Sudden storms, especially when they bring high winds and hail, can cause substantial damage to homes. This is why we carry things like home insurance to cover us in case of an emergency.
The process of filing an insurance claim can be lengthy and confusing. To make the process smoother, it’s important to know some of the more common pitfalls to avoid so you don’t get blindsided.
Improper Maintenance
Roofs are built to last decades but they don’t make it that long automatically. Even the strongest, most expensive roofs need regular maintenance to keep them performing properly. Neglected roofs, no matter the materials or build quality, fail more often and thus insurance companies and warranty providers can cancel coverage if it’s shown that proper maintenance was neglected.
Caring for your roof is ultimately up to the homeowner, keep up with your roof maintenance so you won’t run the risk of being denied coverage when you really need it.
Roof Age
When it comes to covering a roof completely, most policies only cover roof up to 20 years or so. It’s not sensible for a company to fully insure and old roof, so if your roof is very old, don’t be surprised if your insurance company doesn’t cover the full cost of roof replacement in an emergency.
Roof Materials
Getting an eco-friendly roof such as new or recycled slate, has a lot of inherent benefits but they also usually require a lot of maintenance. As such many insurance companies don’t like to cover these materials. Be sure to check your policy thoroughly, especially if you’ve recently changed materials, to ensure your roof is covered.
Other Policy Exclusions
These aren’t the only things that can void your warranties or insurance coverage, providers often have exclusions in addition to these things. Insurance companies need to protect themselves from fraud and waste, so examining your policies closely can save you a lot of headaches in the future.
In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists can help you throughout the insurance claims process and get you through this time as smoothly as possible. Call 770-419-2222 today for a free estimate!