Will Your Insurance Cover Roofing Repairs?

Insurance exists to provide financial coverage for situations that require it. However, coverage protocols and regulations often confuse those they are supposed to protect. Although every policy differs to some extent, standard guidelines can help you determine when to file a claim for roof damage. While most homeowners insurance policies cover storm damage and leaks under certain conditions, they fail to protect against aging, pest damage, and unusual perils. Check with your insurance company before scouting out the best roofing repair companies in your area.

Roofsimple provides quality local roof repair services in Virginia. We aim to make roofing services straightforward and professional without sacrificing quality, so we offer 11 comprehensive roof systems for installation. Our customers benefit from reliable customer service and excellent turnaround time. Moreover, we furnish affordable repair services for diverse roofing styles, including flat roof leak repair. Contact us at (703) 831-6251 to discuss your service needs.

Below, we discuss roof damage types commonly covered by insurance:

Storm Damage

Weather is one of the most common causes of roof damage. Most homeowners insurance policies cover wind, hail, and storm damage. However, homeowners who live in areas that suffer extreme weather conditions are less likely to receive coverage for weather-related claims on standard policies.

Insurance companies factor in the age of your roof as well as the extent of the damage. Before filing an insurance claim, determine your deductible’s value. Deductibles can be a flat amount or a percentage of your property’s total value. You may pay less out-of-pocket for minor damage repair compared to using insurance coverage.

Leaks

Leaks can contribute to roof damage slowly or immediately. Homeowners insurance policies usually covers roof leaks that happen suddenly because they often result from vandalism, fire, an explosion, or an act of nature. Stable roofs that experience other forms of peril may also qualify for coverage.

On the other hand, roof leaks caused by neglect do not receive insurance coverage. For example, insurance companies expect homeowners to maintain their roofs through regular repair, cleaning, and inspection services. Thus, you are responsible for ensuring your roof remains in good condition to prevent gradually occurring leaks.

Aging

Your roof’s age plays a significant role in determining insurance coverage. The policy will last for the roof’s lifespan, usually 15-20 years. Roofs at or beyond their life expectancy rarely qualify for coverage.

Insurance companies use adjusters to assess roof damage after a customer files a claim. The adjuster will determine the roof’s age and how well you maintained it. Insurers usually cover the depreciated value of your roof rather than the original value. However, they may make an exception for roofing at the end of its expected life and in good condition.

Pests & Unusual Perils

Only a few home insurance policies cover roof damage caused by pests like birds or squirrels. Homeowners insurers consider such damage preventable, reasoning that homeowners should seek an exterminator before considerable damage occurs. Dwelling insurance differs from home insurance in that it may cover the cost of the damage but not the losses inside the home.

Additionally, specific perils—such as landslides, earthquakes, and floods—are not covered by traditional policies. Homes located in areas at high risk for unusual natural disasters usually require specialized coverage.

Roofsimple: A Top Roofing Repair Company Operating in Virginia

Turn to Roofsimple as your trusted roofing contractor in Virginia, one of the best roofing repair companies in the state. We can help with the insurance filing process by providing a customer service representative at every site. Moreover, we want to minimize decision-making pressure by providing you with clear options. Contact us at (703) 831-6251 to schedule an appointment.