Understanding Whether Your Home Insurance Covers Roof Leakage

Drip. Drip. Drip

Do you hear that? Probably not, but you will surely feel it. That's your roof leaking water into the attic.

Roof leaks are quite common. As shingles age, they begin to fall apart, leaving gaps in between and exposing the house underneath to all sorts of problems. If your roof is leaking, don’t wait to ponder on the decision of whether you should get it repaired. Yes, it will cost you a lot, but the alternative is living in a house with moldy walls.

So, throw away those buckets to save your hardwood floor from water, and consider filling a home insurance claim. Before you get all gung-ho about it, you need to know something. While home insurance policies do cover leaks, helping you cut down some of the stress, the nature of the leak is questionable.

For example, if the leak occurred due to a covered peril, such as hail or wind, you can confidently make a claim. However, if the leak was caused by an accident or a flood, you are on your own… unless you have additional coverage. This is where a residential adjuster in TX comes in. They will review your case and the home insurance policy to determine whether you should file a claim.

Most home insurance policies offer the same coverage with a few exceptions. Let’s take a look at how this factors into a roof leakage claim:

The Nature of Roof Leaks

Let's say a leak in your roof has damaged your belongings. You apply for a claim and it’s rejected. You call your insurance agent to inquire about it and are told that the leak in your roof is caused by a lack of maintenance.

If you look at your policy's declaration page, you will see all the covered perils mentioned and what is excluded. Here are all the perils covered in a standard home insurance policy:

When a policy mentions “open perils,” it means that any damage resulting from an accidental or sudden incident is covered. The policy also mentions anything that is excluded. The insurer has the right to deny a claim even if it is based on an open peril in case the damage is due to a lack of maintenance. 

For example, a storm causes a tree to fall on your property, putting a hole in your roof. If you file a home insurance claim, the insurer will approve it because the policy mentions this peril. However, if your roof's life expectancy is 20 years and it springs leaks in 10 years, you will have to pay for the repairs out of your pocket.

Remember, flood is not included in any home insurance policy. You have to buy it as additional coverage.

Hazards Excluded from a Home Insurance Policy

· Floods

· Mudslides, landslides, and earthquakes

· Damage due to an insect or animal infestation

· General wear and tear

· Negligence

· Warping, cracking, or settling of the house's foundation

· Government action or war

· Corrosion, rust, or smog

· Damaged caused by pets

Fungus and mold are also excluded from home insurance policies. They are covered only if they result from an accident. Let's take the basement, for example. If it is a naturally damp room and you don't take any precautions against mold, the insurer will not approve a claim on its basis.

Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cash Value

There are two types of coverage: Replacement cost value and actual cash value.

The former covers the cost of a complete roof replacement, and the latter pays for minor repairs, such as leaks. For example, your current roof was installed for $20,000 and had a life of 20 years. It has now developed leaks. You file a claim for roof replacement after ten years. The insurer will pay you only half the value minus your deductible, which will be less than $10,000.

In conclusion, there is a 50% chance that your roof leak claim might get approved. This is why it is important to take a look at the covered perils list in your home insurance policy to ensure you are making the right decision. A rejected claim is a claim made nonetheless and could make you lose your benefits, such as getting a premium discount on not filing a claim in a specific period.

Morgan Elite Specialist Services have qualified residential claims adjusters in TX who can help you restore your leaking roof. They will evaluate the damage and document it to provide the insurer proof that the roof leak is a result of a covered peril. With more than 75 years of experience in adjusting claims.

Schedule a consultation now to talk about your case, or fill out our online form with your problem, and we will get back to you with answers. For more information on Mass Tort Settlement, forensic accounting services, claims handling services  or contact them today.