roof, roofing, roof damage, storm damage, insurance claim

Does Insurance Cover Storm Damage to Roofs?

Here in Florida we’re prone to more frequent and intense storm seasons than most anywhere else in the United States–leading to more storm damage to roofs than almost anywhere else in the United States. With homeowners insurance becoming more and more complicated here each year, whether or not your homeowners insurance covers storm damage to your roof largely depends on the specifics of your insurance policy. Here are some key points to consider:

Type of Insurance Policy Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover storm damage, including damage caused by wind, hail, and rain. However, the extent of coverage can vary based on the policy details.

Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles Florida is very hurricane susceptible, and many policies have specific deductibles for hurricane or windstorm damage. These deductibles are usually higher than the standard deductible for other types of claims.

Flood Damage It’s important to note that flood damage, which can sometimes occur during a storm, is generally not covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. For protection against flood damage, a separate flood insurance policy is needed.

Age and Condition of Roof Insurance companies may limit coverage based on the age and condition of your roof. Older roofs or roofs in poor condition may not be fully covered.

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Some policies offer coverage based on the actual cash value of the roof, which takes depreciation into account, while others offer replacement cost coverage that doesn’t factor in depreciation.

Policy Exclusions and Limitations Always check for any exclusions or limitations in your policy. Certain types of damage or causes of damage might be excluded from coverage.

State and Local Regulations Florida has specific insurance regulations and building codes that can influence coverage. After major storms, there can also be temporary changes to insurance regulations.

To determine the exact coverage for storm damage to your roof in Florida, you should review your specific insurance policy and consult with your insurance agent or a professional in the field. They can provide detailed information tailored to your situation. If you’d like to get your roof inspected before the 2024 storm season arrives, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Universal Roof & Contracting by calling 1-855-ROOF-HELP.