Does Insurance Cover Roof Damage From Storm?

The weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, SC, can be quite unforgiving. Roofs in this region are exposed to constant threats from damaging storms.

An insurance company may provide a homeowners insurance cover to protect homeowners against significant financial loss in the event of damage to their home. It does not protect you from roof damage during a storm or strong wind, but it allows you to recover faster from it.

An insurance cover is the best way to ensure a faster recovery. These policies allow a homeowner to lay an insurance claim as compensation for any repair work done on their houses after the damage.

But one of the biggest questions is whether the insurance can cover storm damage. We shall be answering this question here today.

What Is Considered Storm Damage

An insurance expert will assess your home to determine the damage and the actual cash value. Knowing the factors they will consider to determine whether the storm damages your roof is essential.

Generally, any damage caused by a storm is considered storm damage, and the insurance policy covers it. Roof storm damage can be a result of strong winds, falling debris, and anything else that comes with the storm.

There are different types of storms that can cause wind and hail damage to your home. They include;

• Tornados
• Hurricanes
• Thunderstorms
• Hailstorms
• Derecho

The most straightforward answer is yes. Most insurance companies offer policies that protect you from any form to damage, including a storm.

These policies cover roof damage depending on the terms. Usually, a homeowners insurance policy includes dwelling coverage, which helps pay for repairs or roof replacement.

Your homeowners’ insurance coverage may also include personal property coverage. This helps to repair or replace any items damaged due to a storm.

Even though there are great insurance policies that cover storm damage, it’s always crucial to review the terms before signing any papers. You need to know the coverage limit, deductibles, and exclusions, among other features.

You need to choose a policy that covers wind damage to your roof if you are concerned about the roof. This is because not every cover has such provisions.

Some policies may also include other structures coverage, which covers damage to other structures. Such a cover is important if you have a shed or free-standing garage.

As stated above, always read the terms and conditions carefully for every coverage you wish to take. It clearly explains the terms for any roof damage repair or replacement.

And even though homeowners insurance covers roof damage, there are several factors that will determine how much is covered. These include the roof’s condition, like old age or unresolved maintenance issues. They will affect how much cost the insurance will cover.

Evaluation is very important in such conditions. The insurance company will send a representative to evaluate how much hail damage your roof has taken and then determine the right amount to pay.

Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies and What They Cover

It is essential to know how much the policy you have will pay for a damaged roof. Some will pay for a full replacement, while others will only pay for repairs.

It all comes down to the specific policy you have.

Here are the most common homeowners insurance policies:

ACV Insurance Policy

Actual Cash Value (ACV) is a policy that offers a depreciated value of the wind-damaged e roof. This policy only gives you what the roof is worth during hail damage.

If your current roof is too old, the settlement may not be able to cover the replacement cost. However, it’s still enough to give you a boost.

RCV Home Insurance

The Replacement Cost Value (RCV) insurance policy covers the entire cost of replacing a brand-new roof. Thus, the insurance company must pay you enough to cover the whole project.

Among the most important steps to getting this claim is to check the actual roof’s value, as the insurer holds the recoverable depreciation. Always use a licensed contractor when looking for this information. They will confirm the cost before you can receive the payment check.

What To Do After a Storm Damage?

Storm damage can cause home damage and other issues like landscaping and power outages. A great relief is that homeowners insurance covers roof damages and similar issues. However, dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, and you must be ready.

Here are some of the things you could do as you wait for the repairs.

Take Photos

There must be evidence that your roof was damaged by a storm before you begin the claim process. This is crucial for policies that cover wind damage.

You can have a qualified roofing contractor help here, as it could make things much easier. Take the photos from different angles showing the extent of the damage before doing anything.

These photos will be used to determine whether you need a full roof replacement or just simple repairs. They will go into your file and help make the process smoother.

Prevent Further Damage To Your Roof

An insurance policy’s dwelling coverage will handle damages caused by extreme weather to your property. Depending on your homeowners’ policy, you can get a full reimbursement or just part of it.

But while you wait for the insurance, you must protect your roof from further damage wherever possible. Any small roof leak can lead to more significant damage if you don’t handle it in time. You will be forced to pay more if the insurance does not cover full the full cost.

As stated above, it’s crucial to know your policy’s coverage limits. You can search at the insurance information institute if you are not sure of the policy you have. It’s always good to have such information before committing to the insurance.

Work With a Professional Roofer

Whether you are replacing the entire roof or just a part of it, working with a qualified roofer is extremely crucial. Not only will they help you repair the leaky roof, but they will also assist in filing your claims.

There are many things they can do to prevent further water damage. Also, you need such expert handling if you want the insurance to replace items damaged due to the storm.

The goal here is to prevent damage to other parts of your home and protect you from spending too much on repairs. Your home insurance policy can pay for the project, but that does not mean you just let things go wrong.

Submit a Claim

Now that you have everything sorted and protected on your roof, submit your claim. There are multiple factors that will determine acceptance of the claim for roof damage caused by a storm. These include the roof’s age, maintenance, policy terms, and other threats, especially when you need a new roof.

Sometimes even damage caused by fallen trees may not be covered by insurance if it is an obvious hazard. It can be considered negligence.

It is crucial to know these things are you submit your claim. And as stated earlier, consider working with a qualified roofing contractor to make this process much easier for you.

The potential for storm roof damage gets bigger depending on your location. Areas prone to strong winds are more vulnerable to such issues.

Thus, homeowners need to have insurance policies, especially for older roofs. You are more at peace knowing your property is covered in case of any emergency.

However, you need a professional inspection to determine the damage and offer guidelines. Such information is typically included in your policy’s instructions.

You can count on Lenox Roofing for such services. The company is known for offering high-quality roofing services, including emergency storm damage repairs. With a focus on customer satisfaction, you are always in safe hands with this team.