If a storm or hail has damaged your roof, your insurance policy may cover replacing it. Insurance claim for roof repair or replacement is not uncommon in the United States. In fact, most all-peril homeowners insurance policies cover roof replacement if the damage results from an act of nature. It’s worth noting that the extent of the damage to your roof will determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. But what if you want to install a solar panel system on your roof but have uncovered underlying roof issues that require immediate attention? Will it still be included in an insurance claim?
This blog post aims to enlighten anyone who needs help. It may be with the roof replacement process with an insurance claim with or without a solar panel system.
Five steps on how to claim homeowners insurance
If you discover roof damage, you should file a homeowners insurance claim to reduce out-of-pocket costs. However, it may be unclear where to start.
Unfortunately, if you follow the correct steps when filing a claim, your insurance company may only accept your claim as an administrative error. We will show you four steps to getting your home contents insurance to replace your roof.
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Know what your roofing insurance coverage is
When you first notice roof damage, check the homeowner’s policy and the roofing offered. This may take some research if you’ve never paid much attention to your policy, but this information will also help you make financial decisions about roof repairs. You can also ask your insurance agent for a copy of your policy.
Most insurance agencies offer two types of roofing insurance: repair coverage and replacement coverage. Repair insurance typically reimburses homeowners for a percentage of repair costs. Replacement covers, however, replace roofs that can no longer be repaired. These policies are more expensive and harder to claim. This is why it is so important to document and complain about damage as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, not all roof damage is covered by home contents insurance. Your coverage will depend on your policy, location, and the damage caused. For example, a hailstorm that damages a roof may qualify for coverage because it is unusual and unavoidable. However, in some areas, insurance may not cover damaged roofs. Your roof replacement may also not be covered if you or an inexperienced roofer caused the damage. Because such events occur frequently, homeowners need hurricane insurance or take adequate precautions.
Based on the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance commonly covers these perils:
- Fire and smoke
- Lightning strikes
- Windstorms and hail
- Explosion
- Vandalism and malicious mischief
- Damage from an aircraft, car, or vehicle
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Water damage
If you have questions about roof coverings, call your insurance agent and ask for more details.
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Document the damage, contact your insurance company
After determining that home insurance covers the roof damage (or should cover it), one should take the next action of documenting the damage. Take lots of images or photos—not only of the exterior damage but of the interior of your home as well. If you have a high enough ladder and feel safe, climb up carefully to take pictures or use a drone with a camera, which will be safer. But if you can’t assess all damage with certainty, call in an experienced roofing company for an inspection—just to be safe.
Also, note the date of damage. If your roof was damaged by a tornado or a hurricane, search online for items that match the dates of those damage events to support your claim.
Afterward, check your insurance company’s website for information on how to file a claim. Many policies require homeowners to file a claim within a specified time after the incident. You should know your insurance company’s agreement, as your claim may be denied if you wait too long.
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Research roofing companies and hire the most reputable one
After filing a roof insurance claim, find a reputable roofing company with insurance claim experience to perform a roof inspection. You can search for damages and create reports for your insurance agency. If you don’t hire a professional to do the inspection, your insurance company can pay someone for the roof inspection. Because this outside inspector represents the insurance agency, they can try to find reasons to deny your claim. However, by taking responsibility and hiring your own inspector, you can get your insurance company to pay for your roof repairs.
But how to choose a roofing company?
First, look for a company that offers roof replacement and installation services for the most common roofing materials, including clapboard, tile, and metal roofing. A reputable roofing contractor should also have a website and a Google My Business page with reviews from other customers.
Make sure the roofer you choose has experience handling insurance claims. This will make it easier for them to communicate with your insurance agency and provide valid evidence of your claim.
Reputable roofers will replace the roof professionally – without causing more damage or charging you unreasonable fees. If you choose a roofer with a bad (or no) reputation, your future insurance claims may be denied for previous poor installations.
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Beware of insurance scams and scammers
When it comes to insurance, scammers can take advantage of you. Scammers are advertising neighborhoods after major storms, promising free roofs — be warned, this is most likely not a fair deal. The door-to-door people are highly trained salespeople who will try to convince you to sign on the dotted line.
As we’ve already mentioned, some causes of damage to your roof are covered by insurance, but not all. A worn roof is not grounds for an insurance claim, so if the seller says yes, there is something wrong. You can also claim that the loss is so significant that you must immediately act. Another tactic is to claim they can give you a reasonable price because they happen to be in the area, but you have to act now. These aggressive closing tactics are a red flag that this is not a fair deal.
There are ways to try and identify a scammer. First, you should ask for a copy of their liability insurance and any other certificates a reputable roofing company should have. Ask for the address and business license. It’s also better if they have a physical location nearby. Finally, you should check online reviews to see if there are any complaints about this company.
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Take the proper next steps in your roof replacement claim
After you file your insurance claim and hire a roofing company to provide supporting documentation, it’s up to your insurance company to decide. After a specified time frame (usually around 15 days), the insurance agent will tell you whether your claim has been approved or denied. If they deny your claim, you can appeal the decision. These procedures vary by an insurance company, so check with your insurance agent.
If your roof claim is approved, you can work with a contractor to complete the new roof installation. After replacing your roof, we recommend regular inspections. Routine maintenance keeps your roof in good shape and makes it easier to approve future claims because you have written reports and photos documenting the roof’s condition.
Does homeowner insurance cover solar panels?
Homeowner insurance policies generally provide coverage for solar panels, but the extent of coverage may depend on the type of solar panel and its installation.
Solar panels that are attached to your home are typically covered under most homeowner insurance policies. This means that if the solar panels are damaged or destroyed due to a covered peril, such as a fire or severe weather event, the insurance policy may pay for the cost of repairs or replacement.
However, if the solar panels are not attached to your home, such as ground-mounted panels, coverage may be provided under other structures coverage in your homeowner insurance policy. Reviewing your policy to determine the extent of coverage for solar panels and other structures on your property is essential.
It’s worth noting that solar energy systems are often considered a permanent fixture of a home and are therefore covered under the dwelling coverage of a homeowner’s insurance policy. This means that the solar panels are included in the coverage for the physical structure of your home and can be protected against various risks, such as fire, theft, or vandalism, that may cause damage to your home and solar panels.
In conclusion, if your solar panels are attached to your home, they will likely be covered by your homeowner insurance policy. You should review your policy to ensure your solar panels are protected and understand the extent of coverage provided. If your solar panels are not attached to your home, coverage may be available under other structures coverage in your policy.
Do I need to purchase separate solar panel insurance?
You may need separate solar panel insurance if you have a ground-mounted or carport solar panel. Additionally, consider purchasing additional coverage to protect your investment if your solar energy system is expensive or complex.
It’s important to review your existing insurance policies and consult with your insurance provider to determine whether you need separate solar panel insurance and what coverage options are available.
Do I need insurance if I lease solar panels?
If you rent or lease solar panels, you may skip getting insurance yourself, as some leasing companies will provide their own insurance for the panels. However, other leasing companies may require you to insure it through your home insurance or a separate policy provided by the leasing company.
Whether buying or leasing solar panels, you should always tell your insurance company that you have solar panels installed on your home. Remember that if you rent and insure the panels, your insurance company may limit payments for wind and hail damage claims because you do not own the panels.
How much does solar panel insurance cost?
Since rooftop PV systems are generally considered permanent fixtures, your homeowners’ insurance usually covers the cost of insuring them. However, what may change is your total coverage limit. If your home is severely damaged, you want a high enough limit to cover the cost of your home and the new PV system. Since installing solar panels isn’t cheap, you may need to factor the replacement cost of that system toward your coverage limit.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a residential PV system’s average cost dropped from $40,000 in 2010 to about $18,000 today. Although the price is significantly lower, a solar system is a considerable investment that can affect your insurance premiums. Raising your coverage limits is a good idea and can be done with relatively small increases in your premiums.
Will a solar system increase the cost of home insurance?
Your homeowners’ insurance premium may remain the same after you install solar panels on your roof. However, you may need to increase your coverage limit to account for the cost of solar panel replacement, which could increase your premiums. The added cost is small compared to the risk, especially considering the solar panels’ location. Since they are placed high outdoors and exposed to wind, hail, and lightning, they are at a higher risk of damage.
Want to repair or replace roofing? Contact DroneQuote
When deciding whether to invest in a roof for your home, think about what type of roof you want to install. Different kinds of roofs are available, each with pros and cons. Ultimately, you should choose a type of roofing best suited to your home and your needs, especially if you plan to install your own solar panel system. Contact DroneQuote to answer any of your roofing or solar panel needs. Our solar panel and roofing experts are here to help you make the best buying decision. Try Watts my Price to get multiple quotes if you want to start your solar journey. You can also call us or request an appointment- all according to your preference and convenience. We are proud to be your solar and roofing fiduciary because we always prioritize our customers’ interests.