After Hurricane Michael, thousands of homeowners in Florida experienced some type of roof damage. Most homeowners in Michael’s main path of destruction found that the most common roof damage in Florida was missing shingles. One of the most common roof damage claims were roof leaks. Missing shingles gave way to an increase in moisture underneath. This buildup of moisture led to a ceiling leak, which is not only alarming, it’s expensive.
This article will help you understand what kind of roof damage is covered by insurance. You’ll also understand how much roof damage needs to occur in order for your insurance company to replace your entire roof.
You will understand why this happens and what factors lead to their decision to deny your roof damage claim. Finally, you’ll learn what you can do if you receive a settlement that is not enough to repair your roof damage. You’ll also learn what your next steps should be if your claim is denied.
What is Covered by What?
Roof damage caused by natural disasters is typically covered. Policies that are given to homeowners in high-risk areas, however, are often not covered for natural disasters. It’s in your insurance company’s best interest to take more of a premium from you if you live in a floodplain or on an active fault, in order to benefit from a property damage claim that is highly likely.
The roof damage that most policies cover, excluding outliers and unique policies, are the result of wind damage. You may be covered for tornados, as they are wind storms. You may not, however, be covered for flooding that can also come from natural disasters where wind damage accompanies torrential rains.
Water damage is another coverage of most homeowners insurance policies. If Hurricane Michael damaged your roof, then water came in and damaged your furniture and walls, you will most likely be covered. You will have a harder time being approved for coverage having to do with water damage if you do not have a policy, or your policy excludes water damage.
Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Damage?
Insurance companies define “water damage” and “wind damage” differently. You must understand the perspective of insurance companies if you want to be sure of what your policy covers. Insurance companies, like any other for-profit business, are interested in saving money where they can. This means that if you have wind damage that results in a hole, that hole will be covered. If an animal then enters the inside of your roof, eventually causing damage to your ceiling and roof, you will not be covered for the roof damage. If you have wind damage from a hurricane, you may be covered. You may not be covered if the wind causes a tree to fall on your roof.
Read the fine print. Be aware of how your insurance company defines the terms of coverage. As a side note, be sure to periodically inspect your roof. This will help you detect any issues that may occur in the future. Also, check for existing issues that may be greatly exacerbated by a heavy storm.
If you have experienced roof damage, please give Aftermath Adjusters and Consulting a call. We have helped hundreds of people who experienced roof damage during hurricanes.
