Roofing Insurance Claims

What to Do After Discovering Roof Damage Covered by Your Homeowner's Insurance

Discovering roofing problems after a storm can be stressful, especially if the damage appears to be significant. Knowing what steps to take can help you effectively address the situation and get the repairs your home needs as efficiently as possible.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to approach roofing insurance claims after you find damage that appears to be covered under your policy:

• Assess the damage safely. The first thing to do is evaluate the extent of the damage, but safety should always come first. If the damage is obvious and severe, such as a collapsed section or fallen debris, avoid putting yourself at risk by climbing on the roof or entering unstable areas. Instead, visually assess the damage from a safe distance or from inside your home. Look for signs like missing roofing materials, punctures, leaks, or structural damage.
• Document the damage. Take detailed photos and videos of the damage, both from the inside and the outside of your home. Capture close-up shots of the affected areas as well as wider angles that show the overall impact. Document any secondary damage, such as water stains on the ceiling, damaged furniture, or debris scattered around. This step is critical for supporting your insurance claim. The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be when you file.
• Reach out to our team at Hargrove Roofing. Our professional roofers can inspect your roof, fully document our expert assessment of the extent of the damage, and discuss your claim with your insurance adjuster when they come to meet you. 
• Protect your home from further damage. If possible, take steps to temporarily prevent additional damage while waiting for assistance or repairs. For example, use a tarp or heavy plastic sheet to cover exposed areas of the roof to keep rain or snow from entering your home. Inside, you can place buckets under leaks to contain water and move valuables away from wet areas. Acting quickly can help limit additional problems.
• Review your insurance policy. Before filing a claim, it’s a good idea to review your homeowner's insurance policy to see what damages are covered. Pay attention to the specific perils that trigger coverage, such as storms or fallen objects, and any listed exclusions. Also, note your deductible amount to understand the potential out-of-pocket costs for repairs.
• Contact your insurance company. Once you’ve gathered information about the damage and reviewed your policy, call your insurance company to report the incident. Be prepared to provide details about what happened, when it occurred, and the extent of the damage. Share documentation you’ve collected, such as photos and videos, to support your claim. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the amount of coverage available.
• Avoid permanent repairs before the adjuster’s visit. While temporary fixes are encouraged to prevent further damage, don’t make or schedule permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has evaluated your property. Doing so could complicate the claims process or reduce the compensation you receive. Save all receipts for temporary repair materials or services, as these may be reimbursed.
• Meet with the insurance adjuster. An adjuster will visit your property to inspect the damage and verify your claim. We can be there to provide our findings, and review recommended repairs or replacements.

If the damage your roof sustained is covered and your insurer approves your claim, we can work with them to complete all needed work. We can also walk you through your options if your insurer denies your claim. 

What Kind of Roof Damage Is Usually Covered by Insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance policies can be a crucial safety net when unexpected roof damage occurs. While you should refer to the specific language in your policy, many forms of roof damage resulting from specific events or scenarios are often included in coverage.

Some of the most common types of roof damage that homeowners can generally expect their policies to address include: 

• Wind damage. Severe winds from storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes can cause roofing materials to loosen, curl, or blow off entirely. This type of damage is often covered because it’s directly linked to a natural disaster or weather-related event. 
• Hail damage. Hailstorms can wreak havoc on a roof, leaving punctures, dents, or bruises in shingles and other materials. While this type of damage may not always be immediately visible, it can weaken the roof’s integrity over time. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover hail damage, but specific conditions might apply based on your geographic region.
• Falling objects. When a tree branch, large limb, or other debris falls on your roof during a storm or because of high winds, the resulting damage – whether it’s a dent, hole, or collapsed section – is typically covered. Some policies also address interior damage caused when falling objects create an opening in the roof.
• Storm-related water damage. If heavy rain infiltrates your home due to roof damage caused by a covered peril, such as a storm or high winds, the resulting water damage is often covered. However, this might not apply to water damage caused by pre-existing maintenance issues or neglect.
• Fire damage. Fire, whether it’s caused by lightning or other accidental events, can devastate a roof. Homeowner’s insurance policies often cover the cost of repairing or replacing roofs damaged by fire as long as the cause falls within the covered risks outlined in the policy.
• Snow and ice damage. Accumulated snow or ice can put excessive weight on your roof, potentially leading to collapse or leaks. Policies frequently cover damage resulting from these scenarios, though exclusions may apply if proper maintenance, like snow removal, wasn’t performed.
• Damage from sudden accidents. Some insurance policies address sudden, unpredictable incidents like an unexpected explosion or damage caused by vehicles crashing into your home. These rare events can compromise a roof’s stability and structure, and the cost to repair them may be included in coverage.

Not all types of roof damage are necessarily covered, however, and most policies typically exclude coverage related to:

• Normal wear and tear. Most homeowner's insurance policies exclude coverage for damage that results from age or regular wear and tear on the roof. For example, shingles may crack, curl, or lose granules due to prolonged exposure to the elements. Because this type of damage is considered a maintenance issue, it is usually the homeowner’s responsibility to repair or replace the roof as needed.
• Neglect or lack of maintenance. If a roof is damaged due to neglect, such as failing to address leaks, clear debris, or replace worn materials, insurance may not provide coverage. For example, untreated small issues that grow into larger problems over time are often excluded because they could have been prevented with proper upkeep.
• Damage caused by pests. Infestations or damage caused by animals like squirrels, birds, or insects are not typically covered. This includes issues like holes, nesting damage, or structural compromises caused by pests. Since these are considered preventable problems, homeowners are generally expected to address pest management themselves.
• Damage from improper installations or repairs. If a roof was not installed correctly or previous repairs were completed poorly, insurance companies often exclude resulting damage. For instance, faulty materials, improper sealing, or misaligned shingles can lead to leaks or other problems, which are viewed as a result of workmanship issues rather than external events.
• Certain types of water damage. While water damage caused by sudden, covered events like storms can often be covered by insurance, slow leaks or damage due to long-term moisture exposure are usually excluded from policies. For example, water damage caused by clogged gutters or poor ventilation may fall outside the scope of your policy.
• Manufacturer defects. Damage resulting from defective roofing materials is generally not covered by insurance. Instead, homeowners are expected to work with the manufacturer for any applicable warranties to address issues like premature deterioration or product failures.