Homeowner’s insurance may seem like a hassle when you’re making your monthly or annual payments, but it can save a lot of heartaches when the unthinkable happens. And, let’s face it: In many cases, you need it in order to get a mortgage when you buy a home.
Unfortunately, there are homeowners who buy insurance based on price alone. Of course, the amount you pay for any kind of insurance will always play a part in the decision, but so should the coverage. Because when the unthinkable does happen, you’ll want to know exactly what it means to you and your finances.
The Pacific Northwest can experience extreme weather at times: Torrential rain, freezing temperatures, snow and ice, high winds, and more. And it’s not uncommon for falling tree branches to take out power lines, crash through fences, or put a hole in a roof. And repairing or replacing a roof can be quite an undertaking.
Does homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement?
Depending on coverage – including any Acts of Nature – you may not have to pay a cent to pay for damage due to unforeseen circumstances. Or you could pay thousands depending on insurance deductibles. In certain high-risk areas (think of the Midwest and tornados) you may need to buy specific kinds of insurance to cover roof damage.
Beyond the whims of nature, there are other times an insurance company may cover the cost of a roof replacement. This could be an accidental fire, something as unlikely as debris from aircraft, or some other qualifying event. These unforeseen circumstances are why we have insurance in the first place, right?
However, common home insurance won’t cover normal wear and tear damage to your roof. For example, if your cedar shake roof starts leaking after 20 years of service and zero maintenance, replacing or even repairing the roof won’t be paid for. As a homeowner, it’s up to you to maintain your home.
Maintaining or replacing an old roof falls into that category. In fact, if you buy a home with a roof that’s over 20 years old, it may not be covered at all. Or at least until you replace the roof – just make sure you get all of the required paperwork to your insurance agent so they can change the coverage.
It doesn’t hurt to ask about available warranties before replacing your roof, too. Another thing to think about or ask your insurance agent: If you do have a leaky roof because of age, you may still be able to file a claim for any damage to the rest of the home. It could fall under the “covered peril” section of your plan.
Take steps to protect your roof and your home
When you buy a home and the roof still has “plenty” of life, it’s something that can be taken for granted. Outside of glaring issues, many of us just assume the roof is in good shape. But if your asphalt shingles have been in service for more than 20 years, it could be time to have a professional roofing contractor take a closer look.
This includes not just the surface of your roof but underneath as well. If you can, take a quick peek into the attic. Do you notice any roof leaks or water damage? It may be time to have your roof inspected by Warner Roofing and Construction.
By catching any issues early, we can prevent small problems from becoming huge issues. And while you may not be able to lean on insurance to pick up the cost of any service or repair, you’ll save yourself from a much larger price tag down the road. Especially when you consider the damage that can be caused in the ceiling, walls, and even foundation of your home.
We also work with insurance agents to make sure the proper roofing materials are used when replacing your roof. In addition to roof replacements, re-roofs, and repairs, we also install skylights, solar tubes, gutter systems, and have additional services. We are a full-service roofing company that also inspects the structure of your roof.
