Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover a Roof Replacement?

Although homeowners insurance is a requirement in most states, many homeowners don’t fully understand what their policy covers. The minutiae of the different coverages can be overwhelming! That said, coverage for your roof is something you can’t go without. A roof replacement is expensive, and you don’t want to be caught unprotected. 

Here’s what Bentonville roofers Shamrock Roofing and Construction say you need to know about securing your home’s biggest asset.

Is My Roof Covered?

Typically, home insurance policies cover a roof replacement if damage occurs. However, there are some caveats to be aware of. Many policies stipulate that the roof damage must occur due to weather or other “acts of God.” That means damage from negligence or lack of maintenance won’t fly. And not all weather conditions reap a payout. Weather occurrences like hail or storm damage are often dubbed cosmetic and may not be covered. 

Another thing to be aware of is that many homeowners policies only cover the cash value of a roof, not the replacement cost. That means if you file a claim, you may only get a check for the current value of the roof, which may have been well into its life when disaster struck. Your claim check probably won’t provide the money you need to install a brand-new roof using the same type of materials.

Other factors like age, the quality of roofing materials used, and whether a roof was installed properly also come into play. Roofing structures more than 20 years old are generally not covered by many insurance companies, and expensive materials like slate or cedar shake shingles may not be covered when an incident occurs. You don’t have to be an expert on NW Arkansas roofing to read the fine print, so read through the policy before filing a claim and contact a trusted local roofer for help if you have questions. Many local roofers — like Shamrock Roofing — are happy to help customers with the insurance claim process.

How Does Coverage Work?

Insurance claims can be complicated, and there’s no telling the hoops you may have to jump through to reach a positive result. Generally, your insurance provider will complete an inspection of the property and determine whether the damage is eligible under the policy. Bentonville roofers suggest gathering documentation, photos, receipts, and any other proof of maintenance or repair prior to the adjuster’s visit. This data will be helpful in proving that you’ve been a responsible homeowner and should have a positive impact on the outcome of your claim. From there, your adjuster will likely make an offer. Then you can hire a team of NW Arkansas roofing experts to begin the repairs!

What Preventative Steps Can I Take?

There are many steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a premature roof replacement. You can protect your roof with regular roof inspections completed by locally licensed Bentonville roofers, and you can also get in the habit of general maintenance around the home. Small chores like keeping your trees trimmed, cleaning debris out of the gutters, and checking the roof and foundation for standing water go a long way in identifying and addressing problems before it’s too late!

Still Have Questions? Call Shamrock Roofing and Construction 

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of searching for “roofing companies near me” or you’re ready to make a call, Shamrock Roofing and Construction is here to help. Our Bentonville roofers are well-versed in insurance-related roofing issues in NW Arkansas and can help with any need, big or small. Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services or to schedule a free roof inspection for your home!