Call Us: 724-888-6418
Email Us: info@neillandsonroofing.com
Here in Pittsburgh, your roof faces a lot of challenges—from heavy snow to strong winds and storms. Over time, this can cause damage that may require a roof replacement.
However, you might be wondering about the cost and whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover it.
So let’s break down how homeowners insurance works for roof damage and what you need to know if your roof needs replacing.
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your property from various kinds of damage. In general, insurance policies will cover damage caused by unexpected or sudden events, such as a storm, fire, or falling tree. However, the coverage varies from one insurance policy to another, and it’s crucial to understand the specifics of your own.
In Pittsburgh, the general instances when will homeowners insurance cover a new roof are the following:
However, normal wear and tear (like an old roof that’s just been used a lot) is usually not covered by insurance. That’s why it’s important to maintain your roof and get regular inspections.
Whether your insurance will cover the cost of replacing your roof depends on a few things:
Insurance will usually cover roof damage caused by unexpected events like a storm, fire, or a tree falling on your roof. But if the damage is due to things like lack of maintenance or normal aging of the roof, it’s unlikely to be covered.
Insurance companies often have rules about how old a roof can be for it to be covered. If your roof is old, your insurance might only pay for a partial replacement based on the roof’s current value (this is called “actual cash value” or ACV). If the roof is newer, your insurance might cover the full replacement cost (this is called “replacement cost value” or RCV).
There are two main types of homeowners insurance when it comes to roof coverage:
Actual Cash Value (ACV): This pays for the roof replacement minus depreciation (basically, how much value the roof has lost over time).
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This pays for the full cost of replacing the roof, without considering its age.
Make sure you check with your insurance provider to see which type of coverage you have, so you know what to expect.
Your Deductible
Every insurance policy has a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance helps cover the rest. If your deductible is high, you might end up paying a bigger chunk of the roof replacement cost.
After you file a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to check the damage. This helps them decide how much they’ll pay you. Having a roofing expert, like Neill & Son, on your side can be really helpful in these situations, so they can make sure all damage is properly documented.
If you think your roof has been damaged and may be covered by insurance, follow these steps:
It’s important to document everything. Take clear photos of your roof’s damage from both inside and outside your home.
Call your insurance company to report the damage. They’ll guide you through the roofing insurance claims process and tell you what steps to follow.
Before you talk to your insurance, it’s a good idea to get an estimate from a trusted roofing contractor. They will help you understand when will homeowners insurance cover a new roof, how much it will cost, and give you an idea of what to expect in terms of the payout.
Review the Insurance Offer
Once the insurance company has reviewed the damage, they’ll let you know how much they’re willing to pay. If it’s not enough to cover the full cost of the roof replacement, you can ask for a re-evaluation.
Once your claim is processed, you’ll want to hire a trusted roofing company to do the work. It’s important to choose a company that knows how to work with insurance companies and will make sure the repair or replacement is done right.
If you’re a homeowner in the Pittsburgh area and need a new roof, Neill & Son Roofing is here to help! We know the ins and outs of the insurance claims process, so rest assured we can help you get the best possible coverage for your roof replacement. Just contact us for your free consultation today!