Let’s dive into the details of what’s covered by insurance and what costs the homeowner may still have to pay for when filing a claim for roof damage.
First off, it’s important to note that the insurance company will cover the cost of all necessary repairs, but the homeowner is responsible for paying their deductible. This means that the only out of pocket cost for the homeowner is their deductible, unless they want something over and above what is covered in their claim.
It’s also important to keep in mind that insurance companies will only cover repairs that bring the roof back to its pre-loss condition and with like and kind materials. So, if the original roof was an asphalt shingle roof, and the homeowner wants to upgrade to a metal roof, they will have to pay the difference in cost themselves.
One thing to note is that insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of rotted plywood or sheathing. This is because rotted plywood is considered to be a result of wear and tear over a long period of time, and not damage from a single storm. However, if the plywood is not up to code, or if there’s a puncture in the plywood from a tree branch during a storm, it may be covered by the insurance company.
Now, the homeowner’s deductible is a legal obligation that they agreed to when they signed a contract with their insurance company upon opening coverage. It’s typically a fixed amount, say $1,000 for example, and is included in the total repair estimate. This means that the deductible is paid to the contractor by the homeowner.
It’s important to remember that the deductible is non-negotiable, and if the homeowner doesn’t pay it, or tries to get a contractor to waive it, that is considered insurance fraud and is illegal.
So, when it comes to filing a claim for roof damage, homeowners can rest assured that the insurance company will cover the cost of necessary repairs, with the homeowner only having to pay their deductible. And if there are any additional costs or repairs that the homeowner and contractor believe should be covered, the homeowner has the right to request a second inspection and appeal the claim if necessary.
