Confused about what kinds of roofing repairs your homeowners insurance policy actually covers? You’re not alone. One 2024 survey found that, while 86% of policyholders said they understood their coverage well, very few of them could correctly answer questions about their policies.
So, what kinds of roofing work does homeowners insurance cover? This guide has the answers.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Work?
Typically, homeowners insurance covers significant damage from certain natural disasters and accidents. This coverage varies between states and insurance companies based on the risks that are common in your area.
Homeowners in high-risk states often need to take additional steps to get coverage for roof work, which may include:
- Paying higher premiums and deductibles
- Purchasing a separate storm insurance policy
- Purchasing riders under the same policy
- Finding a policy with flexible terms
It’s important to remember that you will still have to pay your deductible before your insurance policy kicks in. The specific amount depends on your policy and settlement amount.
If you’re not sure what your policy covers, reach out to your agent with any questions.
When Are You Unlikely to Get Insurance Coverage?
Here are some situations where insurance companies are unlikely to approve your claim:
- Uncovered peril: If the cause of the damage does not match any of the covered situations listed in your policy, you won’t get coverage.
- Aging roof: If your roof is 20 years old or older, your insurance provider is unlikely to cover your repair.
- Lack of evidence: Insurance providers require you to submit documentation of the damage along with your claim, and failing to do so is likely to result in a denial.
- Minor damage: Less dramatic damage, such as mildly cracked shingles, is unlikely to receive coverage.
You’ll want to avoid submitting claims you know have a low chance of approval — even if they get denied, these claims will appear on your record, and your insurer is likely to raise premiums as a result.
3 Tips for Submitting a Solid Homeowners Insurance Claim
Submitting an insurance claim can be intimidating, but there are steps you can take to boost your chances of success.
1. Provide Plenty of Evidence
One of the most important steps in filing an insurance claim is finding the documentation you need to support it.
Some examples of documentation to provide include:
- Professional inspection: The first thing you should do is call a professional roofing company like AmeriPro Roofing to inspect the damage and provide an estimate for the repair. Their assessment and recommendations will provide valuable support for your claim.
- Photos and videos: Take photos of the damage from multiple angles to show the insurance company what you need to repair. Before-and-after photos are especially effective because they show the true extent of the damage.
- Maintenance and repair records: Written evidence of routine maintenance and repairs, such as service receipts and inspection summaries, can help provide evidence that you have taken the proper steps to reduce your risk of damage.
Be as thorough as possible when collecting documentation — in general, it’s better to submit more evidence than you think is necessary to maximize your chances of approval.
2. Maintain Your Roof
The better you care for your roof, the less of a risk you’ll be to your insurance company — which means you’re more likely to get the coverage you need without significantly raising your premiums.
Scheduling annual or semiannual inspections with a trusted roofing company like AmeriPro Roofing is one of the best ways to keep your risk profile low. In a periodic inspection, your roofing professional can provide written verification of your roof’s condition and any repairs they recommend.
That also goes for secondary damage, which is damage that happens as a result of issues going unresolved for too long. During the filing process, your roofing company can perform temporary repairs to prevent secondary damage and keep your claim total at a minimum.
3. Get Professional Assistance
The insurance world is complex and confusing, especially if you’re submitting your first claim. If you need help filing a claim or managing a denial, an experienced insurance professional can help walk you through the process.
Look for a team that offers the following benefits to ensure the best results:
- Certifications and awards: A company that has a list of awards and certifications is indicative of a team that has gained recognition for quality service. The GAF Master Elite® certification, for example, is one of the most prestigious badges of excellence a roofing company can earn — and only 2% of roofing contractors have managed it.
- Well-trained staff: A company that provides extensive training to their staff on insurance issues and regulatory updates so they can thoroughly address any problems you may experience.
- Lifetime warranty: Look for a team that’s willing to back up the quality of their work with an extended or lifetime warranty. This level of commitment can help you rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.
What to Do If Your Claim Gets Denied
Typically, your insurance provider will provide an explanation of why they denied your claim. If you’re sure you should receive coverage, you have several courses of action:
- Contact your insurance company: Reach out to your adjuster and ask for them to reevaluate their decision. They may also return to your home for a second inspection.
- Gather documentation: Insufficient evidence is a common explanation for claim denials. Try to find documents you may not have included when you initially submitted your claim.
- File an appeal: Once you have the evidence you need, you can file an appeal with the insurance company according to the procedure outlined in your policy. Note that there is usually a short window of time for appeals to be accepted, so you need to make sure you meet that deadline.
- Hire a professional: Working with seasoned industry experts can help you secure an approval by providing additional support, documentation and professional feedback throughout the process.
You Can Count on AmeriPro Roofing for Homeowners Insurance Expertise
If you’re preparing to file an insurance claim for a roof replacement or repair, you need a reliable partner by your side. AmeriPro Roofing offers both repair and replacement services as well as professional inspections so you can get the evidence you need to convince your insurer to approve your claim.
And if your insurance provider denies your claim, our Customer Solutions Department (CSD) will be your champion. Our expert CSD team will review your case and provide supporting documentation to help you get your denial overturned.
Get the support you need from a company you can trust. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary inspection.
