In the aftermath of a storm or other weather-related event that leaves your roof damaged, it can be tempting to begin repairs immediately to keep your family and all your belongings safe and dry. You will want to protect your home from the elements until your insurance company pays out. Contact EC Roofing at 410-455-9880 for information about roof insurance claims.
Roof Insurance Claims
Storm damage to your roof is usually covered by insurance. It’s essential to take the right steps before you schedule repairs or undertake any repairs yourself. You will need to make sure you can prove the cause and extent of the damage in order to get the most out of your claim. Fortunately, most Maryland insurance companies view the roof as being as important as you do, and homeowners’ insurance policies generally cover roof damage, depending on the cause. It’s important to check your own insurance policy to see how your provider handles roof damage.
Maryland Roof Insurance
It is best to file a roof damage claim before repairing the roof. The insurance company may require you to work with an approved roof contractor to make the repairs. In some cases, your Maryland Roof insurance company might decide to replace the roof rather than repair it. You can hire a professional to put a tarp on the roof or protect it in some other way until the full repair or replacement is made.
Most insurers cover the following issues when it comes to your roof:
- Fire
- Lightning strikes
- Falling objects
- “Acts of God”
- Hail
- Wind
- Vandalism
Roof damage may not be covered if:
- You have an old roof (10-20 years or older)
- The roof has not been maintained, leading to the roof damage
- Intentional or accidental damage on the part of the homeowner’s
Will filing a homeowner’s insurance claim for roof damage raise my premium?
Several different factors go into deciding on an increase in insurance premiums for a roof damage on an insurance claim. One factor is the number of insurance claims you have had in the last 10 years. If you have made several claims in one to three years, then your Maryland insurance premiums are more likely to increase than if it’s the only claim you have made in the past 10 years. Other factors include the cause of the claim, the total cost of claim, and the state you live in.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
Claim processing times can vary depending on the type and severity of the roof damage, how many other claims the insurance company is processing (as in the case of a natural disaster), how quickly you make a claim, and when an adjuster is available to assess the damage. Once the claim is settled, it can take approximately 30 to 60 days to receive the claim check, although some states have laws that regulate that the check must be received within 30 days of settlement.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?
Homeowners’ insurance may or may not cover roof leaks, depending on what caused the roof leak. If a covered peril caused the roof leak then homeowners insurance should cover it. Roof insurance claims usually do not cover roof leaks if the leak is due to an old roof, a neglected roof, a poorly maintained roof, or something the homeowner did to damage the roof.
Will my roof insurance claim be denied because my roof is old?
An insurance claim for roof damage may be denied because of the age of your roof. If the roof is too old or the damage is caused by normal wear and tear, it is unlikely that your roof insurance policy is going to cover the cost to repair the damage or replace the roof. EC Roofing estimates the average life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20 to 40 years, while wood shingles should last for up to 30 years. Fiberglass shingles should last up to 50 years.
If you have questions about roofing claims and roof insurance, call EC Roofing 410-455-9880 to speak to a Maryland roofing expert.