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3 Things You NEED to Know About Roofing and Homeowners Insurance

Writer's picture: Micah HarrisMicah Harris

Updated: May 26, 2024


Insurance adjuster

Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities, and ensuring your roof is in good shape is one of them. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, so it's essential to understand how your homeowners insurance plays into maintaining and protecting it. Here are three crucial things you need to know about roofing, roofers, and homeowners insurance:

  1. Deductibles:  This is a BIG one! We are finding homeowners are unaware the amount of their deductible these days. In the past, deductibles were $500-$1,500, but times have changed. When filing a claim for roof damage, you'll likely encounter deductibles. A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying out of pocket to the roofing company. It's the same concept as taking a prescription into a local pharmacy. You are responsible for your copay and the insurance covers the rest of that prescription. It's important to know your deductible amount and how it applies to roof damage claims. Some policies have a flat dollar amount for deductibles, while others may calculate it as a % of your home's (RCV) replacement cost value. Many insurance companies are now moving to a % of RCV. For instance, if a home is insured for $400,000 with a 1% hail/wind deductible then that homeowners out of pocket cost or deductible is $4,000. That is a punch in the gut if you are unaware!

  2. Coverage Varies Depending on the Cause of Damage: Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your roof caused by specific perils listed in your policy. These perils commonly include fire, windstorms, hail, and vandalism. However, it's essential to read your policy carefully to understand what is and isn't covered. For instance, damage caused by neglect or lack of maintenance, such as mold on your ceiling from a leak or rotted decking boards, may not be covered. Insurance companies call this neglect as mold and rotted wood form over time. Additionally, coverage for natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods may require separate insurance policies. Understanding your coverage helps you know what to expect when filing a claim with your roofer. You must understand how "Roofing Insurance Claims Work".

  3. Documenting Damage Is Crucial for Claims: If your roof sustains damage covered by your homeowners insurance, documenting the damage is crucial for filing a successful claim. Take photographs or videos of the damage from multiple angles before making any temporary repairs. Roofing companies can help with this process before a repair is made. All of the roofers near me have experienced this before. Temporary repairs are often necessary to prevent further damage but be sure to keep receipts and records of any work done. If a tree falls on your property, but does not affect your any other object on your property the insurance will not pay. However, if a tree fall on your fence, deck, or roof then insurance will pay due to it being direct physical loss. You MUST take photos before removing any damage after a storm. When filing a claim, provide your insurance company with as much documentation as possible, including estimates from contractors and receipts for repairs. Promptly reporting damage and cooperating with your insurer can streamline the claims process and help ensure you receive the coverage you're entitled to.

In conclusion, understanding the relationship between roofing and homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your home and finances. By knowing what is covered, understanding deductibles, and documenting any damage, you can navigate the claims process more effectively and ensure your home remains a safe haven for years to come. As always you can contact your local roofer, Idea Roofing, with insurance and roofing questions at 205-901-0401

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