3 Conditions For Home Insurance To Replace A Damaged Roof

Insurance Blog

The roof is one of the most expensive parts of the house, making roof replacement expensive. Thus, many homeowners expect their insurance companies to pay for roof replacements, which they might do, depending on the circumstances. Below are some conditions the carrier expects from you.

The Damage Is Accidental or Sudden

Your home insurance will not replace your roof if it suffers gradual damage. Gradual damage typically occurs due to wear and tear or inadequate maintenance, and home insurance doesn't pay for such losses. Expect compensation only for sudden or accidental losses.

Consider a roof that suffers rot and corrosion because water has penetrated it over the years. If the roof eventually falls and requires replacement, the home insurance company won't likely pay for it. The reasoning is that the homeowner could have plugged the water penetration and prevented the damage.

However, the same home insurance policy will replace the roof if:

  • A freak storm blows it off
  • A huge tree crashes on the roof
  • A wildfire burns down the roof

Insurance covers the above damages since they are all sudden or accidental.

The Roof Is Relatively New

Some roofs fail faster than others; for example, shingle roofs have shorter lifespans than tile roofs. However, all roofs eventually age and require replacing. As mentioned above, insurance only pays for accidental damage. Therefore, your home insurance won't replace your home at the end of its lifespan.

Some home insurance companies limit the ages of roofs they replace. The rationale is that as the roof ages, it weakens and becomes prone to damage. The increased damage susceptibility increases the insurance carrier's risk exposure, making your roof uninsurable.

You Have Not Violated Your Insurance

Lastly, insurance companies have terms and conditions to keep your insurance valid. The terms and conditions mostly require you to maintain your roof and prevent unnecessary actions that can lead to damage. For example, you may violate your home insurance if:

  • You have multiple roof layers that overload the roof structures
  • You conduct DIY repairs that weaken or damage the roof
  • You allow roof repairs that violate building codes and increases the risk of damage
  • You misrepresented facts during your insurance application

The home insurance provider will investigate the damage and your roof's maintenance history to confirm the coverage's validity.

Evaluate your home insurance policy before damage arises. Consult your insurance agent for help. That way, you won't worry about roof replacement in case of a disaster.

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31 March 2022

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