As with most homeowners insurance claims, if the roof damage is resulting from gradual wear and tear, you will not be reimbursed for replacement. However, if a named peril causes severe damage to your roof requiring a full replacement, your insurance company should pay out.
Replacing a roof can be expensive and upwards of $10,000 depending on the size and material used to construct the roof. You’ll want to avoid paying that sum at any cost and filing a claim to have your insurance cover, it is appealing. But you should know what caused the roof damage in the first place before you file a claim that gets rejected. Insurance companies maintain the standpoint that it is a homeowner’s responsibility to preserve their house. If the roof needs replacing because of a gradual decline in quality, you may be out of luck.
Speak with your insurance agent to find out what your homeowners policy covers you for when it comes to replacing your roof. You might find that taking preventative measures in up-keep on your roof will help lower your insurance rates and prevent future disasters from occurring. Taking care of your roof will also allow you to have a better claim in the future if your roof is in need of replacement.
Natural risks and perils
If a storm comes in and causes branches to snap off and trees to fall resulting in damage to your roof, you may be open to compensation from your insurance company. Quick disasters from named perils will be covered by your insurance. This means that if something suddenly crashes into your roof and causes thousands of dollars worth of damage, you will be covered by your insurance.
Typically, your homeowners insurance policy covers you for any sudden events that cause damage. If the damage occurs over a length of time, like snow building up and melting into your roof, you might not be covered. Check your policy to know what you’re covered for and what steps you should take to prevent damages that your insurance won’t pay for.
Wind and hail damage are typically covered by your basic homeowners insurance policy as they are an unforeseen and sudden risk. Some insurance companies might have higher rates on these perils as they might be more common in your area, but your homeowners insurance policy should cover you for roof replacement resulting from wind and hail.
Gradual wear and tear
As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your home and keep maintaining all aspects. If you can take any preventative measures to ensure the safety of your home, your insurance company expects you to do so. If any rainwater seeps through your roof due to a crack that had been in your roofing for years, your insurance company may not pay for a replacement as it was your responsibility to fix the crack.
Gradual wear and tear can be hard to find but ultimately remains your responsibility. If you did not know about the crack in your roof until the water came through, it will still not be covered by your insurance. Maintaining your roof is a less expensive option than paying for a replacement yourself. Have someone come in and inspect your roof for cracks and holes to prevent future damages. Your insurance company may see you taking care of your home and lower your rates as a result.
How to get insurance to pay for replacement
Nobody wants to pay to replace their roof, but oftentimes homeowners end up needing to replace it without a disaster occurring. The roof should last up to 10 years, but once that period is through, it may be smart to look to replace the roof. How do you get insurance to help pay for the roof replacement, even if no natural disasters occurred?
Well, few insurance companies will outright pay for the replacement of your roof unless a named peril caused its destruction. But you can mitigate the cost by keeping your roof inspected and repaired. Insurance companies typically won’t place a policy on roofs that are 15-20 years old as they will need to be replaced soon. However, if your roof has been kept up to date and inspected recently, you may be able to convince your insurance company to put a policy protecting your roof.
The better kept your roof, the more likely you are to be reimbursed by your insurance company. Replacing roofs can be expensive, but your insurance company might help.
