What factors will determine if an insurance claim for leaky roof damages will be covered

Apr 5

Depending upon your coverage and the damage, you might choose not to file an insurance claim for roof damage. To see the extent of your policy, take a look at the paperwork. Next, get a repair quote from your local roofing expert.

Here are some questions to think about as you move forward.

Are you to blame for the damage?

Some homeowners neglect to care for their property. They let their gutters fill with leaves and don't pay much attention to missing or cracked shingles. They ignore their home's exterior until it goes wrong. It is possible your roof insurance will be denied if your roof has shingles that are cracked, curling, or covered in mildew. If water gets in, it is likely you will end up paying the costs.

In the opposite case, if hail causes your shingles to crack, insurance will most likely pay for the replacement.

Is the Damage an “Exclusion”?

Your policy will include "exclusions", which will detail all the incidents that your company will not cover. Flood damage, for example, is an area that requires additional insurance because it's so common.

Is the cost of repair higher than your deductible?

The deductible is how much you have to pay to fix any damage. Common deductibles are between $500 and $5,000. If you file an insurance claim and the cost of repair is lower than your deductible then you won't get any money back from your insurer. Roof damage should be reported to your insurance provider immediately.

It is important to consider the cost of replacing damaged items such as drywall, flooring, or electronics.

There are no restrictions on filing an insurance claim for leaky roofs.

For inexperienced homeowners, it might be tempting to file a claim when the policy covers the damage. It is perfectly legal and in line with your policy guidelines. Your insurance company might decide that you pose too much risk and end your coverage. Your insurance company can fire you if you don't follow any guidelines.

Your policy cost will rise if you file an insurance claim. These increases can add up quickly. It isn't something you can avoid simply by switching companies. Multiple claims from companies are reported to the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. This is where insurers verify before writing new policies.

Sometimes, it's much more important to decide whether or not you should file a lawsuit than if you are able to collect on the damages.

If the loss is less than $5,000, most insurance professionals recommend that you forgo filing a claim. You could opt instead for a policy that has a higher deductible. This lowers your cost for coverage. You can save your money and use them for minor problems.

You can expose your insurance coverage by filing more than one weather-related and one nonweather insurance claim per ten years.

Fort Wayne Roofers has the expertise to help you determine whether you should file an insurance claim for leaky roof damage. Contact us today to get a free quote on repairs.

Fort Wayne Roofers

Fort Wayne, IN

(260) 233 7260