Whether your roof has been damaged by a storm or a falling tree, it is important to know what is (and what isn’t) covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Home insurance companies view roofs to be one of the most essential parts of your home. And some insurers won’t even provide coverage your house if the roof is too old! The simple truth is that home insurers consider the age of your roof and its condition when deciding whether or not to provide you with coverage. Here we walk you through what you can expect to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance:
Age of Your Roof
Some home insurance companies refuse to cover or renew existing policies on houses that have roofs older than 15 years unless they pass an inspection. Sometimes, they will only pay actual cash value for your roof replacement if your roof is older and gets damaged. This means that they won’t cover the cost to replace your roof, but they will reimburse you for what the old roof was worth. (Which might not be much after 15+ years!)
If you have a roof that is older than 15 years, there might be issues within the roofing system that cannot be seen (such as moisture seeping through the roofing system) which could be deteriorating the integrity of your roof.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Your homeowner’s insurance might cover a leaky roof, but they also believe that homeowners should maintain their roofs to prevent leaks and damage. If a leaky roof isn’t fixed, your insurer might not cover the additional damage that has been created. Generally, home insurance policies will cover roof damage caused by fire, vandalism, and what they consider “acts of God,” such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. They may pay for damage from wind, rain, or hail, but that is determined by your policy and the age of your roof.
If your roof is 10 years old, it will likely be covered for a full replacement. Whether you are reimbursed for damage partially or fully, it all comes down to your policy, so make sure to check your policy if you have experienced any roof damage.
Are There Any Coverage Limitations?
Your home insurance policy might include coverage limitations pertaining to your roof. The scope of your coverage and any exclusions is a big deal, so make sure to read your policy literature. It might also be wise to get a licensed roofer to inspect your roof and provide you with a written report so you will have an idea of your roof’s condition before any damage occurs. That way, if damage occurs to your roof, you have proof to show your insurance company that there was no preexisting damage.
Protect Your Roof
Every homeowner’s insurance company will cover a roof differently. If you are unsure about anything outlined in your homeowner’s insurance policy, you should speak with your insurance provider.
Here are five things you can do to protect your roof:
- Take photos of your roof so you have them in case of any damage. If your roof does experience damage, take some “after” photos to document the extent of the damage.
- If you have a roof that is over 10 years old, you might want to have your roof inspected for any damage or areas that need repairing.
- Have the roof inspected if you notice any broken or worn shingles, tiles, etc. This damage may be attributed to a storm event for which you have coverage.
- Have any overhanging tree limbs cut, and remove any dead trees from your property.
- If your roof is damaged, contact your insurance company to get an inspector to come out and inspect the damage.
Central Florida Roof Repair
Have you noticed any roof damage or a leak showing up on your ceiling? While you might not be ready for a complete roof replacement, Performance Roofing is here to help! Call us today at 407.863.3576 and one of our roofing repair experts will visit your home and provide a complimentary estimate for repairs to your existing roof. Proper preventive maintenance will extend the lifespan of your roof, and ensure that your home will be covered in the event of roof damage.
