When your Maple Grove or Delano area home has been damaged by a storm or hail, one of the first things on your mind may be, “Is insurance going to pay for this”? That’s quite literally the $20,000 question. And, it’s not so easy to answer and it can take time to evaluate your roof, get the claim started, and get some real answers for you to mull over. However, knowledge is power as is said. So, we at Welter Construction have put together a little information you hopefully won’t need to use, but if you do it could come in handy.

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR MY NEW ROOF?

So, you pay your homeowner’s insurance premiums every year, and now you suddenly need it due to storm damage. Generally speaking, most insurance policies do cover roof replacements and roof repairs when the damage to the roof was caused by something outside the homeowner’s control. That includes damage caused by hail, rain, wind, and other natural occurrences. These are unpreventable disasters. Vandalism may be covered as well.

In fact, the entire exterior of your home, such as the gutter system, siding, windows, and doors, are probably covered under the same policy. The amount of coverage, exclusions, and deductible is up to your insurance company, which depends on a number of factors:

  • Age: The age of your roof, siding, or other home exterior structure that was damaged is taken into consideration. For example, if your roof is less than 10 years old, you might qualify for full coverage. If it is older than that, it may be partial coverage depending on age and condition.
  • Condition: It’s always important to maintain your roof through a professional roofing contractor. The better maintenance your roof receives, the stronger it’s going to withstand the elements. Further, your insurance company will look at how well your roof was maintained when determining how much they are going to cover.
  • Preventable: Was the damage preventable? For example, if you let your gutter system fall into disrepair and water damages your roof and home, your insurance company is not likely going to pay for the water damage. Again, it’s always best to stay on top of home maintenance with Welter Construction!

INCREASE YOUR COVERAGE CHANCES

There are several ways to increase your chances for insurance coverage should your home become damaged outside your control. As we’ve talked about already, stay on top of home maintenance. Another good practice is to make small repairs as needed before they develop into much larger and more costly repairs. Or, even worse, never get repaired at all. That’s a definite no-no!

Keep a record of all your home maintenance efforts, whether you did the maintenance yourself or hired a professional contractor. Keep all paperwork and receipts. Take “before and after” pictures, such as cleaning out clogged gutters, trimming trees back, and anything else you do to your home’s exterior. Photos are proof positive you’re taking care of your home.

FILING A CLAIM

It’s important to start out right when filing a claim. In the event your home is damaged, even slightly damaged, take pictures and video right away. Photos and video are positive proof that damage has occurred. Next, call your trusted roofing contractor. A good roofing contractor will give you an honest assessment and estimate of the damage, and the contractor should help you work with your insurance company.

At Welter Construction, we have helped hundreds of customers work with their insurance companies to get every penny they are due from storm and hail damage. Whether you see damage or suspect storm damage, call Welter Construction for the best home exterior service! Call on us today (763) 294-8099!