When severe weather or storms cause damage to your home’s roof, it can be unclear whether or not homeowners insurance will cover the cost of repairs. First, you’ll need to understand the scope of what roof repairs most insurance will pay for. If your roof damage meets certain criteria you will want to file a claim as soon as possible. Next, you’ll need to find a trusted local professional to restore your roof to its original condition. Take a few moments to review some important information which will help you determine if your home insurance covers recent storm damage to your roof.
Defining an Act of God
In insurance terms, an “act of God” is an environmental or weather related event which occurs beyond a person’s control. This can be in the form of a hailstorm, hurricane, tornado, volcano, or earthquake. Some acts of God are covered in insurance policies while others are not. For instance, while your policy likely protects your home from wind damage, it likely does not cover flooding damage. In areas where certain acts of God are more prevalent, the increased risk is passed on to homeowners in the form of higher insurance deductibles. You will need to review the details of your policy or talk with your provider to learn more.
Types of Insurance Policies and Covered Perils
Most home insurance policies will cover damage to the roof caused by perils like lightning, high winds, or hail. Damage caused by ice or fallen branches from storm winds are also included in most policies. However, homeowners seeking coverage for issues caused by flooding will usually have to purchase a separate policy. It really depends on which home insurance policy form you choose.
There are a lot of differences between home insurance coverage options such as HO-1 or HO-3. The easiest way to think about these types of insurance policies is HO-1 is the most basic form, covering issues caused by ice building up on the roof or a tree branch falling. HO-2 covers a few more select “perils” while HO-3 offers the widest range of coverage. In fact, a majority of HO-3 home insurance policies available cover at least 16 perils ranging from sleet damage to fire. HO-3 policies will also protect your home- including your roof- from damage caused by vandalism or even an aircraft. There are several other policies like HO-4 which is made for renters and HO-6 for people who own condos. It’s important to note all policies come with specific exclusions to consider. Always carefully read the coverage details of your policy before making a decision.
Evaluating the Your Roof Damage
Depending on the cause and extent of your roof damage, your policy may cover repairs. If it’s determined the damage sustained to your roof was caused by improper or faulty installation, contact the original installer to discuss your warranty. If the wind or hail damage is substantial enough, it may be more affordable to invest in new roof installation. You’ll want to go over your options with a roofing company to compare the cost of repair over replacement. A severely damaged asphalt shingle roof which is reaching the end of its 20 or 25 year warranty may not last long enough to justify the cost of repair.
Sometimes pre-existing issues with a roof can be exposed during severe weather. For instance, a heavily clogged gutter system may cause flooding during heavy rain or reveal a leak in the roof. In these cases, you’ll want to consider scheduling for professional roof maintenance to be conducted once or twice a year. It’s will save a lot of money and frustration in the long run to catch problems long before they get out of hand.
Finding Expert Roof Repair Help
It is never advised for homeowners to get on their own roof after it has sustained damage. Since the integrity of your roof may be comprised, it’s best to get in touch with professionals to take a look. After you have a roofing inspection conducted to assess the full extent of the damage to your roof, you’ll have a better idea of the overall cost when adjusted against the cost of your deductible. Today’s leaders in the roofing industry know how to communicate with insurance companies and are more than happy to work with them throughout the roof repair process.
For expert assistance dealing with storm damage to your roof, contact Moss Roofing in Indianapolis, IN today. With over 25 years of industry experience, our team of experts are dedicated to superior customer service. We will walk you through the process of repairing or replacing your roof, working with your home insurance provider every step of the way.
