Can I file an insurance claim for my leaking roof? As the rainy season here in Florida progresses this summer, this question is bound to pop up in your mind a time or two, and with heavy rain oftentimes come leaks. Roof leaks rarely ever occur when you have a little spare cash in your pocket. In fact, most people would say they strike at the most impractical times. Go figure.
If you’re in the majority and don’t have the funds to drop on an expensive roof repair, it’s important to understand your insurance policy. In most cases where there were severe storms, you will most likely be eligible to have the claim approved.RoofCrafters has been repairing leaking roofs for homeowners like you for nearly 30 years, so when it comes to insurance questions, we’ve heard it all. We can’t stress enough how important routine maintenance is in this situation. Like any other insurance claim, if the damage was caused because of poor maintenance, faulty roof installation, or other faulty repairs, your claim will most likely get rejected.
We don’t want this to happen! In this article, you’ll learn about making insurance claims and what your insurance covers. Let’s take a look at all the possible steps you can take before filing a claim to ensure your case gets approved by your insurance providers.
7 Questions to Ask when Determining If You Should File an Insurance Claim for a Leaky Roof
The short answer to this question is yes. However, no matter how much we wish for simple yes or no answers, not everything is black and white when it comes to insurance. Here are a few things you can check to answer the question, “can I claim a leaking roof on insurance?”
1. Who or What Caused the Damage?
If the cause of the leakage was negligence, poor maintenance, or faulty workmanship, you wouldn’t be able to make a claim for a leaking roof. However, if a natural disaster or a fire caused the damage, you can file a claim.
It all comes down to the fine print of your insurance policy. So, be sure to read every little detail before signing your insurance policy.
2. Are Any Natural Disasters Not Covered by Insurance?
Yes, in most cases, the insurance provider will list the cases where you won’t be eligible for a claim. For example, if hail storms are common in your area of residence, the chances are that you will need separate insurance for hail damage.
Most insurance policies usually exclude roofing damages caused by a natural disaster that is common in the area or make the deductible extremely high for these damages. How rude!
3. What is the Cost of Roof Repairs or a Roof Replacement?
Roof leaks can be caused by several factors, such as missing shingles, cracks, holes, or damaged or missing flashing. Once you notice a leak, we recommend you call a roofing expert who can provide a written quote for the repairs or roof replacement needed.
If the cost or the repair is lower than the amount that you have to pay for your deductible, according to your insurance policy, your insurance claim will get rejected. Always call a professional roofing contractor to conduct an onsite inspection and determine the cost of repairs before filing a claim.
4. How Old is Your Roofing System?
Insurance policies are more likely to cover a portion of costs if your roof is still within its golden operating years. You know, kind of like us when we were 18. That being said, most insurance policies will not cover the damages for roofs more than 20 years old.
What is your roof’s lifespan? Has it outlived its time? You should call a professional roofing contractor to know whether a new roof is required. If the property’s roof is older than its lifespan, your insurance most likely will not cover the damages.
5. Can I Claim a Leaking Roof on Insurance?
You can, but should you? Filing a claim might sound like a better alternative to paying for an expensive roof repair. However, be wary that homeowner insurance claims will mark your property as a high risk. You may even be charged a higher insurance price because of your previous claims.
In addition to this, it’s also important to remember that when you file a claim if it does not get approved it still goes against you as a claim. So, make sure the repairs that are needed exceed your deductible before filing a claim.
6. Will The Insurance Cover Roof Leakage?
There are different types of insurance coverage options available for commercial and residential property owners. For example, if you have a special form policy, you might get a claim for all roofing damages that are not caused intentionally. In contrast, a broad form policy would exclude scenarios where a roof leak might occur.
However, you will still be able to claim insurance for the damage caused to any other piece of property. So, for example, if the interior of your property is damaged due to a leak, you can still claim insurance for that. A basic form policy, you may not have coverage for any interior damage either. So, it’s better to talk to your policy provider and ask them which policy you currently have to get the correct answer.
7. How to File an Insurance Claim for a Leaking Roof?
Follow all the steps mentioned above; be sure to check the cause of the leak, get an estimate of the costs you will have to bear, and read the fine print of your insurance policy. In addition to all of this, it will also prove beneficial if you took photos of the damage or have your roofer take the photos. The photos will help determine the extent of the damage and how much of the roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
Should I Claim My Roof Leak on Insurance?
We feel your pain, so we want you to know that before filing a claim, you can evaluate the condition of your roof and try to conclude the reasons for leaking. This will help you make a solid case with the homeowner insurance provider. In addition to this, you can also hire a roofer who understands insurance policies and the entire claim process.
They can help you with the documentation and the filing process from start to finish. In turn, this will give you better clarity on your insurance policy for future roof damages that may occur.
If you’re still feeling confused about whether or not you can file a claim for your roof leak, go ahead and check out the extensive resources available in our learning center.
