When a bad storm rips apart your roof or causes extensive damage, you may wonder if your insurance policy will cover the cost of repair or replacement. A typical homeowner’s insurance policy covers damages caused by storms, strong winds, fire, hail, or rain. Damages caused by floods and earthquakes are often excluded from homeowner’s insurance unless a separate policy for such incidents has been purchased. Also, set your deductible to an amount you can afford in worst-case scenarios.
When Insurance Doesn’t Cover Roof Damage
If the roof damage is as a result of poor installation, lack of or poor maintenance, or general wear and tear, your insurance policy often won’t cover the damage. Additionally, roofs older than 20 years could only have limited coverage – your insurer may only reimburse the roof’s value after 20+ years of depreciation.
Extent of Damage
The next consideration is how great the damage is. Will one area of the roof require repair or is a full replacement necessary? If your roof only requires minor repairs, you need to compare the cost of repair against your deductible. If the cost of repair is less than or almost equal to your deductible, it may not make sense to file a claim in the first place.
Work with a Reliable Roofing Contractor!
Whenever you notice roof damage following a storm, contact your roofer and insurance carrier as soon as possible. Gather all the evidence you require for the claim, such as before and after photos of your roof.
Ultimately, working with a reliable, local roofer to restore your roof after storm damage can take away a lot of your stress. Reputable roofers are happy to work with you and your insurance company. They won’t ask for payments upfront. In most cases, they’ll begin the project as soon as your insurance company approves the claim. The first insurance check will act as your down payment. Once the project is completed, you will receive the final check from your insurer to settle the balance.
Moore and Sons Roofing has been helping customers throughout Grand Rapids MI restore their storm-damaged roofs with over 70 years of experience. Regardless of the extent of damage on your roof, we can help you through the claim process and timely restoration. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced roofing specialists.