{"id":5456,"date":"2022-07-27T09:45:46","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T09:45:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-planet.com\/?p=5456"},"modified":"2022-07-27T09:45:46","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T09:45:46","slug":"what-is-a-roofing-insurance-policy-why-its-important-that-you-should-get-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/what-is-a-roofing-insurance-policy-why-its-important-that-you-should-get-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Roofing Insurance Policy (Why It\u2019s Important That You Should Get One)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storms and severe weather can damage your roof. Getting roofing insurance is the best way to ensure you\u2019re not going to spend your savings on a new roof after a big storm hits. The roof is a crucial part of your house and also expensive to replace, so you want to be sure you\u2019re protecting it as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Roofing Insurance?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roofing insurance is often a part of your home insurance, though not always. Roofing insurance is solely policies that dictate how your roof must have been damaged in order to qualify for coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The roof protects the rest of your home from the elements, so it\u2019s one of the most essential parts of your house. Insuring it properly avoids accumulating internal damage that you\u2019ll have to account for later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most insurance companies only cover your roof if it\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalinsurancereform.org\/2021\/07\/26\/can-you-afford-a-new-roof-if-not-you-might-not-be-able-to-find-home-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 years old<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and even that tends to only be true for metal or tile roofs. You could fight for a roof inspection to show that your older roof is still in good shape. However, if it seems unlikely that your insurance company will cover your roof, it\u2019s worth investing in a new one to get complete protection from your policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, you wouldn\u2019t have to pay the total cost for a new roof. The insurance company will pay you what your old roof is worth. It\u2019s almost like prorating your roof, as you can prorate tires. While you\u2019ll still have to invest a lot of money in a new roof, you\u2019re at least getting some help from the insurance company.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your roof is in good shape and your insurance company will help cover repairs, take pictures and note the date they were taken. These pictures will serve as \u201cbefore\u201d images in case of roof damage, fires, or storms. You should also take photos of your new roof after it is installed to qualify for insurance coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does Roofing Insurance Cover?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roofing insurance typically covers major problems, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storm damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fire<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hail<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vandalism<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, insurance will also cover things like objects falling on your roof, or water damage if your air conditioner or water heater bursts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance doesn\u2019t cover general wear and tear, because that damage happens naturally over time\u2014it\u2019s inevitable and predictable. Leaks aren\u2019t covered by most insurance policies, either. This type of problem falls under maintenance. So if you think you have a leaky roof, you need to get it checked out as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always check your specific homeowner\u2019s policy for information about roofing insurance. You can see what they cover, as well as their process for making a claim. If you\u2019re shopping around for new insurance, ask each agent about their roofing insurance policies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the extent of the damage, your insurance company might cover a full roof replacement. It\u2019s more common that they will offer payment for adequate repairs. If your roof is completely damaged, they might give you a certain amount of money towards a new roof (depending on the age of the damaged roof).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should You File an Insurance Claim?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roofing insurance is meant to provide the peace of mind that you\u2019ll be protected in case of damage. If your roof experiences fire, storm, or water damage, then it\u2019s most likely covered by your insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people worry that filing an insurance claim could put their policy at risk. Insurance companies might drop customers that file too many claims because they\u2019re not making a profit from that person. However, roofing claims are rare and almost always happen due to forces of nature. There\u2019s usually little risk to filing a claim in this case.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In determining how much to pay out, the company will consider your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/insurance\/insurance-deductible\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insurance deductible<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the extent of the roof damage, and the value of your roof at its current age. If the repair is quoted to cost less than your deductible, the company won\u2019t cover it, and you\u2019ll just pay a roofing company out of pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unsure how to file an insurance claim, read on to find out. You can also call a reputable roofer for help if they have experience dealing with insurance companies. They\u2019ll know how to make your claim acceptable under your insurance policy and take a lot of stress off your shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to File an Insurance Claim<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with many insurance claims, it takes many steps to get a roofing insurance claim in motion. When you first contact your insurance company, they\u2019ll send an adjuster to your property. The adjuster will inspect the damage and estimate how much work the roof needs. They\u2019ll write up a report to show what the insurance company will pay for in terms of repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, an insurance adjuster doesn\u2019t know everything about roofs. Therefore, your next step should be to call a roofing company to come to supplement the assessment. Let the contractor look over your insurance documents to see what they allocated as repairs. Then let a roofer check out your house to see the full extent of the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The roofing professionals can see the damage and understand how to repair it. While the insurance adjuster might have seen only surface damage, the roofer might notice that the eaves need repairs as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The roofing company can supplement the insurance claim by telling the company exactly how much work they need to do to get your roof up to code. The contractor knows the local codes, and the insurance company can\u2019t easily ignore those claims. They might try to fight back, but official government code documents prove the point.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiring Professional Roofers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A new roof is an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/balticroofing.com\/blog\/roofing\/roofing-roi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">investment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your home, so you want to choose a team of professionals to do the best work possible. Professional roofers will have their own insurance as well. Roofing companies also typically have roofing liability insurance and workers\u2019 compensation, to ensure the job is done as professionally as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roofing liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury to the customer\u2019s property and family. For example, if a tool slides off the roof and breaks a window, the company\u2019s insurance would cover the damage. These liabilities can also extend to roof-related damage once the installation is complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Workers\u2019 compensation refers to any injury the roofers themselves experience while at work. It\u2019s a dangerous job to use tools on a roof, so roofing businesses must have <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wcb.ny.gov\/content\/main\/Workers\/what-is-workers-compensation.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">workers\u2019 compensation insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to protect their workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you know your roofing company has its own insurance policies, you want to ensure you\u2019re covered as well. Depending on the accident, a roofer falling from your home may sue you for damages. Your insurance would cover it if that happened, so don\u2019t skip out on this coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risks of Roofing Accidents<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the most experienced roofing professionals can still have an accident on the job. They\u2019re climbing ladders and carrying heavy tools while standing on high, steep surfaces. There\u2019s a lot of pressure in this job, and knowing the roofer has insurance can help all parties feel more comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since roofing companies have workers\u2019 compensation insurance, you shouldn\u2019t be held liable for any injuries roofers may sustain while working on your home. However, there\u2019s still a risk of one of your family members getting hurt. Someone could walk outside as shingles or a tool falls off the roof. The company\u2019s liability insurance will cover this type of harm.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do Roofers Handle Insurance Claims?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, many professional roofers handle insurance claims. You can file through your insurance company first, but some people choose to call a contractor first. The roofer can assess the damage and give you an idea of how much repairs will cost. If it will only cost $1,000 and your insurance deductible is $2,000, it\u2019s not worth the hassle of filing a claim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if the damage is extensive, the roofer will know what repairs will be necessary. They\u2019ll see beyond the broken shingles to the shattered eaves below and add up the costs immediately. You\u2019ll then have an official document to show your insurance company. Many roofing companies will even send this on your behalf to streamline the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roofing Insurance Coverage Considerations<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re renewing your roofing insurance or shopping for a new policy, there are a few things you should consider.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roofing insurance typically only covers acts of nature or major accidents, including occurrences like storms, weather damage, fires, and falling trees.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear and tear don\u2019t count as damage under most roofing insurances, so you should properly maintain your roof and gutters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your roof is 20 or more years old, you might not be eligible to renew your insurance policy. An older roof is a liability, so your company might require you to replace it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always take <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.photographytips.com\/page.cfm\/33725\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before and after pictures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your roof to keep on file. They\u2019ll show the insurance company the previous state of your roof and then show the full impact of the damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a roofing contractor with insurance experience. They can handle the claims process for you so your policy covers the full repairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your roof protects your entire home, and roofing insurance protects your roof. Make sure you know everything about your insurance policy, including what\u2019s covered and the amount of your deductible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with a roofer who has insurance experience will make the process of filing a claim much easier for you. We at Baltic Roofing have that experience, and look forward to helping you protect your investment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Author Bio<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Louis Hanley<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community Manager<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/balticroofing.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baltic Roofing<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Louis is a community manager for Baltic Roofing where they help the greater Chicago community with everything from high-quality roof replacements to skylight repairs. He is an expert on all things roofing and home improvement. Outside of work, he\u2019s a huge Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Storms and severe weather can damage your roof. Getting roofing insurance is the best way to ensure you\u2019re not going to spend your savings on a new roof after a big storm hits. The roof is a crucial part of your house and also expensive to replace, so you want to be sure you\u2019re protecting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5457,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[144],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5456","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-insurance"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5456","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5456"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5456\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5458,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5456\/revisions\/5458"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blog-planet.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}