Your rooftop can be one of the most expensive aspects of your home to repair and replace, so it makes sense to explore roof replacement insurance when you first set up your homeowners coverage. But while you may assume your homeowners policy covers every aspect of your home, that’s not always the case.
It’s important to talk to your insurer about roof insurance ahead of time to make sure your home is fully covered to avoid unexpected costs. By exploring the basics of roof replacement insurance, you can set yourself up for success when it comes to extending the life of your rooftop.
The Basics of Roof Replacement Insurance Coverage
Roof coverage is part of your overall homeowners plan, not a separate policy. When exploring what a homeowners polilcy covers, always read the fine print about repairs. Most policies will include roof coverage, but there are some stipulations.
Insurers will usually only pay to replace your rooftop when it incurs irreparable damages from an unexpected situation. Plans typically cover damages related to wind, fire, hail, snow, lightning, vandalism, and falling debris such as tree limbs (as long as the falling limb is not due to a lack of proactive tree maintenance on your part).
They won’t cover standard wear and tear that happens over time. Your provider may also deny claims for damage related to lack of maintenance, so it’s critical to perform basic upkeep to keep your rooftop in good condition.
Because the average roof lasts around 20 years before it needs to be replaced, some companies won’t cover roofing that’s more than 15 or 20 years old. Others will restrict how much they’re willing to cover for older roofs by only offering an Actual Cash Value (ACV) plan instead of a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) plan.
ACV vs. RCV Coverage
Insurers often weigh the replacement cost vs. the market value of your assets when determining what kind of coverage to offer. ACV roofing coverage refers to insurance plans that will only reimburse you for the current value. For example, imagine you get a new roof for $10,000. If it gets destroyed while it’s still brand new and worth $10,000 on the market, your policy will pay the entire $10,000 cost to get you a new roof, minus your deductible. However, after a few years pass, it will depreciate in value. If it is only worth $7,000 due to age, and wear and tear, the insurer will only reimburse you for $7,000 worth of repairs — even if it costs much more to replace the roof.
RCV coverage will pay for you to completely replace your roofing when you’re eligible to make a claim, regardless of its age and how much it’s worth. So, even if your rooftop is only worth a few thousand dollars after several years, your insurer will still pay for the full replacement.
RCV plans are typically more expensive than ACV plans. Additionally, they’re not available to all homeowners. Insurance companies may only offer ACV plans to homeowners with older roofs to avoid paying for costly repairs that are likely to happen soon.
Exceptions and Limitations to Coverage
Before you file a claim to replace your roof, make sure you understand potential limits. Along with the natural damage that happens as time goes on, some insurers may not cover damage related to certain disasters. If you live in an area with a high risk of tornadoes and hurricanes, damage from wind or hail may be excluded from your plan. Some providers also exclude earthquakes and flooding.
The Role of the Roof’s Age and Condition
When applying for an insurance plan, your rooftop may have to pass an inspection before you can get coverage. New ones in good condition may have more options for coverage, while old ones in poor condition may not be eligible to be insured. The appraiser will inspect it to identify pre-existing damage and determine what kind of coverage applies to your home.
Navigating Claims for Roof Replacement
If you want to get a roof replacement by insurance after severe damage, you need to file a claim. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to take to ensure your homeowners insurer covers your repairs.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Increasing your chances of getting a roof replacement covered by insurance starts well before any damage occurs. Regular spring cleaning can help prevent homeowners claims by ensuring your home is well maintained. Clean your gutters, keep an eye out for debris, and trim nearby tree branches to prevent potential damage.
Document the Damage
After a storm, fire, or other event occurs, thoroughly document the damage by taking pictures. Consider hiring a professional to make sure you get all the information you need to submit to the insurer.
Make Short-Term Repairs
If you have a damaged roof, you’re at risk for secondary damage, such as leaks. Letting your damaged rooftop deteriorate could give your insurer a reason to deny your claim, so it’s critical to act quickly. To prevent your issues from getting worse, hire a trusted professional to complete temporary repairs on your roof.
Submit a Claim
Contact your insurer and go through the claims process online or over the phone. You’ll need to describe the situation and submit any evidence you collected.
Meet With an Adjuster
An adjuster will come to your home to inspect the damage and determine if you’re eligible for coverage. If so, you’ll just need to pay your deductible and proceed with the repairs. Keep in mind that you may have a separate deductible for damage related to wind or hail.
How To Ensure Your Roof Is Adequately Covered
To make sure you have enough coverage, talk to your insurer about your options. Make sure you’re aware of any exclusions they offer, and thoroughly read through your policy before signing. It helps to shop around to find an insurance company with multiple options to explore.
Make Sure Your Roof Is Covered Today
Is your roof replacement covered by your homeowners insurance? It depends on several factors, including your ongoing maintenance and the specifics of your coverage.
Having a dependable homeowners insurance plan is the key to protecting your investment in your property. If you want to ensure your roofing repairs are covered, head to Freeway Insurance and sign up for a homeowners plan. Talk to an agent in person at your local Freeway office, call 800-777-5620, or request an online quote to safeguard your home today.
