Is Your Roof Covered By Your Homeowner’s Insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity for all homeowners and property owners. However, shrewd wording might leave you in the dust if your insurer made you believe they cover certain aspects that weren’t stated in your contract. In today’s post from Graymark Exteriors, you’ll learn whether or not your current homeowner’s insurance covers your roof.

Common Perils and Insurance Coverage

Homeowner’s insurance policies typically include dwelling coverage, which is crucial for protecting the structure of your home – and typically it should include the roof. This coverage generally extends to damages caused by “named perils” such as windstorms, hail, fire and falling objects. 

However, the specifics can vary significantly from one policy to another. Most policies are designed to cover unexpected and abrupt occurrences and might exclude damages attributed to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. To know whether or not this is the case, be sure to know and list the events that your policy covers is the first step toward leveraging your homeowner’s insurance effectively.

The Impact of Roof’s Age and Condition

The condition and age of your roof can significantly influence the extent of coverage provided by your insurance. Roofs that are beyond a certain age or those in poor condition might be subject to limited coverage or, in some cases, may not be covered at all. Insurance companies often consider these roofs to be at higher risk for damage, which could lead to stricter policy stipulations or the need for separate coverage. Regular inspections and maintenance become crucial under such circumstances to not only extend the lifespan of your roof but also to ensure consistent coverage under your insurance policy.

When Roof Insurance May Not Apply

Understanding the exclusions of your homeowner’s insurance is as crucial as knowing the inclusions. Routine wear and tear, gradually developing leaks or damages from unresolved maintenance issues are commonly excluded from most policies. In other words, the insurance is designed for sudden, unforeseen damages rather than ongoing maintenance needs. 

The Process of Filing a Claim

Before you file a claim, temporary repairs might be necessary to prevent further damage. Your local roofing contractor can help document the extent of damage, contacting your insurance provider and repairing your roofing during the project start date agreed upon by you, the contractor and the insurer.

The Role of Roof Inspections and Maintenance

To preemptively safeguard against potential issues that might complicate insurance claims, homeowners are advised to undertake regular roof inspections These services are highly affordable and crucial in identifying and rectifying minor issues before they escalate. Regular maintenance also solidifies your position when filing a claim for covered damages. In essence, a well-maintained roof is more likely to be fully covered under your insurance policy for any unexpected damages that fall within the policy’s terms.

If you need help in documenting recent roof damage or want to know whether or not your homeowner’s insurance covers your roof, you can count on our help here at Graymark Exteriors. Call us at (859) 279-1889 or fill out this contact form to get an estimate.