Will homeowners insurance pay for a new roof in case of roof damage? Well, that depends on the cause of said damage. For example, if fallen trees or hail damages your roof, it’s possible that your roof insurance covers the repair costs. Continue reading this article to find out a few things you have to keep in mind when it comes to a roof damage insurance claim.
Roof Damage Covered by Insurance
If you wonder, “does homeowners insurance cover roof repair?” you should know that there are some things to be considered in this matter.
Commonly, your roof and the rest of your home’s structure is protected from some perils such as wind, hail, and fire damage by the dwelling coverage of your homeowner insurance policy. This means that your dwelling coverage will help cover the cost of roof repairs if it ever gets damaged by a tree during a storm or by hail. Furthermore, in case there’s a covered roof claim, and the contents of your house are damaged in the process, it’s possible that your personal property coverage helps pay the repair or replacement of said contents. On the other hand, if a covered peril damages the roof of a detached garage, a shed, or any other unattached structure of your property, the repair might be covered by the other structures' protection of your homeowners insurance policy.
It’s important to consider that you might have to pay a deductible before your homeowners insurance helps to repair the roof damage. Also, your coverage limit will apply. Therefore, it’s necessary that you read your policy to find out what your deductible and coverage limits are. To help you adjust them to fit your needs, you might need to contact your agent who can also help you with filing a roof damage claim when the time comes.
Make sure to read your policy carefully to see if this lists any exclusions. For example, some homeowners insurance policies don’t cover the roof damage caused by hail and windstorms, as these two perils are listed as exclusions.
Roof Leaks
Although this might not be a common issue for those with the best roof for rainy climate, many people do wonder, “does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?” and the answer to this question varies. For instance, in the case that hail, wind, or fire damages your roof and causes a leak, your insurance might help you pay to repair it. However, if any of these perils were listed as exclusions, this would not apply.
It’s important to consider that your roof insurance helps to repair accidental and sudden damage. This means that it won’t help you pay to repair any roof damage caused by wear, tear, or lack of maintenance, including leaks. Therefore, having regular roof inspections is quite relevant to prevent any leaks caused by your roof’s age or unresolved issues from your roof maintenance checklist. You might want to find out about the roof’s condition and age if you’re planning to get a new house. Identifying the signs of a bad roofing job will help you prevent future damage.
Don’t forget to contact your local agent and read your homeowners insurance policy carefully. This will allow you to find out in advance how much protection it offers and if it includes roof damage. Waiting to learn this information right when you need to replace roofing will cost you more.
