As a homeowner, keeping your roof in good shape is one of the best ways to protect the investment you’ve made in your property. That’s why, when the worst comes to pass — whether your roof is damaged from extreme weather, fire, or falling trees – it’s vital to know if your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost of roof repair or replacement!
Ultimately, the details of your policy are between you and your insurance agent; however, there are a few general coverage rules that apply to the vast majority of policies. Read on to learn more about what types of roof damage are typically covered and the best way to navigate the insurance claim process to help get your roof back in good shape as soon as possible.
A Roof Replacement Can Be Stressful for Homeowners
From start to finish, there’s no denying that a roof replacement can be anxiety-producing. Beyond the initial potential trauma from the source of the damage, like a home fire or a severe storm, worries about the potential cost of a new roof, along with all of the other short-term lifestyle adjustments that go along with the process, can feel overwhelming! Through all of it, it’s important to remember that these events are why you purchased homeowners insurance in the first place. With the help of your insurance agent and a trusted, reliable roofing company, life can be back to normal in no time.
Make Sure to Check Your Home Insurance Coverage
Homeowners’ insurance policies can vary between agencies and providers, and they can vary in the details of individual contracts. As the process of restoring your home begins, it’s important to know key coverage details in your particular policy, such as whether your home is covered for actual cash value, replacement cost value, or another common type of coverage. Additionally, verify the types of damage covered specifically in the wording of your policy, and take note of any exclusions or exceptions.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value Policies
Two of the primary types of insurance coverage policies are ACV (Actual Cash Value) replacement and RCV (Replacement Cost Value) replacement. The primary difference between these home insurance policy types is how they handle depreciation during the reimbursement process. ACV policies factor in depreciation and standard wear and tear when determining the financial value of your coverage. For this reason, ACV policies usually relate more to personal property sections of your policy – items like furniture and electronics will be replaced for their actual value on the market today, rather than what you paid for them originally. RCV policies, on the other hand, reimburse you based on how much it would cost to repair or replace your property at today’s current prices. Knowing which type of policy your coverage includes is vital when you’re moving through the claims process!
How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
One of the main stresses that comes with replacing an old roof is an unknown cost. The total cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of roofing material you have on your home, the total square footage of your roof, and other needed work, such as gutter or chimney repair – these details make it difficult to give a general price. On average, replacement costs for roofs throughout Maryland can range from $8,000 to $40,000, though some roofs can go as high as $70,000 or more.
It’s best to consult a professional roofing contractor who can give you a detailed estimate on your unique property.
Typical Damages That Insurance Will Cover
While roof damage coverage varies from policy to policy, there are a few typical types of damage that are nearly always covered. In general, damage from normal wear and tear or a roof’s age is usually not covered by most policies. Instead, your policy will likely include “covered perils” from storm damage, fire, and debris from environmental sources, like fallen trees. The best way to find out for sure what types of roof coverage will apply to your damaged roof is to consult your homeowner’s insurance provider.
Storm Damage (Hail, Winds, etc.)
Extreme weather, like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hailstorms, is one of the leading causes of roof damage in the United States each year. Thankfully, storm damage is also one of the most commonly covered events in homeowner’s insurance policies! In addition to roof repair, most policies will cover water damage in your home that results from roof leaks caused by missing or damaged roofing material.
Fire Damage
Most homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for fire damage, depending on the cause of the fire. Most causes of fire, such as faulty electrical fire, cooking, candles, and fireplaces, will likely be covered in terms of both the property itself and the contents inside. Rarely, fire damage claims are denied when there is a blatantly preventable cause, but the vast majority of roof repairs and replacements due to fire damage are covered.
Fallen Trees or Other Debris
Fallen trees, broken branches, and other debris can often go hand-in-hand with damage caused by severe weather. Thankfully, like most kinds of storm damage, this type of damage is usually covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies. Roof leaks and resulting water damage caused by roofing material damaged by debris are also typically covered in the majority of policies, but check with your insurance agent to verify!
How Can I Navigate the Insurance Claims Process for a New Roof?
In the upheaval that can follow severe damage to your home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed in the process of getting your life back together. The typical insurance claims process doesn’t make this any easier. However, with a bit of preparation, you can make navigating your insurance claim simpler and more efficient from beginning to end.
Document the Damage and Get a Professional Inspection
Before you file a homeowner’s insurance claim, take time to gather information about the nature of the damage. As soon as it’s safe to do so, take steps to document the damage to your home. Note the date and time the damage occurred, and take photos of any damage you can visibly see. Don’t sacrifice safety – never climb on a damaged roof or walk through a destroyed section of your home unless you’ve been cleared to do so by a professional! If there are clear signs of damage, get a professional inspection done to verify the extent of the repairs your home will need.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Company
Once you know the extent of the damage and you’ve verified your insurance coverage through your homeowner’s policy, reach out to your insurance agent and begin filing a roof claim. Your agent will ask several questions about the extent of the damage and how it occurred, then an adjuster will be assigned to visit your property.
File a Roofing Damage Claim
If your roof has been damaged due to a covered event, it’s almost always a good idea to file a roof insurance claim – that’s what you pay your insurance carrier for! However, if the damage is minor – for example, limited to a torn shingle or two – filing a roof insurance claim may not be worth the potential increase in premiums. Talk over the damage with your agent, be honest about the extent of it, and ask for their professional opinion.
Meet with an Insurance Adjuster and Get the Settlement
Once an insurance adjuster has been assigned to your case, they’ll schedule a visit to come and assess the damage to your roof. Their inspection will verify whether or not the damage to your home is covered under the terms of your insurance policy. If it is, they will approve the settlement and you’ll be paid based on the type of policy you have, like actual cash value or replacement cost value.
Hire a Professional Roofer for the Repairs or Replacement
Once you’ve received a payout for the cost of repairs or replacement, it’s time to hire a trusted roofing contractor to get your home back in top shape. Do your research, read reviews, and find a company with a proven reputation for providing top-quality work, then reach out to them and ask for an estimate.
RoofPRO is a Top-Rated Contractor for Maryland Homeowners
For more than 20 years, RoofPRO has been a top-rated roofing company for homeowners throughout Maryland. Our industry-leading residential roofing services are designed from the ground up to provide undeniable results with a focus on safety, efficiency, and top-notch customer service. From roofing inspections to complete repairs or replacements, we have the services you need to ensure your roof is ready to stand strong for years to come!
Trusted Roof Repairs, Replacements, and Installations
Our comprehensive range of roofing services includes roof repair, replacement, and new roof installation. We use proven materials that are built to last to ensure you get the best possible value for the investment you’re making in your home. From asphalt shingles to clay tiles, metal roofing, and more, we have a solution for all of your home roofing needs!
We Offer a Full Suite of Property Solutions
Our top-rated services don’t stop where your roof ends; we offer comprehensive home solutions for siding, windows, and other elements of your property’s exterior. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive home improvement services!
Contact Us Today for a Free Inspection and Estimate
To learn more about our industry-leading roofing services, reach out to our team today for a free roof inspection and estimate!
