The catastrophic roof damages that are not related to negligence or abuse from the homeowners are covered by the Homeowner's insurance. For example, an insurance policy will mainly cover the new roof damaged by natural disasters, vandalism, or fire. The insurance company will be assessing the value of the claim covering portions or all of the cost of repairs. Therefore, it is essential to get an insurance check for roof replacement done with the help of professional roofers.
It is only a part of the equation with the type of roof damage covered by the Homeowner's insurance policy. There are various factors that the adjusters can consider while determining whether the insurance company will be covering the cracks or not. It can affect the number of insurers who will be compensating you if the roof is more than 20 years old. The adjuster will cite that as a reason for denying claims if you have neglected the roof over the years!
Remember that the insurance covers only a licensed and insured roofing specialist.
Selecting an experienced local roofer is necessary for the craftsmanship you can depend on. There are various ways in which the proper roofing contractor will help you maximize your insurance claim and collect money faster.
Claims for Roof Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Generally, the Homeowner's insurance policies mainly cover roof damages that cannot be linked back to the owner. The following are a few examples that are included here:
Severe Weather
Severe weather conditions are expected in and around Houston. There are ongoing threats of harsh rains, hail, high winds, and even tornadoes that plague homeowners every year. Natural disasters cause extensive damage to the roof, thereby costing homeowners thousands of dollars worth of repairs. Luckily, the insurance policies of the homeowners cover the storm damages.
Fires
In contrast to popular opinion, Homeowner's insurance mainly covers accidental fires. The Homeowner's insurance covers the damages that include your roof if you were to leave a stove on or knock over a candle causing your home to be engulfed in flames. The policies are designed to cover a few specific incidents, including accidental fires. The policy, however, will not cover the intentional fires caused by the property owners.
Falling Trees
The Homeowner's insurance policy will not be covering the falling tree roof damage claims in contrast to the known opinion. Most of the claims walk a fine line between tree falls related to the weather and those caused by neglect. For instance, the insurance company can deny the claim if you were aware that an old overhanging tree was a threat to the roof but did nothing about the tree.
The insurer might get claim coverage if a solid tree gets blown to your roof by a hurricane.
Vandalism
Vandalism is mainly known as the damage inflicted on the property of someone else. It can also be the cause of damage made to the roof. Vandalism is covered under the policy of risks and property damage. It is important for you to make sure that this aspect is covered by your insurance policy and getting a professional opinion from an experienced roofer can pace up the claim filing process.
Home Interior
Most of the coverage is under the shelter of your comprehensive Homeowner's insurance policy, although it is possible to get additional insurance for your roof. Your policy will cover anything else damaged due to the roof being compromised. A hurricane may cause part of the roof to come off, leading to further damage to the interior of your home. But, the policy will cover this kind of damage too.
How does Coverage Work for Roof Damage Claims?
The roof is considered an essential part of the structure of your home. You are safeguarded from external perils with the help of the dwelling coverage section of your Homeowner's insurance policy. There is a total or partial replacement for the damage and destruction from disasters. The claim's value and exactly what your insurance is covering are outlined as general guidelines of your policy.
Remember that you will be paying a deductible before your coverage kicks in. Insurance providers in high-risk states mainly impose a higher deductible for damage from hail storms or hurricanes. You will probably be paying more for additional coverage if you wish to safeguard your roof. You may also have to remove the other wind or water damage coverage. There are various options for the type and level of coverage you want for your roof and home.
When Is Homeowner's Insurance Not Cover Roof Damage?
There are a few instances where the Homeowner's insurance will not cover the roof damages.
Pest Damage
From the perspective of an insurer, pest control is specifically your responsibility. You should be dealing with the pests before they destroy the roof. The insurance company will not cover damages caused by problems as they are preventable. However, if there is a sudden pest attack leading to a disaster is when an exception can happen.
Normal Wear and Tear
You can expect harsh weather if you live in Houston that causes wear and tear on your roof. You are responsible for scheduling routine roof inspections and maintenance as normal wear is inevitable. Your insurance policy does not cover maintenance and inspections since they are considered preventative work that retains the pristine condition of your roof.
Cosmetic Damage
The damages and cosmetic loss may cause the aesthetics of your roof to change. No damage allows water to penetrate or prevent the roof from performing its intended functions. High winds may rip a few shingles off the roof leading to minimal damage. There are a few changes that your insurer might not approve of. Additionally, you would probably wish to avoid submitting the claim on this minor repair, thereby affecting further claims and increasing the prices.
How Roofers Help to Maximize the Claims
1. Detailed Documentation of Your Roof Repair
Documentation is essential for getting your insurance claim honored for the first time. The roofer will offer a detailed damage report that includes the photos for the reviews. When submitting this packet is not sufficient for the insurers to grant a claim. They would be saving you more than a week as the insurer can waive their right to have an adjuster examine the damage personally.
2. Itemized Estimates for All Work Performed
Your bottom line can be protected through the itemized estimates when it is time to pay for any roofing project. They can also reduce the risk for the insurer. Some estimates make it easier to connect the dots as the insurer can grant the claims without worrying about the evil characters taking advantage. Additionally, it brings you peace of mind to know that there will not be any hidden costs that can help you get your roof repaired.
3. Accurate Insurance Claim Paperwork
There are various kinds of forms to be filled out for collecting your insurance. Several homeowners work on the initial paperwork alone, only to have their claims rejected due to the smaller oversights. Several experienced roofers are familiar with the insurance process to help you re-check your paperwork or fill it out while waiting.
4. Verifiable and Trustworthy Payments
The perpetrator will be asking you to pay them in cash, which is the biggest scam sign. In reality, cash payments cannot be traced, and there is no way to get them back if the work is never completed. Whether the insurer is issuing costs to you or directly to your roofing contractor can be verified through a credit card or check prices.
5. Savings on Materials and Other Costs
Reducing the actual costs of the roof repair can help you make the best use of the entire claim amount. It is pretty true when you have other repairs done around the house. The roofing contractor will be developing a strong relationship with the vendors by using bulk buying power to drive down the material costs. You can also save money and have a good claim.
6. Finding Rebates and Other Incentives
In a few cases, the roofing project can earn you some other incentives, and the tax credits would help you rebuild after the storm. It can even reduce the amount you would be claiming from your insurer. A smaller claim is more likely to get approved without any hitch as you can avoid any premium increases in the future.
7. Communicating With Your Insurer as Required
There is always an insurance company that may wish to follow up with your roofer to clarify the details of the job. They will be nowhere in sight if you have been taken in by phony roofers. A roofing company should be prepared and able to discuss the damages made on your roof and the required repair if needed.
8. Reducing the Need for Future Insurance Claims
Storm damage remediation is a new concept for several roofers. The professionals who are not accustomed to extensive roof damage will be making mistakes leading to leaks and other issues down the line, mainly within a few months. It can also be quite tough to get a second claim approved and connect with the homeowners' needs.
Never settle for anything less than the best when looking for a roofer for storm remediation. The roofer you are selecting should have a proven track record of success in your community, including the testimonials and reviews you can rely on.
Final thoughts
You should never be hiring anyone who goes from door to door working on your roof!
Get an insurance check for roof replacement done today to get your claim and complete your roof repair project. Klein Roofing is a renowned roofing contractor by your side at every step. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.