Does your homeowner’s insurance policy automatically cover storm damage to your roof? Or do you first need to meet specific criteria to be covered? Limitations and exclusions apply depending on the terms and conditions of your insurance coverage. A storm damage roof insurance claim is not automatically approved. Not even close. Know when to submit a claim. Understand at what point it makes more sense to refrain from filing a claim. Be an informed homeowner and learn to navigate the process of whether to make a claim.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Storm Damage In Every Instance?
Storm damage is typically a covered peril in your homeowner’s insurance policy. It safeguards your finances from much of the expense involved with repairing or replacing damaged property (i.e., your home, including your roof).
Following a storm, if you submit an insurance claim to your insurance company, they will dispatch an insurance adjuster to assess the damage to your home and determine what coverage (indemnification) you will receive to restore it.
After accounting for the deductible (i.e., the portion of the recovery expense you, as the homeowner, pay out-of-pocket personally), the insurer will pay for the remaining covered costs up to your coverage limits.
Most insurance companies include indemnity for the following storm damage within a standard homeowner’s insurance policy:
- Fallen trees and large limbs
- Hail storms ***
- Hurricanes *
- Ice storms
- Lightning strikes
- Smoke
- Tornadoes *
- Wildfires
- Wind storms **/***
- Winter storms (snow)
* Hurricane or tornado insurance does not exist as standalone coverage or directly within a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Generally, the effects of hurricanes and tornadoes are addressed under the wind portion of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
** Many nationally known insurance companies will offer a separate wind policy (purchased individually) since a standard homeowner’s insurance policy may have strict limits regarding the type and amount of reimbursable coverage due to wind-related causations.
*** Major insurance carriers allow homeowners to exclude wind and hail from coverage in their policies in the interest of saving personal funds. For example, one noted national insurer could add a separate deductible for damage caused by a windstorm or hail.
Exclusions To Storm Damage Coverage Under Homeowner’s Insurance
Most insurance companies will not cover loss from the following storm damage events in a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. A homeowner will need to purchase separate (supplemental) insurance coverage to recover (i.e., limit out-of-pocket expense):
- Earthquake
- Flood *
- Sewer Backup
* A specialized flood insurance policy can be purchased from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance provider.
Additionally, if your home and roof incur damage due to lack of maintenance and upkeep, you should expect an insurance adjuster to recommend denial of indemnification. As the homeowner, your insurance policy requires you to act responsibly with reasonable diligence in caring for your home and roof.
In many instances, cosmetic damage to your roof may not receive indemnification from your insurer. Typically, insurance companies will not pay to provide a homeowner with a material improvement over what the homeowner had previously. Insurers are in the business of equivalently replacing damage.
Steps For Navigating A Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim
Step 1: Assess The Situation And Document Everything You Observe
Immediately following a storm, safely exit your home to analyze the damage to your home and property. Take ample photographs and record your findings. Write down all of your observations in meaningful detail. Perform these tasks responsibly without jeopardizing your well-being. Thus, avoid climbing the roof (especially if it has incurred visible damage).
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company Of Roof Damage
Without taking the step to file a homeowner’s insurance claim, as a responsible homeowner, you should contact your insurance agent to explain the situation. The insurer has a vested interest in your home’s condition. If your home has incurred tangible damage due to a storm, the insurance company will want to be apprised of the situation to gauge the next steps.
Step 3: Contact A Reputable Roofing Company To Assess Damage
Within the first day following a storm, identify a trustworthy local (stay away from the out-of-towners) roofing contractor. Also, many roofers do not specialize in storm damage recovery. Avoid them. Line up a roofing company with the knowledge and experience to work through the remaining roof recovery steps, including the insurance claim process.
Step 4: File An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage (If Deemed Appropriate)
After the roofing company has thoroughly inspected your roofing system to assess its condition and identify any problem areas, request they review your homeowner’s insurance policy with you. Ask them to offer their professional opinion regarding the advisability of filing an insurance claim based on your policy’s terms and conditions (including exclusions).
Step 5: Arrange For The Roofer To Meet With The Insurance Adjuster
Assuming you submit a homeowner’s insurance claim to recover following a storm, your insurance company will dispatch an insurance adjuster to assess the situation. Be present at that meeting. However, plan to have your roofing company available as well. The roofer can advocate for your best interests to ensure you receive maximum coverage under your policy.
Step 6: Hire The Roofing Contractor To Fix The Roof Damage
Once the homeowner’s insurance claim receives approval from your insurer, enter into a written contractual agreement with your selected roofing contractor to perform the restoration work per the stipulations of the approved claim. A reliable roofer will understand the importance of adhering to the indemnification requirements of your insurance provider.
Finding A Roofing Contractor To Assist With Storm Damage Recovery
For homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and surrounding areas, Red Diamond Roofing offers unmatched guidance following a damaging storm. We assist residential homeowners with recovery efforts by promptly dispatching a knowledgeable technician to comprehensively assess the roof’s condition and mitigate further damage to the home. Based on our observations, we provide recommendations regarding what steps to take next, including whether to file an insurance claim.
To learn more about our exceptional roofing services (roof repairs, restorations, and replacements) or schedule an appointment, contact Red Diamond Roofing today.
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