Is Hail Damage to Your Roof Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
The sound of hail pounding on your roof is enough to jolt you awake. When the storm clouds clear, you may discover what every homeowner fears: roof damage. Hailstorms can occur almost anywhere, but they are most common in certain regions of the country.
Most homeowner policies cover hail damage to your roof as well as water damage to your home's structure or contents. However, you must not take your coverage for granted. Before disaster strikes, you must determine whether your home insurance policy will cover a hail-damaged roof, under what circumstances it will not provide coverage, and the coverage limits of your policy.
What Is Hail Damage?
Depending on the type of roof you have, hail damage to your roof can take several different forms.
- Asphalt shingle or composite shingle: Round, dark impact marks with few granules may appear. The damaged shingles may feel soft, and exposed felt may be visible.
- Wood shingles: You may see dents and splits in the wood, with noticeable brown or orange spots inside the splits.
- Metal: Roof panels, gutters, and vents may display dents.
What Are the Hazards of Hail Damage to Roofs?
Water can leak into underlying materials through a damaged roof, affecting roofing plywood and insulation. Water can seep into ceilings and walls, causing paint and sheetrock to deteriorate. Unchecked leaks can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can spread to clothing and furniture. Water-damaged structural elements, such as ceiling joists and wall studs, can rot and collapse a ceiling.
Water can also seep into your home's electrical components, such as ceiling fans, lights, and wall sockets, causing electrical damage that could result in a fire.
How To Prevent Hail Damage
- Install a new roof when advised. Replacing an old roof can pose a safety risk to workers, potentially leading to a lawsuit. Check your home insurance policy for adequate liability coverage before hiring a contractor.
- Install storm shutters on windows and doors.
- Install hail-resistant roofing materials such as Class 4 shingles, coated metals, or synthetic slate.
- Replace old roof fixtures, such as skylights and vents, which are prone to hail damage and leaks.
Is Hail Damage to Your Roof Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
An HO-3 is the most common type of homeowner's insurance for owner-occupied homes. Typically, HO-3 policies cover hail damage. Homeowners policies typically cover replacement costs for dwelling losses. For example, if your roof is destroyed in a hailstorm and will cost $20,000 to replace, your policy will pay up to $20,000 for the repair, less your deductible.
Some homeowners' insurance policies may place a cap on roof replacement claims. For example, if your policy has cosmetic damage limits, it may only pay to replace damaged roof shingles that do not match the rest of the roof. In states where hailstorms are common, homeowners policies may include a separate deductible for perils such as hail or wind.
Insurers sometimes limit roof coverage to actual cash value for homes with older roofs, applying a depreciated value paid for damages.
When Is Hail Damaged Not Covered?
While a roof may appear to be hail damaged, another factor, particularly neglect, may be to blame. Sunlight and harsh weather can cause shingles to become brittle and appear damaged. As the shingles age, they may begin to blister, crack, or show signs of granule loss. These types of damages are considered normal wear and tear, and are typically not covered by insurance.
- An insurance adjuster may deny a claim if hail damages an old roof that should have already been replaced. Your policy may cover interior structural and contents losses if hail damages your roof and causes water damage inside your home.
Houses that have been vacant for more than 60 days are usually denied by insurance companies. Some carriers may refuse to insure a vacant home, while others may continue to provide limited coverage for specific perils. Some insurers, however, provide vacant home insurance, which may cover hail and wind damage.
If the damage is less than your policy's deductible, you cannot file a roof claim. You cannot, for example, file a $500 roof claim if your policy has a $1,000 deductible. Homes in high-risk areas may be subject to an additional hail deductible. So, if your hail damage deductible is $2,000, you can only file a claim if the damages exceed that amount.
How To File a Hail Damage Insurance Claim
The claims filing process varies depending on the insurance provider. However, in all cases, you must file a claim as soon as possible and provide sufficient documentation to verify the damage.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Before filing a claim, it's best to understand what your home insurance policy does and does not cover. When a hailstorm strikes, go over your policy's coverages and exclusions. Coverage A and B cover losses to your home's main structure as well as attached structures such as a garage, while coverage C covers personal property such as furniture and clothing.
Be Prompt
The fine print of your homeowners insurance policy may direct you to contact the insurer or its agent as soon as possible after damage occurs. If you're not sure how quickly you must file, ask a company representative if there is a time limit. You should also file a claim as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Damaged roof materials can deteriorate further, so an adjuster should inspect the damage as soon as possible.
Assess the Damage
If you are unsure whether your roof has been damaged enough to file a claim, you may need to hire a contractor to assess the losses. Excessive granule loss on shingles, dents to metal roof panels and gutters, and cracked or dented skylights and vents are all signs of a valid claim, depending on your policy's deductible.
Take photos or videos of any damage. Roof damage can frequently result in leaks that ruin interior floors and furnishings. Include all damages to your home's structure and contents in your claim.
You may need to act quickly to prevent further damage. Cover a damaged section of your roof, for example, to keep rainwater from entering your home. Also, throw away soaked items like carpeting, which can harbor mold. Take these precautions before an adjuster arrives to inspect the damage.
Get an Estimate
Home insurance claims may be assigned to a claims handler or insurance adjuster by some insurers. Typically, the representative will assess the damage and provide you with a cost estimate for repairs. If the insurer requires an estimate, you may be required to select a contractor from the company's approved vendor list. To assess damages, always use a licensed contractor.
Keep Track of the Claim
After filing a claim, you must remain involved until the claim is paid and your home is restored. Keep in touch with the insurance adjuster and the contractor on a regular basis. Take careful notes whenever you speak with an insurance representative. If you have any questions about the process, contact the insurance company. Keep receipts for any damage-related expenses for which the insurer may reimburse you. Continue to inspect your home for secondary damage caused by the hail, such as leaks or mold.