Roof damage is one of the most frustrating issues homeowners have to deal with. It can lead to a variety of problems, including annoying interior leaks and unsightly exterior dents. Furthermore, if you’ve never taken the time to read your homeowners’ insurance policy closely (don’t worry, you aren’t alone!), you may not even know what kinds of repairs are covered.
The single most critical thing you can do if you’re thinking about filing a homeowners insurance claim related to roof repairs is speaking to your agent first. Whether you already work with a local agent in the Charlotte, NC area or you would prefer to call your company’s national call center, you will be able to connect with someone who truly understands the finer points of your policy.
As you read the following paragraphs of this guide, you’ll discover a few key questions you need to ask and learn why they’re so important. Hopefully, by the time you reach the end, you’ll feel far more equipped to file a claim in order to have your home’s roof repaired.
What does my policy cover?
If you really don’t know much about the roofing provisions in your homeowners’ insurance policy, the beginning is the best place to start. Once your agent explains what is covered by your policy, you can begin piecing together whether or not your current situation falls into one of those categories.
Although no two insurance policies are exactly the same, the vast majority of homeowners policies cover roof repairs and replacements caused by severe weather, including hail damage, wind damage (such as from hurricanes and tornadoes), and lightning damage. In the event that your roof was damaged due to a flood, you will need to already carry flood insurance in order to be covered.
Is there anything expressly forbidden by my policy?
Some homeowners insurance policies explicitly state that they will not cover certain problems caused by roof damage. It’s possible, for example, that your policy will not issue a payout for the replacement of furniture, carpet, and window treatments that were ruined because of a leaky roof.
You might also find that you are not allowed to buy certain roof replacement materials, such as slate if you want your insurance company to cover the costs. These sorts of restrictions are typically due to the fact that some materials are extremely expensive, but do not necessarily do a better job than traditional shingles or metal roofing products.
Will my payout cover all the associated costs?
This question is extremely important because, depending upon the age of your roof, the answer may very well be no. Often, if your roof is over 10 or 15 years old, your policy will only cover its estimated depreciated value, not the full value of a new roof. This means you may find yourself owing your contractor more than your standard deductible.
It’s important to note that the Hatch Homes team wants to make sure you have a great roof that will keep your family safe and secure for many years, so we will work with you to find materials you can truly afford, even if your insurance payout is going to be smaller than you initially expected.