Roof Leaks! Does My Insurance Policy Cover This?

Roof leaks are notorious problems among old homes. Hailstorms, snow, intense heat, and other outdoor elements will take its toll on your roof. But what if it starts leaking? Will your insurance policy cover the expenses? Here, we will give you some tips on filing a roof leak insurance claim and whether your policy covers it or not.

Identify what’s causing the leak

The cause of the leak is the make or break part in the insurance coverage of the damage. It will also give you a better understanding of the situation of your insurance claim.

Here are some of the common reasons behind roof leaks:

Hailstorm damage. As you know, a hailstorm can be very damaging to the roof material. The damage can be as minor as tiny holes to larger gaps between the shingles.

Severe winds. Strong winds can also take its toll on your roofing.

Fallen objects. Fallen branches are notorious culprits among roof damages in the U.S. This will create major leaks and even pipe problems.

Does your policy cover it?

Each policy is unique from the other. If you want to get insurance to replace roof, you have to read back and identify if a clause covers the cause of the leak. It can get tricky as some insurers will dupe you by excluding the most common causes of roof damage.

Some of the common causes of roof leaks that insurance policies cover include fire, hail damage, and wind. However, if the damaged roof is on an unattached shed or garage, your policy may not cover it. This is unless if you have a separate clause including “other structures protection”.

Insurers are very specific with their exclusions and inclusions. Just because roof damage is mentioned doesn’t mean that it’s an absolute coverage. You always have to look for the “if” part of the policy.

What to do if insurance denied roof claim?

There’s a possibility that your insurer may try to deny your insurance claim for a roof leak. If that happens, here are our water damage insurance claim tips:

Call a public adjuster. Public adjusters will re-assess your policy and property to know if the claim shouldn’t be denied. Here at Gold Coast Public Adjusters, you’ll get your money back if we don’t get to give you the rightful payout for your claim.

Re-appeal your claim. Insurance companies may send a different insurer to your property. At this point, make sure that you hold all the necessary documents to support your appeal. Having a public adjuster assisting you will make the whole process easier and faster.

Get a lawyer. If the insurance company is keen to deny your claim despite its coverage on your policy, you can file a legal claim to the authorities.

Conclusion

Don’t let your roof leak insurance claim go to waste. We can help you get the right payout by assessing your policy and documenting everything for a solid claim. Our team is composed of seasoned insurance experts ready to take on your case. Just call us and we will get you started.