Your roof is one of the largest maintenance items on your home. In addition to protecting your home from the elements, it is one of the first things that people see and has a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal. Because your roof can be damaged by all kinds of inclement weather, it’s important to make sure that your home insurance policy covers the types of damage that commonly occur in your area.
Types of Damage
In Wisconsin, we typically see roof damage due to snow and ice buildup, wind, hail, fallen trees, and occasionally tornadoes. Damage caused by extreme weather events is usually covered by home insurance policies. Damage due to leaks or standing water is sometimes covered, but not always, so check with your insurance agent on the specific coverage limits of your policy.
Coverage Limitations
Many insurance policies limit coverage from damage due to certain types of events. Although nearly every policy will cover damage due to fire, not all will cover rain damage or damage due to fallen trees. Additionally, some policies will only cover the ‘Actual Cash Value’ or the depreciated value of the roof before the damage occurred, not the replacement cost. This is most common when a roof is more than 10 years old.
How to Maximize Coverage
If you have your roof repaired or replaced, make sure that you document it. It’s also a good idea to take photos of your home, including the condition of the roof, so that you can prove that the roof was in good condition before the damage occurred. If your roof is more than 10 years old, some insurance companies may require an inspection before issuing a policy.
Because extreme weather can strike at any time, it’s important that you know what is covered by your home insurance policy. Call your insurance agent to make sure that you have the appropriate coverage.
