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You pay your homeowners insurance on time regularly because you expect it to cover your losses when it is supposed to. But, what your insurance policy covers can vary. Many people ask us at Pro Atlanta Roofing whether their homeowners insurance will cover a roof replacement and we always give the same answer: it depends. There is no clear-cut answer to this question, but we will try to break it down in this article. The best way to determine whether your roof replacement is covered is to review your insurance policy, but we will try to give some guidance here. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your roof replacement, feel free to call Pro Atlanta Roofing to consult with a friendly professional.
How Roof Coverage Typically Works
Your roof is the part of your home that is arguably exposed to the most forces of nature. In northern areas, heavy snowfall, hail, and ice storms can pressure your roof. In the Midwest, you have tornados and cyclones ripping away at the roof. In southern areas, there are harsh storms and hurricanes. Mother nature doesn’t even always directly attack your roof. Sometimes, the natural disasters trigger other sorts of problems. For example, your roof might withstand violent storms but a nearby tree may topple and fall on your building, crushing your roof.
Generally, these are the sorts of situations where your insurance comes into play. Typically, your roof replacement is covered if the damage was due to a sudden accident or act of nature. Issues resulting from general wear and tear or the negligence of the homeowner will have a tough time holding up during the insurance claim evaluation.
Prevent Roof Problems
Your property insurance company is not going to want to throw money your way every time you ask for it. In fact, they have a financial incentive to scrutinize your insurance claim so that they do not pay too much. Improper maintenance and neglect are common reasons for claims getting rejected. If the insurance company can prove that you were not properly maintaining your roof or otherwise neglecting it, then they might be able to put the responsibility on you.
To have the best chance of getting damages covered, make sure you are on top of roof maintenance and repairs. We recommend that homeowners get their roofs inspected regularly and keep those home inspection records and reports in a safe place! Similarly, store those receipts for repairs in a secure place so that you have evidence.
Tips to Save Money
Even if your insurance company accepts to cover your roof replacement, they will likely ask you to pay a deductible first. That is why it is in your interest to shop around and get the most affordable service, without sacrificing quality of course! Do your research and get quotes from several roofers. Ask about warranties on the service and materials. You can even save some money if you are able to schedule your roof replacement in the late winter or spring months.