The Lowdown on Homeowners Insurance: Does It Cover the Roof?

Most states have some sort of homeowners insurance requirement. Mortgage officers typically require proof of an insurance policy before completing the loan paperwork. Sadly, many homeowners mindlessly purchase a policy to satisfy this requirement without fully understanding the details of the policy. 

This is a mistake, especially nowadays. It’s more important than ever to have an insurance policy that covers the roof, but insurance companies are regularly changing the parameters around what’s covered and what isn’t. If your roof needs replacing, you don’t want to be caught without coverage. But how can you tell whether your homeowners policy covers your roof? 

At Shamrock Roofing and Construction, we believe educated homeowners make the best decisions. Here’s how to know if your policy covers your roof.

What Type of Damage is Covered?

Most reputable insurance companies will pay for a roof replacement if damage occurs. However, many policies contain hidden scenarios in which payout doesn’t apply. For example, the majority of today’s policies stipulate that damage must be related to a traumatic weather event, also known as an “act of God.” Even so, some weather-related damages (like hail dents and dings) are considered cosmetic, and some companies will deny your claim if the damage doesn’t impact your roof’s function. An experienced roofer in Little Rock, AR, knows how to help you file a winning claim, so be sure to partner up with one if you think your damage might be questionable.

Also, most insurance companies won’t agree to a new roof if the damage results from age or homeowner negligence. Roofs over 20 years old typically receive a thumbs down when it comes to reimbursement. In addition, if you don’t engage in regular roof maintenance, your policy may indicate that you’re liable for any damages. It’s best to read the fine print or work with a reputable roofing company in Arkansas to better understand your coverage as it pertains to the roof. 

Will Insurance Pay for Everything?

Payout amounts vary from company to company and policy to policy. Most contracts only cover the cash value of your roof, not the replacement cost. This means that the check you receive will be for the current value of the roof, not the amount it would take to replace it. Unfortunately, if your roof suffers damage halfway through its lifespan, you may be out of pocket to complete repairs. That’s why planning and budgeting for these situations is so important!

How Does the Claims Process Work? 

Filing an insurance claim can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Your insurance carrier will typically require an inspection with one of their trained agents. They’ll assess the damage and determine if the cause is eligible under your plan. It’s a good idea to have a local roofer in Little Rock, AR, provide a second opinion so you can make sure the claims process is fair. 

Many roofers, like Shamrock Roofing, provide a free roof inspection that includes photo documentation. This can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies. We recommend you collect additional evidence that could help your case, such as proof of regular cleaning or receipts for any repairs. Once all the documentation is in place and the inspection is complete, your adjuster will offer you a settlement, and you can hire a roofing company in Arkansas to begin the work.

Need Help Filing an Insurance Claim On Your Roof? Call Shamrock Roofing and Construction 

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’ve been in your home for decades, when it comes to filing an insurance claim for roof damage, you’ll want the help of professionals. Our team at Shamrock Roofing and Construction has over four decades of roofing experience, and we know the ins and outs of filing (and winning) a roofing claim. If you need help getting your claim underway, contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection. We’ve got your back!