Will Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
If your roof is severely damaged in a storm, you may be concerned about how you are going to pay to replace it. Will your homeowner’s insurance cover it? The answer to this question is a little bit complex. While most homeowners have insurance, many don’t understand how it works or what it covers. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to an unpleasant surprise when a roof needs to be replaced, if the homeowner expects more comprehensive coverage than is actually available. Further, there are other factors that come into play, and it is important to understand these before filing a claim.
Understanding Roof Replacement Insurance Coverage
Whether or not your insurance will cover roof replacement depends primarily on the type of coverage you have. There are RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policies and ACV (Actual Cah Value) policies, which can differ significantly in their payout. If you have RCV, the entire cost of a roof replacement will be covered, after you have paid your deductible. On the other hand, if your policy insures the actual cot value, it will only cover the value of the current roof, when you file the claim. This mean that you are likely to receive far less money from an ACV policy, especially if your roof is old or you have not kept up with maintenance. It is important to know which kind of policy you have before you file a claim, because you need to know if you can afford to cover the gap between the expense and what insurance will pay. If you can’t, this could be a problem. If your roof is approved for replacement but you don’t replace it because you can’t afford it, you risk being dropped by your insurance company.
Factoring in Location: Will Insurance Pay for Hail Damage Roof Repair in Logan UT?
Another reason for making sure you understand your policy is that you need to know about any exclusions. Insurance companies exclude certain peril from coverage, particularly in area where those particular perils are common. For example, in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and the Carolina, wind is often excluded from coverage, or homeowners may have to pay a separate deductible or purchase supplemental coverage for damage caused by wind. Fortunately, hail is typically covered in Logan, UT, even though the area has its fair share of hailstorms.
Read Your Policy Carefully Before Filing a Roof Insurance Claim
You could file a claim without fully understanding your coverage, but this could lead to unwelcome surprises. Educating yourself on your policy ensure that you are aware of several different aspects of your policy. First, the policy will outline the specific types of damage that are covered, as well as what’s excluded. It will also have information about your deductible and limits, so that you can make an informed decision about whether filing a claim is worthwhile. Another factor to take into consideration when making that decision is your premiums; they may increase after you file a claim. Your policy will give you information on all of these things, as well as your policy’s limits, and the maximum amount they will pay to repair a roof.
A Roof Storm Damage Insurance Claim May Not Be Approved for an Old Roof
Damage from common weather in your area is not the only thing that might exclude your roof from coverage after a storm. This is not because insurance companies are greedy or stingy, but simply that they can’t cover every single type of damage and keep premium reasonably priced for all the people who need coverage. Insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental damage. Things that don’t fall under those categories are likely to be excluded. For example, if you fail to keep up with the proper maintenance for your roof, the insurance company won’t pay for damage that occurs because the roof was neglected. Similarly, a roof that has simply outlived its lifespan will not be covered.
Navigating the Roof Damage Insurance Process
Another reason to carefully read through your policy is that you are likely find instructions there on how to file a claim. Be sure to check the statute of limitations, and file your claim within the allotted time. Your policy will explain the time period, which could be as short as a year. If your policy does not specify a time limit, your claim will be under the jurisdiction of your state, in terms of the allotted time to file. This varies from state to state. If you are torn about whether to file, do not wait to make the decision and miss your window. You will need to document the damage, contact the insurance company, have the roof professionally inspected, and get an estimate for the work that needs to be done. If you have been keeping up with your roof maintenance and working with a trusted roofer to keep it in good condition, you are one step ahead of the game. Your roofer can inspect your roof, document the damage, give you an estimate, and may even call the insurance company on your behalf.
For Help Filing Insurance for Roof Replacement in Utah, Contact Skabelund Roofing
At Skabelund Roofing, we are a business with generations of experience and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Our founded, Martin Skabelund, learned roofing from his father, and our clients reap the benefit of his vast knowledge. For over 30 years, we’ve provided high-quality roofs to homes and businesses in the Cache Valley, and our team of licensed roofers is one of the best in the industry. Experts in all areas of residential and commercial roofing, we have received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We train each new team member to approach roofing as an art, and we help them to master their craft, because we understand that roofing is a trade best learned from practice. Additionally, Skabelund is happy to help you navigate the unfamiliar landscape of insurance, guiding you through the insurance claim process and communicating with the insurance provider on your behalf. We’re proud to serve the residents of the Cache Valley, so whether you live in Layton, Nibley, South Jordan, West Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, Washington Terrace, or Logan, UT, contact us for more information about how we can improve the look and function of your home.