One of the most asked questions when we meet with customers is “What exactly does my insurance cover?”. This question holds significant importance, particularly when dealing with unforeseen roof issues. These are the unexpected events that your homeowner’s insurance usually protects you from.
What Exactly is a Covered Peril?
Think of a covered peril as any damaging event that your insurance company agrees to protect you against. While policies vary, most standard homeowner’s insurance includes protection for your roof against several common threats.
Replacement costs can vary when filing a claim for repair or replacement of your roof. Different roofing types protect your home in different ways. For example: asphalt shingle roofs are less durable than metal roofs, but less expensive to repair or replace.
Make sure to check what your home insurance policies cover, including damage to personal property. Covered losses can include personal property coverage as well.
Weather-Related Perils: The Most Common Culprits
Mother Nature can be tough on your roof, and thankfully, most weather-related damage falls under covered perils. Here’s what you’re typically protected against:
Wind Damage
Those powerful gusts that lift and tear away shingles? Covered. We’ve seen everything from missing shingles to completely torn-off sections after severe windstorms. Your policy typically steps in to help restore your roof to its pre-storm condition.
Hail Damage
Hail damage often creates dimples in your shingles and can compromise their protective capabilities. Insurance companies generally understand this threat well and include it in standard coverage.
Lightning Strikes
Direct lightning strikes can cause immediate damage to your roof and potentially start fires. Even nearby strikes can create power surges that damage your home’s electrical system, potentially affecting roof-mounted equipment.
Hurricane Damage
In areas prone to hurricanes, most policies cover the damage these storms can cause. This includes wind damage and flying debris. However, you’ll want to check your specific policy details, as some may require additional hurricane coverage.
Fire: The Universal Covered Peril
Regarding fire damage, insurance companies typically offer comprehensive coverage. Whether the fire starts from:
- A lightning strike
- An electrical malfunction
- A neighboring house fire
- A wildfire
- An accidental kitchen fire
Your insurance should cover the damage to your roof. This includes direct fire damage and water damage from firefighters putting out the flames.
Falling Objects: The Unexpected Visitors
Falling objects like trees, branches, satellites, and even parts of the neighbor’s trampoline are usually covered. We’ve seen some truly unique cases, from fallen drones to holiday decorations gone rogue. Your insurance usually covers the damage, regardless of what exactly decided to make an unexpected landing on your roof.
Vandalism: Protection Against Intentional Damage
While we hope it never happens to you, vandalism to your roof is typically covered under standard policies. However, here’s a pro tip: document everything and file a police report immediately. Many insurance companies require this documentation to process your claim smoothly.
Water Damage: A Complex Coverage Area
Water damage coverage can be tricky to navigate. Here’s what’s typically covered:
- Burst pipes that damage your roof from the inside
- Water damage from firefighting efforts
- Sudden plumbing failures
However, it’s crucial to understand what’s not covered: external flooding. This requires separate flood insurance, which we strongly recommend for homeowners in flood-prone areas.
What’s Not Covered: The Fine Print
Though your insurance covers most unexpected weather damage, fire, and falling objects, a few things remain uncovered. We discussed water damage from outside floods, so let’s add a few more.
As with covered property damage claims, please contact your insurer about which perils your homeowner’s insurance policies cover.
Here are the key exclusions to keep in mind:
Normal Wear and Tear
Your roof ages naturally over time. Insurance won’t cover:
- Age-related rotting
- Moss or algae growth
- Normal weathering
- Gradual breakdown of materials
Neglected Maintenance
This is where homeowner responsibility comes into play. If you ignore:
- Obvious leaks
- Missing shingles
- Visible damage
- Regular maintenance needs
Your insurance company may deny claims related to these issues. Think of it like maintaining your car – you can’t skip oil changes for years and expect insurance to cover the resulting engine damage.
Installation and Manufacturing Issues
Problems arising from poor installation or defective materials typically aren’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Instead, you’ll need to rely on:
- Manufacturer warranties
- Contractor workmanship guarantees
- Product liability claims
Protecting Your Investment
The best way to ensure your roof insurance covers you when home damage occurs is to:
- Maintain your roof regularly
- Document its condition with photos
- Address small issues before they become major problems
- Keep detailed records of all maintenance and repairs
- Review your policy annually with your insurance agent
Remember, every insurance policy is unique, and coverage can vary significantly between providers and regions. We always suggest talking to your insurance agent. They can help you understand what risks your policy covers. They can also tell you if you need extra protection.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Understanding your insurance coverage is essential to protect it. If you are unsure, contact your insurance agent and a trusted roofing expert. This will help you make informed choices about your roof’s care and coverage.