Does Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

It is incredibly important to have roof damage repaired as quickly as possible after it has occurred. Roof damage is capable of escalating a substantial amount. This is because your roof is an important structure in protecting the interior of the property from external elements. When there is an issue with the roof, such as a leak, it will allow these elements to enter the home. This often results in a substantial amount of damage to the interior of the building. However, it can be difficult to understand who will be responsible for the costs associated with your roof damage. Insurance may cover roof damage, depending on the situation and the cause of the damage. Here are a few things you need to know about whether insurance will cover your roof damage or not.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

Ultimately, identifying whether your insurance will cover roof damage or not will depend primarily on the cause of the roof damage. There are certain scenarios in which homeowners insurance will often cover the roof damage, but other scenarios where insurance will rarely cover the roof damage. However, it is important to keep in mind that you should obtain repairs immediately following roof damage. When you wait to obtain repairs until you know if your insurance will cover it, it is highly likely that the damage will be allowed to escalate to your property, which will result in much more expensive repairs and extensive damage.  

Usually Covered

In order for insurance to cover roof damage, it is likely that the damage must occur swiftly and suddenly. It is always important to consult with your insurance company and specific policy to determine what damage your insurance will cover. In most scenarios, an insurance policy will cover roof damage that is a result of damage from storms, like hail damage or windstorm damage. For example, if a windstorm causes a tree to crash through the roof, it is likely that the insurance policy will cover it. These policies often cover damage from fires, as well.

Not Covered

However, while insurance typically covers roof damage that occurred in a fast and sudden manner, there are other situations where insurance will not cover roof damage. If the damage has occurred because the roof didn’t receive regular maintenance, it is unlikely that the insurance policy will cover the repairs. Roof damage from negligence and wear and tear will generally not be covered by the insurance policy.

Spot Roof Leaks Early On

Roof damage is likely to escalate after it has occurred. Due to the potential of escalation, it is incredibly important to ensure that you can spot roof leaks and damage to the roof early on. Regularly inspect your roof or have it inspected by a professional. If you see holes in the roof, you will likely need to obtain repairs. Check the attic area in particular for the presence of leaks, as they’ll start at the highest point of the house. You will also want to check on the insulation inside of your property. Wet insulation will often be very apparent. Never ignore water spots on your walls. It may be an indication of a plumbing issue or a leak in the roof. Either way, it is important to have the problem resolved to prevent additional water damage.

Protecting your Roof

It is critical to regularly provide maintenance for your roof. In most situations, an insurance policy won’t cover roof damage that resulted as a lack of maintenance. This is because most roof damage can be avoided when the roof has the appropriate maintenance. In order to protect your roof, you need to regularly have the roof inspected and maintained by a professional. At Lifetime Roofing, we offer many services to protect your roof and ensure that it remains in the best possible condition.

Contact Insurance Company

Various insurance policies tend to cover different things. You need to review your own specific insurance policy to determine what roof damage the policy will cover. You can also contact your insurance company in order to identify if certain aspects will be covered under the plan. This is particularly useful if you have experienced roof damage and need to file a claim with the insurance company.

Separate Policies

There are certain causes of roof damage that won’t be covered by a general homeowner’s insurance policy. For example, damage to the roof of a separate structure, like a shed, will require a different insurance policy in order to be covered. In other situations, the cause of the damage will require a separate insurance policy. Many natural disasters, like flooding, earthquakes, and mudslides will require a separate insurance policy to cover the costs of repairing the roof damage.

Tips for Working with your Insurance

When your insurance will cover your roof damage, it is important to understand how to best work alongside the insurance company. First and foremost, you will want to obtain the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This can help to prevent the likelihood of roof damage escalating when the repairs aren’t prompt. Ensure that you take before and after pictures of the damage to the roof. This will aid in providing evidence of the claim to the insurance company and ensuring that you obtain the appropriate compensation. You will want to file the claim with the insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require the claim to be filed within a month of the damage being sustained.

When your roof has become damaged, it is incredibly important to obtain the appropriate repairs. When you don’t obtain the necessary repairs, it is highly likely that the damage to the roof will simply escalate a substantial amount. Here at Lifetime Roofing, we offer many different services to ensure the best roof possible for your building. Your roof protects the interior of your building from many different external elements that could otherwise result in damage. When you keep the roof in good condition, you will be able to prevent substantial issues from arising. To learn more about our roofing services, contact our experienced team at Lifetime Roofing today!