Roofing Insurance – What Does it Cover?

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. You trust your roof to keep you and your family safe from the elements, but, as with anything, accidents happen. Whether it’s as severe as a tornado or as minor as a little leak, it’s nice to know any damage will be covered by insurance.

Most homeowners insurance plans provide some form of dwelling coverage that protects your house’s structure. However, many insurance plans have exclusions. Whether or not your damage is covered is dependent upon two things: the age of your roof and cause of the leak.

1. Age of Your Roof

A new roof is expected to be sturdy and leak-free. Insurance companies know this, so they’re more willing to cover new roofs as they’re less susceptible to damage.

Old roofs, however, rarely receive full coverage. Some insurance companies even refuse to cover roofs over 20 years old as they are more prone to leaks and general damage due to wear and tear.Even if your roof has kept your family safe for 20 years, it’s likely nearing the end of its life. Insurance companies know your roof won’t last much longer without repairs, so they won’t be willing to cover many damages — if they cover any at all. No insurance company wants to pay for something that could have easily been prevented with regular upkeep.

2. What caused the leak

Homeowners insurance usually covers unexpected events such as a tree falling on your roof and natural disasters such as hailstorms or fire. What they don’t often cover is damage they can attribute to the homeowner. Damages, even those from natural disasters, may be blamed on age and disrepair, especially if you have an older roof. If you aren’t getting regular maintenance done on your roof, your provider might consider you responsible for the damage and deny your claim.

Depending on your location, insurance companies may also exclude damage from certain perils such as wind. If you live in an area where tornadoes are common, like Oklahoma, you might have to purchase extra protection.

Ultimately, every plan is different, so talk to your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. You may find you need a better plan.

Because the amount of coverage you receive is dependent upon the age and condition of your roof, it’s important to keep your roof in good shape. Regular maintenance will not only protect you and your family during an accident or disaster, it’ll also protect your wallet once you start making repairs. Hiring a quality roofing company is a great way to ensure your roof is prepared for the worst. Contact us today!