Roof leaks may be covered under your homeowners insurance if they are caused by something that is considered to be an unpreventable peril. There are many exclusions that will not be covered, however. They include earthquakes, floods, termite infestations, damage from pets, and normal wear and tear. Your insurance agent will provide you with a full list of exclusions when you go over your policy. It's important to know what is and isn't covered to ensure that you take the right steps to protect your home from any type of water damage.
If the cause of your roof leak is a covered peril, then any water damage you experience will be covered by your homeowners insurance. Damage from falling tree limbs, ice dams, and heavy snow accumulation is all covered perils in most homeowners insurance. Strong winds and heavy rains are also covered if your roof is in good condition. Having your roof inspected every year will ensure that your roof is in good shape.
The key to repairing your roof is to find where the leak starts. If you notice a stain forming on your wall, you will need to start looking above it. You may eventually track the water stains up to the attic. Soft flooring is a good indication that water may have saturated the flooring. Look for areas where water may have been able to sneak inside. Cracked shingles or damaged bricks in the chimney are all possible entry points. Missing gutters may also pose a problem.
Know the cause of the leak before you file a claim. If it is the result of general wear and tear, it won't be covered. Talk to your agents to find out what your exclusions are. If the cause of your leak is not covered, then filing a claim will not do you any good. If your roof has seen better days and the leak is coming from a weakened area, it's in your best interest to have a new roof put on. Filing a claim that eventually gets denied is a good way for your premiums to be raised.
If you need to have your roof replaced because of damage, you will need to pay your deductible. Once you file a claim, the first thing that will be discussed is the amount of your deductible. When you hire your roofing company, you can pay your deductible to them as a deposit until the insurance company sends you the check for the rest.
If you pay for your new roof yourself, your premiums may go down slightly. If you file a claim to have your roof repaired or replaced, your premiums will more than likely go up. It will all depend on the circumstances and the reason behind the replacement.
When you are dealing with water leaks, you may have a lot of questions. Contact the agents at Spotlight Insurance Agency to get the answers to all of your questions. We know how frustrating it is to try and figure out your homeowners insurance if you need to file a claim. Schedule an appointment with us, and we can work with you to find a solution!
