Homeowners’ insurance companies enforce all sorts of stipulations on what they will or will not cover. If your home suffers damages in a severe storm, your insurer might cover your broken windows but not your flooded basement floors. So what about roof damage?
Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Roof Damage?
Homeowners’ insurance policies generally cover roof damage if it occurs from a severe storm. Weather-related claims come with numerous gray areas, though. Let’s dive into more clear definitions of what the majority of policies do and don’t cover.
What Types of Roof Damage Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover?
Is roof damage covered by storm insurance? In many cases, yes. Homeowners’ insurance coverage extends to wind, hail, thunderstorm, snow, and tornado damage:
- Wind damage: Many roofing systems can only withstand winds between 60 and 150 mph. In a hurricane or tornado with winds exceeding this threshold, shingles may be torn off the roof, exposing the underlayment to the elements. This pattern of damage is relatively obvious following a storm.
- Hail damage: Extreme hail storms can leave circular rings on roofing shingles. Without prompt repairs, your roofing system will be compromised and may leak.
- Lightning or fire damage: If your roof is struck by lightning or catches fire due to powerline complications during a storm, your insurance provider should cover the damages.
- Damage from falling objects: Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes often stir up large debris and can cause trees or branches to fall. If your roof suffers damage from a significant impact, you can file a claim for repairs or replacement.
- Snow or ice damage: Snow or ice damage can be tricky to file, as you may be responsible for removing snow from your roof in a reasonable amount of time to prevent water build-up. If your area experiences an extreme ice or snow storm, though, causing roof damage, you may be able to file a claim successfully.
When Does Homeowners’ Insurance Not Cover Roof Damage?
Is roof damage covered by storm insurance? Sometimes, yes. In the following scenarios, though, your insurer may not cover your losses:
- Earthquakes
- Flooding
- General wear and tear
- Neglect or lack of maintenance
- Pest or insect infestations
So, if a hurricane hits you and your roof suffers water damage rather than wind damage, you likely won’t be covered. Your claim may also be denied if the insurer can argue that your roof suffered storm damage due to your lack of maintenance.
Is Storm Insurance Different Than Homeowners’ Insurance?
Storm insurance is simply a portion of homeowners’ insurance that covers severe weather events like wind, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Storm insurance rarely covers flooding unless you purchase additional coverage.
How you handle your storm insurance claim can greatly impact the success and amount of your payout. We recommend filing your claim as soon as you’re aware of the damages to prevent issues later on. If you fail to file quickly, insurers may argue that the roof suffered damage sometime after the storm or that the damage occurred from wear and tear.
Insurance claim denials and low coverage limits are common. If you’re in the middle of a battle with your insurer, consider working with an insurance claim attorney for legal support.
Work With an Insurance Claim Attorney Today
Work with an attorney to navigate your claim and help get you the compensation you deserve. Call Moore Law Firm today at (504) 840-5529 to speak with an insurance claim attorney in Houston.