Damage to your roof can be stressful, and repairs can be expensive, so it’s natural for homeowners to hope that their roof repairs are covered under their insurance policy. Whether or not your roof repairs will be covered under your homeowner’s insurance can depend on several factors, including the age of your roof, the cause of the damage, and the specifics of your policy.
In this blog, our roofing professionals at Colonial Contracting, Inc. explore these factors so that you can find out if your roof is covered by your policy. The information presented below will be general guidelines, but you will need to check with your insurance company to be certain.
Age of the Roof
The age of your roof plays a significant role in determining whether insurance will cover the repairs. Most insurance companies use the roof’s age as a guideline for how much they’ll reimburse you. Older roofs may not be fully covered because insurance providers view them as more prone to damage due to wear and tear.
For instance, many insurance policies provide coverage for roofs that are under 20 years old. If the roof is in good condition and the damage is caused by a covered event, like a storm, the insurance will likely cover the repairs or replacement. However, if your roof is over 20 years old, the insurance company may reimburse you for a depreciated value rather than the cost of a full replacement. Some insurance providers may even exclude coverage entirely for older roofs unless they’ve been regularly maintained.
Cause of the Damage
One of the most important factors in determining whether your roof repairs are covered is the cause of the damage. Insurance companies typically cover damage caused by “perils” or events listed in your policy. Here are a few common scenarios where homeowner’s insurance may or may not apply:
- Covered events: These include events like hailstorms, windstorms, fire, or falling trees. If the damage is sudden and accidental, your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover it. For example, if a storm rips shingles off your roof, you can probably expect coverage.
- Excluded events: Wear and tear, lack of maintenance, and age-related deterioration are generally not covered. If your roof has been slowly deteriorating over time or you’ve neglected regular maintenance, your insurance may deny the claim.
When Will Homeowners Insurance Apply?
While this will depend on your insurance provider and your specific policy, homeowners insurance typically applies in the following scenarios:
- Storm or weather damage: If a severe storm causes your roof to lose shingles or suffer structural damage, your insurance policy will likely cover the repairs.
- Falling objects: If a tree branch or other debris falls on your roof during a storm or other incident, that damage is generally covered under most policies.
- Fire damage: If your roof suffers fire damage, this is often covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies.
Please note that you should always check your policy for specific exclusions and coverage limits, as each policy varies.
Schedule a Free Roofing Inspection With Colonial Contracting, Inc.
If your roof has been damaged, Colonial Contracting, Inc. is ready to help! We provide free, no-obligation roof inspections to assess the damage to your roof and determine whether repairs or a replacement is needed. If you will be filing an insurance claim for your roof damage, we can provide an estimate of damages to your insurance company. Once your claim has been approved, our roofing contractors will get to work expertly providing the roof repairs you need to restore safety to your home.
Contact Colonial Contracting, Inc. today to schedule a free, no-obligation roofing inspection in Northern Virginia.
