One of the most important aspects to owning a home is having homeowners insurance. States do not require homeowners insurance, although if you are receiving your home mortgage through a lender, they will generally require proof of homeowners insurance to complete the mortgage lending process. Homeowners insurance protects your home against unexpected situations where your home and/or personal property could experience loss. This type of insurance is also known as property and liability insurance. Liability includes medical costs in the case someone is hurt on your property. If you are found liable for an accident on your property, homeowners insurance protects your assets.
Homeowners insurance not only protects the people on your property and the property inside of your home, but protects the structure of your home. One important aspect is the very roof over your family's heads. Literally speaking, insurance companies consider the roof the most important aspect of your home. Your roof is the first line of defense against Mother Nature. To ensure you are receiving the proper coverage in case of a natural disaster or total loss, your insurance agent should inspect your roof prior to providing you insurance.
When to file a roof insurance claim
You, the policy holder make the ultimate decision of when to file a roof claim. If you believe there is damage to the roof that will be covered by your policy, then you should look into filing a claim. Call your agent and discuss when to file a claim or when not to. Most people will file a claim when they believe the insurance claim will cost more or substantially more than their deductible.
Hail damage
Hail damage has become an increasingly common roof claim. Increases in these claims are due to the increase of "storm chasers" traveling from state to state. Storm chasers claim homes have hail damage, when there may be no hail damage at all. When hail damage does occur, not all slopes are affected. Due to the direction of the wind during a hail storm, not all parts of the roof become susceptible to hail damage. The velocity of the wind and the size and hardness of the hail can all be determining factors of the intensity of the hail damage.
Other causes for roof insurance claims
Other occurring incidents cause damage to roofs, other than Mother Nature. If you are installing a new roof, always check that the manufacturer backs their product with a warranty. If you suspect your roof materials are subject to manufacturers defect, you must first check with the manufacturer of the product. If you are unable to satisfy the problem through the manufacturer, contact your insurance agent.
EXOVATIONS chooses to use GAF roofing system and shingles. This is for many reasons such as durability, color variation, variety of styles, but most importantly the advanced protection technology provided by GAF. GAF system warranty can cover material defects up to 50 years.
In addition to manufacturers defects, allowing someone to walk on your roof can cause extreme damage. This is why it is so important to never allow someone to inspect your roof except an insurance agent who is determining a claim or a certified roofing contractor. Never let a storm chaser on your roof to inspect for hail damage. Storm chasers will most often create more damage than what currently exists. Another reason to not let just anyone on your roof is because footfall is not always covered by your homeowner's insurance policy.
Replacing your roof
Always consider the following before having any repairs or replacement work done to your roof. Use caution when accepting bids that are extensively lower than any other bids for the same project. A good way to check the reputation of a company is to contact the Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints again the contractor in question. Prior to signing a contract or any work being completed, ask for certificates of insurance for the company doing the work. Make sure you understand the warranty that comes with your new roof. Ask they go over it extensively so you understand what will be covered on their end if you ever have to file a roof insurance claim.
Replacing your roof is an important project, especially if a roof insurance claim is in the mix of it all. Make sure you have the proper amount of insurance to cover not only your roof but your entire property. For all your residential roofing needs, you can always contact EXOVATIONS for free consultation and price quote.