If you are a homeowner, you have likely been asked by your insurance company how old your roof is, or you may have wondered things like, “should I tell my insurance company I got a new roof?” or “will my homeowner’s insurance go down with a new roof?” The answer is yes - reroofing your home can help reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium, and it is worth reporting your recent roof replacement to them.
Now, let’s examine why insurance companies ask how old your roof is and other important things to know about your roof and your homeowner's insurance.
Why Do Insurance Companies Ask How Old Your Roof Is?
Insurance companies often ask how old your roof is because they are trying to determine its likely condition. An older roof may be more prone to leaks and other potential damage, so an insurance company will have to pay more if something goes wrong. On the other hand, a newer roof is less likely to need repairs or replacement.
By informing your insurer that you've reroofed your home recently, you're giving them additional assurance that any damages caused by storms or natural disasters won't be as costly for them to repair. And, in doing so, you may even see a decrease in your premium.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacements?
Yes - most homeowners insurance policies do cover roof replacements, but only if the existing home has been damaged beyond repair due to storms or natural disasters. That said, it's important to note that not all policies are created equal; some may require that the homeowner cover a certain percentage of the replacement. Additionally, some policies may require that certain materials - such as metal roofs - be used in order for them to cover any associated costs.
Be sure to read through your specific policy carefully so you know exactly what kind of coverage you have and what types of services are eligible for reimbursement.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Repairs After Storm Damage?
In most cases, yes. Most standard homeowners policies include coverage for repairs after storm damage and other unforeseen natural disasters or accidents. The amount they will cover depends on the specifics of your policy. However, it is likely that not all storm-related damages will be covered. For example, some natural disasters and other events, like flooding, may require a policy add-on or even coverage from a different policy provider.
Speak with your insurer directly about which types of damages are covered by their policy and if there are ways for you to get additional protection against some of these potentially expensive repair costs. This will be especially important if you live in a high-risk area, like an area prone to flooding or prone to fires.
Keeping Insurance Costs Down
Keeping up with regular roof maintenance – including reroofing when needed – can help reduce your annual homeowner’s insurance premium. Homeowners can take care of their roofs by visually checking for any missing or broken shingles or signs of rust or algae growth. If any of these things are spotted, schedule roof repairs with Lyons Roofing. You should also make sure that your roof drainage system is clear of leaves and debris, especially during the rainy season, and this can help prevent water leaks.
If you’re looking into reroofing your home and you live in Tucson or Phoenix – contact Lyons Roofing today! We are here to discuss all available options with you so we can find a solution tailored specifically toward meeting your goals. We are also familiar with working with insurance companies and can help you deal with covered repairs and replacements.
