Insuring Roof Damage From Water Or Storms

West Linn, OR is known for having a temperate, dry summer. However, as fall and winter approach, the city’s precipitation levels usually spikes. The average annual rainfall increases from 1.6 inches in September to 7.3 inches in December. Therefore, as we get deeper into the cooler seasons, the chances of water damage to your home might increase. One of the most-frequent ways water might enter your home is through a leaky or damaged roof. You might, therefore, wonder whether your homeowners insurance will pay for such water damage.

Homeowners insurance might be able to help you out in certain cases of roof damage. However, it won’t cover all cases. The responsible homeowner needs to realize that many roof maintenance requirements are their own responsibility or cost to bear.

Homeowners Insurance For Water Damage

Homeowners coverage usually includes structural coverage. That means, should your home sustain damage from a covered loss, the policy can pay for the necessary repairs. Roof damage is usually covered as part of your structure insurance.

The policy will only pay up to its mandated limits for such losses, and deductibles will likely apply. How much you can receive for damage your roof or interior water damage will depend on these limits. Also, your policy is that it will only cover damage in certain circumstances, and not all water damage will qualify for coverage.

How Your Policy Might Pay

You might wonder how much roof damage and subsequent water damage might cost you:

• The average home size is 2,000 square feet. The cost of a new roof for a home of this size ranges from $8,500 – $16,500, or about $3.50 – $5.50 per square foot.
• The average roof repair costs $800.
• The average cost of water damage in the area around Portland, OR is $2,960 and can range from a low of $600 to a high of $7,500.

The question is, will your homeowners pay you for these costs?

• If you need to simply replace an older roof, the policy likely won’t cover your losses. This is part of your normal maintenance responsibilities.
• Should a covered peril — such as like hail, falling objects or a fire — damage the roof, then your insurer might cover the costs of the damage. You will likely face a statute of limitations to file your claim. For example, you usually must file the claim within one year of the damage occurring.
• If the damaged roof causes water damage, then your insurer can often pay for the necessary cleanup, repairs and mold remediation.
• Your policy likely will not cover roof damage, structural damage or water damage that occurs as a result of your negligence. Therefore, if you have neglected your roof for years while deterioration and water damage occurred, then you likely won’t have coverage.

Always speak to your insurer about roof damage as soon as you notice it. They can dispatch someone to evaluate your claim, and determine if the policy can assist you.

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