Roof damage is not something that you should take lightly. Aside from your HVAC system, your roof is one of the most expensive things you will ever have to replace. With proper care and maintenance, you can protect your roof from different types of damage. No matter how hard you try to prevent damage, sometimes it may be inevitable. It’s important to know what perils your homeowners’ insurance covers.
How does Roof Coverage work?
Your homeowners’ insurance will cover damages to your roof if they result from an unexpected event, like a tornado, sudden storm with high winds, or a tree falling on your roof. It may not cover earthquake and hurricane damages if you don’t have specific supplemental policies for those events. An appraiser will determine the extent of the damage and how it was caused. If the claim meets your policy criteria, your claim will be approved.
Special Considerations
There are special considerations that need to be looked at. Cosmetic damage, such as torn shingles or damaged gutters, may not be covered because they don’t go deep enough to damage the structure’s interior. Even though the damage may not be covered, it can hasten the process of wear and tear, leading to water damage inside the home. As long as the water damage can be traced back to the cosmetic damage from before and your policy covers all perils, it will be covered, even if the roof damage was not.
Read more: Renovations that Can Impact Your Home Insurance Coverage in CA
Be Proactive
There are ways you can prevent damage to your roof. Inspect your roof often and make minor repairs when you see lifted or torn shingles. Look closely at your trees for broken or damaged limbs. Have any dead trees or limbs been removed from your property to prevent them from falling onto your roof? It’s also good to check your lawn for anything light enough to be carried by a strong wind. By making repairs on time and eliminating any potential debris, you may be able to prevent certain types of roof damage.
Reimbursing a Roof Replacement
If you have had your roof replaced or are planning to, you may want to get your insurer to reimburse you for part of the cost. Gather all your documents. Then schedule an appointment with your insurer to come to your home and inspect your roof. Take photos before and after the roof replacement. This will be quite beneficial when it comes to filing a claim. In most cases, your insurer will bring out an adjuster so they can provide you with an assessment.
Tips to Save Money
If you want to keep your roof replacement costs within your budget, you will need to compare shops. Doing your research will allow you to find the best company at the most affordable price. Timing is also important. Scheduling a roof replacement during the off-season may get you a much lower price. You may be able to do some of the work yourself if you have experience. If your existing roof is in passable condition, you may be able to put up an overlay which will be placed over the top of your existing shingles.
Repairing or replacing your roof is a costly endeavor. When you have questions about filing a claim for your roof, contact the agents at Burton A. Harris Insurance Agency. We can guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting your roof replaced.