Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Roof Replacements?

Insurance can be tricky to understand, and as hurricane season approaches, you may be even more worried about what is and isn’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Everything from the age of your roof to the type of damage sustained can determine whether or not a roof replacement is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. So you can properly address the issue and better understand what will be covered, it is important to know the signs of roof damage. 

Signs That Your Roof May Need Replacement 

A roof isn’t usually the first thing on a homeowner’s mind, and unless there is obvious damage, the need for a roof replacement may be overlooked. Even though minor issues may seem easy to ignore until they become a major issue, getting a roof inspection and fixing the damages can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Some things to look out for that could point to possible roof damage include: 

  • Sunlight seeping into your home through the roof 
  • Mildew or algae growing on shingles 
  • Cracked, curling, or missing shingles 
  • Interior leaks
  • Peeling wallpaper 
  • Dark and wet spots on the walls 

What Damages are Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance? 

Addressing roof damages can be daunting, especially if you aren’t positive about what your insurance covers. While coverage can vary based on the circumstances, the severity of the damages, and the plan you have; you can typically expect the following to be covered (or not covered) by your homeowner’s insurance policy. 

Covered: 

  • Natural Disaster Damages: Florida is no stranger to hurricane force winds or tornados. The damages caused by natural disasters are hard to prevent, so insurance is likely to cover the costs of repair. 
  • Unforeseen Circumstances:  Unplanned events like a tree falling onto your roof or wildfires erupting near your home are circumstances that are impossible to foresee and prepare for, so insurance will often cover the cost of damages or replacement. 

 Not Covered: 

  • Wear and Tear: General wear and tear on a roof is not usually covered by insurance. A lot of these issues can be prevented with general maintenance and upkeep.
  • Exceeded Life Span: Homeowners should expect their roofs to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years depending on the material it was built with. If your roof endures damages after the 20-year mark it is unlikely that insurance will cover the damages.

Get the Right Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage for Your Home 

Property damage is scary enough on its own, but it can be even scarier if you don’t have the right insurance. That’s why Corkhill Insurance Agency provides a large variety of policies to ensure you get the coverage that is right for your home. Service is our policy, and we want to help you. Feel free to give us a call at 407-898-8891 with any questions or to receive your free quote.