Will Home Insurance Cover My Roof Replacement?
Homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind because it covers the cost of repairing or replacing property when it gets damaged.
Because repairing or replacing a roof is one of the most expensive projects a homeowner undertakes, we often get asked whether your home insurance will cover roof repair (or replacement).
This article outlines everything you need to know about how home insurance works if you need a new roof installation or repair.
How Roof Insurance Coverage Generally Works
With the average cost of replacing a roof between $7,000 to $15,000+, depending on the type of roofing material, the question of how insurance coverage works is often on homeowners’ minds.
Insurance companies will first assess how the damage to your roof occurred and whether that damage is included in your policy.
Most standard policies will cover your roof if it is damaged as a result of the following situations:
- Wind
- Debris and falling objects
- Hail
- Rain
- Fire
- Vandalism
Depending on your policy, earthquakes, and floods typically don’t fall under home insurance policies for roof replacement. You may need a separate insurance policy if you have concerns about roof damage occurring as a result of a condition not covered under your existing policy.
Though Texas is hurricane-prone, standard policies typically cover hurricanes. However, your policy might not cover wind or hail damage, so be sure to review your insurance coverage. There may be a separate deductible for some types of roof coverage.
It’s important to be aware that cosmetic damage is generally not covered. Further, damage from animals, rot, and mold is also not eligible for coverage.
How to Stay in Compliance With Roof Insurance Coverage
The easiest way to stay in compliance with your homeowners’ insurance policy to ensure that your roof repairs will be covered is to keep up with all maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
This is important because if you allow your roof to fall into disrepair and it gets damaged as a result of a storm, your claim could be denied. The insurance company is likely to assess the damage as due to wear and tear, reasoning that a well-maintained roof would not fall victim to damage with adequate upkeep.
In addition to wear and tear and poor maintenance not being covered, the age of your roof could also affect your coverage.
Most insurance companies will refuse to insure a roof that is over 20 years old, or they require the roof to be inspected before extending coverage. In some situations, an old roof will be covered, but only for the cash value of the roof, not the actual replacement or repair value.
How to Have Insurance Cover Your New Roof Replacement
To improve your chances of having an insurance company pay the cost of your roof replacement, we recommend following these steps before submitting a claim:
- Step 1: Assess and evaluate the damage –After the storm or event has passed, have your roof inspected for damages by a professional roofer.
- Step 2: Review your insurance policy – Being informed about the limitations of your policy can help save time and allow you to make decisions about whether it’s best to file a claim or proceed with repairs out-of-pocket.
- Step 3: Get a professional estimate – Many companies, including Casa Roofing, provide a free roofing estimate. By having an estimate in hand, you could be in a better position to negotiate with your insurance company.
- Step 4: Contact your insurance company to file a claim – Filing a claim promptly is the responsible thing to do, and it may be necessary if the damage is extensive and causes safety or structural issues on your property.
- Step 5: Meet with an insurance adjuster – The insurance company will send someone to your property to assess the damage and decide if your claim is valid.
Speak With an Expert Roofing Company Today
With over 17 years of roofing experience, Casa Roofing has top-rated roofing contractors to replace or repair any roof. We also offer free inspections and quotes.
To ensure your roof lasts for years, we work with the highest quality roofing materials and proudly offer a 5-year professional workmanship guarantee.
To get started, contact Casa Roofing today at 210-290-8012.