Does Insurance pay for damage done inside the house from a bad roof?

Question

walls are leaking in areas after a bad rain storm we got tonight. Does insurance have to pay for the damage done inside to the walls and floor?

Answer 1

Depends on why the roof is bad. If it's just old & worn out, some policies won't pay. If it's a defect in workmanship, ie, your roofer put in on badly, then your homeowners policy will LIKELY pay, but then go after the roofer.

In either case, the FIRST thing that the insurance company is going to want you to do is get the roof fixed/replaced. And they WON'T cover that, if it's either worn out or put on wrong. Neither of those things are covered, although sometimes the rest of the water damage is, AS LONG AS it's a sudden, accidental loss, and not the result of 10 years of rain and no maintenance.

Answer 2

The answer is: it depends.

Basically it's going to come down to is the damage caused by some which is "sudden and accidental" or is it cause by something which could be described as a routine maintance issue.

An obvious example of the first instance would be if the storm blew off your roof or a large portion of the shingles and then water was able to get into the house. The exact opposite would be that the roof is leaking beacause it's an old roof at the end of its life span and leaks like crazy.

No home insurance policy will cover the second example mainly because it's looked on as the homeowners responsibility to maintain their property etc etc.

If however, the storm did cause damage to the roof and therefore the water came in then yes there'd be some coverage availible to you (minus your deductible).

My advice would be to take what steps you can to minimize the damage being down and to try and mitigate any further damage from occuring. In the morning survey the roof and look for obvious signs of damage. Then call your agent and ask if there is a roofer who has a lot of dealings with your insurance company. See if the roofer will come out and give you a free estimate THEN have a detailed talk with your agent about IF you should file a claim.

What you DO NOT WANT to do is to file a claim, have the claims adjuster come out, then have the claim be denied. In order for the adjustor to go out and see the property a claim has to be filed, which will show up on a check of the claims databsases companies use when they write new business. A claim (even for $0) can make your premium go up by denying you a claim free discount. Plus you may be getting a claim free discount currently and might lose it at renewal if you file a claim.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If the damage was truly caused by the storm and not the result of failing to maintain the roof, then your insurance will most likely cover it. Now keep in mind, your deductible will apply. In some states (such as here in NC - a hurricane-prone state), you may be required to have a split deductible. Meaning you have one deductible for wind/hail (storm) damage, and one deductible for all other perils. Your wind/hail deductible would apply in this case.

Answer 4

Depends on the situation. If you call to file a claim under your homeowners insurance, the adjuster will check your roof life to verify if in fact it will be covered. If your roof is anywhere from 20+ years old, there is a very high chance it will not be covered as it is your responsibility and duty as a homeowner to keep up on maintanence.

Answer 5

If its due to the roof being damaged by hail, ice domes, or other natural acts of mother nature then most likely it will. But if the roof is just old, and beat up then no most likely not..

Answer 6

You will need to read the fine prints if these are covered. Generally, I would say yes. But, do check and be sure. Alternatively, you can bring the contractor to task.

Answer 7

yes but only a part of it
like half of it