maintenance can also keep your insurance premiums low and may prevent you from filing an insurance claim after a storm.

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Roof Warranty And Life Expectancy

Its also important to understand a roofs warranty versus its life expectancy. Say your roofing warranty says that your roof is a 30-year roof. What exactly does that mean?

Warranties typically warrant the product for manufacturing defects for a specific amount of time. The warranty doesnt state that the manufacturer guarantees the product will last for that specified time period. The exact coverage period will vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, most architectural shingles carry a 30-year, 50-year or lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects, while most 3-tab shingles carry a 20-, 25- or 30-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Certain roofing materials can also extend your roofs lifespan. Using impact resistant roofing can help prevent damage from hail and falling objects more readily than other types of roofing and you can even reduce your premium on your homeowners insurance from American Family Insurance if you install it.

Each warranty has its own specific terms and conditions, so its important to read each warranty carefully.

Roof Damage Not Covered By Insurance

Homeowners insurance can be a lifesaver when it comes to paying for a roof replacement. Unfortunately, not all types of damage are covered by insurance. Roof leaks may not be covered in certain situations. As a general rule of thumb, leaks are usually covered when the leak was caused by a peril that is covered in your insurance policy. Leaks may also be covered if the damage that occurred was found to be sudden and did not accumulate over a number of years.

The age of your roof is a major factor when determining whether or not a claim for roof replacement is approved. Many insurance companies will deny a roof replacement claim on a roof that is more than 15 to 20 years old unless the roof passes an inspection that proves that it has been well-maintained. Some insurance companies will approve a claim but will only provide an actual cash value. That means that if your roof is damaged but surpasses the 20 year mark, the insurance company will only pay out what would be the value of the roof after 20 years of depreciation.

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