One of the most difficult aspects of being a homeowner is navigating the world of insurance. What is and isn’t covered can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of insurance you have and whom you have it with.
Roof repairs may be a source of conflict for many insurance carriers, with few prepared to give you a straight answer unless you have an issue that needs to be fixed. Here are some common issues that arise while attempting to obtain roof insurance.
Original Cause of Damage
One of the most important factors to evaluate is what caused the damage in the first place. Most insurance companies will not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, but situations like unintentional fire and natural disasters are frequently covered.
Other causes beyond your control, such as vandalism, are also likely to be covered. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to see where you stand.
The Condition of Your Roof
If you can prove that you are a homeowner who is committed to taking good care of your roof, you will most likely receive much greater insurance coverage. If it is ten years old or older and still in relatively good condition, you will most certainly get far greater insurance coverage than someone who has previously claimed on their roof many times.
The Age of Your Roof
When it comes to the level at which insurance companies set your premium and choose to handle any claim, the age of your roof and property, in general, will always be a key consideration. Generally, a roof that is less than ten years old is regarded as relatively fresh, which will influence the type of insurance fees you are requested to pay.
What Type of Roof Repairs are Covered?
Roof damage must be caused by an extreme weather event for your insurance to cover it. Straight-line winds (also known as damaging winds) occur during intense thunderstorms, hailstorms, snowstorms, and tornadoes. Roof damage from fallen tree branches caused by violent storms should be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Depending on the coverage, homeowners’ insurance should cover the cost of replacing your roof if it is destroyed by any of these incidents.
Keep in mind that it is ultimately up to your insurance adjuster to determine whether there is enough roof damage to warrant a full replacement. However, as long as the damage is caused by harsh weather, your homeowner’s insurance should cover the cost of replacing your roof.
You need to know what to do now that you know what kind of damage is covered. If you suffer roof damage, the first thing you should do is contact your home’s insurance carrier.
What happens next depends on what your insurance company asks you to do once you contact them and provide all pertinent information. They will either dispatch an insurance adjuster to evaluate the roof damage or direct you to contact a roofing company for an inspection.
Johnson Roofing is here to assist you with any roofing needs. We service the entire Auckland region, from Orewa to Manukau, and provide no-obligation quotations. If you have any work that you would want us to accomplish, don’t hesitate to contact us.
