Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Homeowners insurance is a vital component of home ownership. It offers protection against a variety of damage and loss. One of the most common questions we receive here at Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is: “Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?”. This post will answer that question, and more. We’ll go over when homeowners insurance may cover roof replacement, the factors which influence the coverage, and the best tips for filing a claim. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we’ll be sure to help in any way we can.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Homeowners insurance policies are designed from the start to protect your home from many unexpected damages which are both sudden and accidental. The coverage of a homeowner insurance policy will typically include the structure of your home, your personal belongings located within your home, liability protection, and possibly additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable.
Coverage for Roof Replacement
Covered Perils:
Homeowners insurance will commonly cover roof replacement if the damage is caused by a peril included within your policy. Common covered perils include:
- Fire
- Wind (including hurricanes & tornadoes)
- Hail
- Falling objects (such as tree limbs)
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
The above listed perils are considered sudden and accidental. If your roof happens to be damaged by any of these perils, your homeowner insurance policy may cover the replacement cost, subject to your deductible and policy limits.
Exclusions and Wear & Tear:
Your homeowners insurance policy will not cover issues related to general wear and tear in most cases. It will likely not cover issues related to poor maintenance, as this is viewed as a preventable issue, not a sudden or accidental issue. Roofs which deteriorate over time due to forms of aging or lack of maintenance will typically be ineligible for replacement under a standard homeowners insurance policy. Similarly, if a roof is well beyond its expected lifespan, insurance companies may outright refuse to cover the replacement or may only cover a depreciated value.
Factors Influencing Coverage
Age of the Roof:
The age of your roof will likely play a significant role in the coverage decisions made. Some insurers may offer a full replacement cost coverage for roofs which are under a specific age (under 10 years, 20 years, etc…), yet they may only cover the actual cash value for older roofs.
Roofing Materials:
The specific type of materials used on your roof will likely influence and affect insurance coverage. An example of this could be, your roof is constructed of high-quality, durable materials such as metal or slate. These types of materials would be viewed more favorably in the eyes of the insurer over a baseline material such as your everyday, average asphalt shingle.
Policy Type:
The policy type of your homeowner insurance will likely greatly influence the extent of roof replacement coverage for your home. Some policies may provide replacement cost coverage, while other policies may offer actual cash value coverage, which will factor in depreciation of the roof.
Filing a Claim for Roof Replacement
Document the Damage:
Be sure to document any damage with photos and videos as soon as it is safe to do so. This proper documentation will help to provide crucial information and evidence for when you submit your insurance claim.
Review Your Policy:
Prior to filing a claim, you’ll want to review your insurance policy to fully understand the coverage details, deductible , and limits. By knowing your homeowners insurance policy inside and out, you’ll be better suited to advocate for yourself throughout the claims process.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Be sure to notify your insurer about the damage as soon as possible. Many insurance companies will offer a 24/7 claims service line to communicate what has happened to your home. The customer service representative will be able to guide you through the claims process and send an adjuster as soon as possible.
Get Repair Estimates:
Obtaining estimates from a few different licensed roofing contractors will be helpful in finding the best value and quality of workmanship for your roof replacement. These gathered estimates will be very important when negotiating with your insurance company for a fair settlement.
Choose Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance for Your Next Homeowners Insurance Quote
Ultimately, your homeowners insurance may or may not cover your roof replacement, as it’s dependent on the cause of damage, the age of your roof, the type of roof, and your underlying policy details. Through understanding your coverage and being proactive when it comes to maintenance, you’ll be able to prevent unexpected financial burdens. Feel free to reach out to us for help with your homeowners insurance policy and let’s see if we can find the best policy for you and your home’s needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!