Has a recent storm damaged your roof?
Are you worried about whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of a roof repair or replacement?
When a storm tears through your neighborhood, one of the first questions homeowners ask is “Will my insurance cover the damage on my roof?”
It seems like a silly question, considering you pay your insurance company to help you in situations like this. In theory, yes, your insurance company will cover storm damage on your roof. But the full picture depends on a number of individual factors insurance companies look for to warrant an approval.
Here, we’ll go over what insurance is looking for to approve your roof claim. We’ll also look at how the type of insurance you have plays an important role in your decision-making and what might not be covered by your insurance carrier.
What Does Insurance Look for to Approve a Claim on My Roof in Myrtle Beach?
Not all roof damage automatically qualifies for an insurance payout. Carriers look for specific storm-related events:
Wind Damage
Wind damage is one of the most common causes of roof claims. Approval often depends on your roof’s age, material, and repairability. For example, we’ve noticed that three-tab shingles are more likely to be approved for replacement than architectural shingles. If your roof is under 15 years old, insurers often prefer repair over full replacement unless the shingles are too brittle or the damage is widespread.
Hail Damage
Hail claims are especially tricky. Insurers and engineers look at hail size to determine if it could have fractured the shingle matting and compromised the roof. Generally, hail needs to be ¾ of an inch or larger to be considered insurable damage. Some engineers won’t approve a claim unless hailstones are at least 1.5 inches in diameter, which is rare in South Carolina. This subjectivity is why many hail-related claims get denied, despite visible damage.
Falling Objects
When a tree, trampoline, or even a neighbor’s flying gutter hits your roof, insurers are likely to cover the damage. Falling objects can cause structural issues with your roof, like fractured rafters or trusses, and can quickly lead to interior water damage if not fixed right away.
Water Damage
Driving rain pushed in by high winds is usually covered, at least for interior damage. However, if water enters through faulty flashing or poorly installed vents, insurers may deny roof coverage and only pay for interior repairs.
Fire Damage
Roof damage from fire is likely to be covered by your insurance company, whether the fire starts in your home or spreads from a neighbor’s property. Even melted siding from a nearby fire can be included in your claim.
If you have damage to your roof that is not caused by neglecting roof maintenance, it is a good time to file an insurance claim. However, it’s important to consider the type of insurance you have. We’ve seen situations where the cost to repair roof damage does not exceed their insurance deductible. In these scenarios, it may not be the best financial option to file a claim.
Homeowners Insurance Types: ACV and RCV
How much money you receive depends on whether your policy is Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
- ACV only pays the depreciated value of your roof at the time of damage.
- RCV covers the full replacement cost, minus your deductible.
If the cost to repair your roof does not meet your deductible amount, it may not be worth filing a claim at all.
To learn more about ACV and RCV insurance, check out our article: ACV vs. RCV: What is the Best Type of Homeowners Insurance for a Roof? Here, you’ll learn more about how your insurance policy works in situations like these.
When Storm Damage Might Not Be Covered By Your Insurance Company
While most storm-related damage is covered, there are situations where insurers deny claims:
- Pre-Existing Damage: If your roof already had rotted wood, missing shingles, or unresolved issues before the storm, insurers may call it negligence and deny coverage.
- Unrepaired Past Claims: If you filed a claim in the past and never completed the repairs, insurers typically won’t pay for the same damage again.
- Policy Exclusions: Some policies exclude certain weather events (like flooding or earthquakes) unless you’ve added specific coverage. Others may exclude cosmetic metal roof damage or limit payouts for certain materials.
There are a few other factors that can determine whether or not your insurance claim will be approved.
These include:
- Roof Age: Older roofs are less likely to qualify for full replacement.
- Policy Type: ACV vs. RCV changes your payout.
- Deductible Type: Higher deductibles may limit your claim’s value.
- State Regulations: Rules vary by state, so what applies in South Carolina may differ elsewhere.
Before filing, it’s always smart to consult both your insurance agent and a trusted local roofer. Filing unnecessary claims can leave you with denials on your record and higher premiums.
FAQ: Filing an Insurance Claim on Your Roof
Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks after a storm?
Yes, but it depends. Insurers will always cover interior water damage, but whether the roof repair itself is included depends on the cause. They’ll look at where the water entered, whether there was pre-existing damage, and the details of your policy.
Will my rates go up after a storm damage claim?
Maybe. If your claim is approved, you may actually qualify for lower premiums with another insurer since you now have a new roof. If your claim is denied, your rates may rise since you still have an old roof and now also a claim on record.
What if my neighbor’s tree damages my roof?
In most cases, you’ll file a claim through your neighbor’s insurance, since it was their property that caused the damage. Their liability coverage typically applies in these situations.
Should You File an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage Caused By a Storm?
When a storm blows through Myrtle Beach, it’s common to feel overwhelmed with questions. Especially questions about how much repairing the damage could cost you out-of-pocket.
Roof insurance claims are not always black and white. The type of damage you have and your insurance policy type play a big role in making the best decision for your home. Not only that, but you don’t have to fear going through this process alone. Many qualified roofers in the Myrtle Beach area are glad to help you through the insurance process.
If you’re curious about how Linta Roofing can help you through the insurance process, check out ‘How Does Linta Roofing Guide Me Through the Insurance Process?’ Here, you’ll learn the steps we take to support you as you go through the process of repairing storm damage on your roof. If you find that you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help you from start to finish!
