It’s a homeowner’s job to maintain the roof and keep it in good repair. But, there are certain unavoidable events that can damage or destroy a roof. Understanding what your homeowner’s insurance covers will help you get the most out of your policy.
The best way to understand your insurance coverage is to talk to your insurance agent. But there are some general guidelines that most insurance companies follow.
Roof Repairs
Home insurance policies do cover damage by rain, snow, sleet, and hail. But there are a variety of different factors that determine if that coverage applies in your situation. And to what extent.
When you put in a claim, your insurance company will send out an inspector. She will determine the amount and probable cause of the damage. If, for example, the inspector concludes that your roof leak was due to wear and tear, neglect or an aging roof – rather than a recent storm – the damage probably won’t be covered.
However, if your roof is damaged through an “act of God,” such as a hurricane or tornado, or unavoidable events like fire or vandalism, your policy will usually cover damages.
Roof Replacement
A full roof replacement is typically covered only if the damage was caused by an act of nature. The exception is a roof that has outlived its lifespan. In this case, the replacement would be the homeowner’s responsibility and would not be eligible for insurance coverage.
With roof replacement approval, the coverage amount depends on the type of policy you have and the amount of your deductible. Also, in many cases, the insurance company will only pay a prorated amount based on the age of your roof and how many years it has left.
Your best bet to protect your roof and keep repair and replacement costs down is to have Muth & Company’s roofing contractors in Columbus, OH, do an annual inspection for you. We have the experience needed to spot small problems before they become big ones.
Need the best roofing available in Columbus, OH, and surrounding communities? We’re the roofer who wants to earn your business. Call Muth & Company Roofing today at (614) 882-0900 for a FREE estimate, or fill out our contact form. We serve Columbus, Westerville, Delaware, Worthington, Dublin, Bexley, Gahanna, New Albany, and many other surrounding Central Ohio cities.