Roofing insurance questions to know from Republic Roofing. When it comes to the safety and security of your loved ones, it pays to have homeowner’s insurance to cover any damages caused by unforeseen incidents. From broken trees to storms and everything in between, your roof and home are constantly exposed to the harsh weather.

In case of extensive roofing or property damage, your homeowner’s insurance can save the day for you. However, to make the most of it, you should know what to do after your roof has sustained any type of damage.

To make the process a bit easier for you, our experienced professionals here at Republic Roofing have compiled a list of some of the most asked questions when it comes to filing insurance claims for roof repair and roof replacement.

Insurance Roof Replacement: Roofing Insurance Questions to Know

In our experience, we have received and answered a lot of roofing insurance-related queries from homeowners. Below are some of the most prominent ones.

What is covered in homeowner’s insurance?
How to not void my insurance?
Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof replacement or roof repairs?
Should I call my insurance company right after the roofing damage?
Does the roofing contractor I choose affect the insurance coverage?
Should I claim insurance for my roof replacement?

What Is Covered in Homeowner’s Insurance?

So, what is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, and what isn’t? Well, the exact coverage can vary depending on your policy and the insurance provider you choose. In general, most insurance policies offer adequate coverage for the following:

Accidents: If your roof has sustained damage in an accident, it will be covered by your insurance
Natural disasters: The exact amount of coverage for damage that occurred due to natural disasters can vary from policy to policy. Get in touch with your insurance company to know your precise coverage.
Falling objects: Roofing damage that occurred due to falling objects is considered accidental damage. So, most insurance policies cover it.
Fires: Insurance companies provide coverage for the damage resulting from fires, even if the fire is caused by a disaster with no coverage in your policy
Storms: Most insurance policies cover all kinds of damage caused by extreme weather hazards like storms. These damages include but are not limited to roof leaks, missing or broken shingles, and hail damage.
Snow Load: Most insurance companies provide coverage for roofing damage that occurred due to excessive weight of snow.

How Not to Void My Insurance?

To remain eligible for maximum coverage, you need to keep in mind certain requirements provided by the roofing companies. Two of the most important ones to remember are the age of your roofing system and the level of maintenance of your roof. Let’s look

Age of your roof: Like every other component of your home, your roof has a certain lifespan after which it ceases to perform optimally. That’s why most insurance companies provide little or no coverage for a roof that is past its prime i.e. older than 20 years. Older roofs are more susceptible to weather-related damage because they’re already worn out from constant exposure to elements.

In such as case, a total roof replacement is a better alternative. Not only will you get permanent relief from all your existing roofing issues, but your insurance company can also offer you a discount on your premiums.

Maintenance: If your roof has been damaged due to lack of maintenance, you may not be able to file the claim. That’s why it’s important to opt for an effective preventive maintenance program and get your roof inspected by professionals at least twice a year to catch and fix your roofing issues.

Besides professional maintenance, make sure to visually inspect your roof at regular intervals. Look out for any visual damage including missing or damaged shingles, discoloration, stains, mold growth, and peeled paint, among others.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Roof Replacement or Roof Repairs?

Most insurance companies provide homeowners with ample coverage for their roof repairs and replacements. At the end of the day, it all depends on the extent and severity of your roofing damage. If there are only a few damaged shingles, your insurance company will cover the necessary repairs. However, if the damage is extensive and widespread, they can even pay for a total roof replacement.

That fact is that repairing a severely damaged roof can lead to more expensive and frequent roofing issues down the line. So, a total roof replacement is a much better option for both homeowners and companies alike.

Should I Call My Insurance Company Right After the Roofing Damage?

As soon as you discover any signs of roofing damage, get in touch with an experienced roofer right away. They will conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to check for both subtle and severe problems and then inform your roofing company regarding the same. Many types of roofing damage can be extremely dangerous. So, make sure to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings before contacting your insurance provider.

Insurance companies usually have a specific time frame to file roofing insurance claims after the incident occurs. For faster approvals and maximum coverage, it pays to have photos of your roof before and after the roofing damage.

Does The Roofing Contractor I Choose Affect the Insurance Coverage?

The short answer is yes. The roofing contractor you choose for your repairs or replacement can affect your insurance coverage. For instance, if you choose an inexperienced or cheap contractor, it may lead to more repairs or roofing issues down the line. Furthermore, never attempt to repair or replace your roof yourself unless you are a skilled roofer yourself.

Incompetent roofers might install your roof improperly which can cause severe issues over time. The worst part is that most insurance companies do not cover damages caused by an improperly installed roof. So, make sure you do your research before choosing a suitable roofing contractor for you.

Should I Claim Insurance for My Roof Replacement?

There’s nothing wrong is taking advantage of your insurance should the need arise. In fact, that’s why you have been faithfully paying premiums all these years. However, always consider the extent of damage your roof has sustained and work with an experienced roofer to make an informed decision. Make sure to properly document all the damages for faster approval.

To build a reliable and high-performance roof from scratch, not only will you need the finest quality products and materials, but you also need great workmanship as well. Keep these things in mind while filing your insurance claim.

For more information, contact Republic Roofing at 901-437-5278. We service areas in Lakeland, Germantown, Bartlett, Memphis, and Collierville, TN.