When protecting your Texas home, a solid roof is essential. Texas homeowners face the ongoing risk of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters like ice storms, hail storms, and hurricanes that can cause significant damage to their roofs. Whether from hail damage, other weather events, wear and tear, a roof's age, or if a tree falls on a roof, getting a damaged roof replaced is a must for safety and energy efficiency.
However, roof replacement costs add up quickly. When will insurance pay for a new roof? Does Texas homeowners insurance cover roof replacement? What if it's an older roof? Does your homeowners policy cover the replacement cost?
This blog discusses the different scenarios in which insurance companies may cover roof replacement. We will also provide tips on how to maximize your chances of getting your new roof fully covered at the replacement cost value, including tips for how to submit your roof claim, tips for understanding the requirements for insurance claims under Texas homeowners insurance policies, and what to do if your homeowners insurance company denies your claim.
At McLaurin Law, PLLC, our Houston insurance lawyer can help you handle the insurance adjuster and insurance company when filing a claim for roof replacement. Keep reading to learn more about homeowners insurance and what most homeowners insurance policies will pay for a brand new roof (a roof replacement) or a roof repair, then call us at (713) 461-6500 to schedule a free strategy session in Houston, TX.
Homeowners Insurance and Roof Coverage in Texas
Texas homeowners insurance typically covers damages to the roof caused by windstorms, hailstorms, fires, lightning strikes, and other events that are out of the homeowner's control. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover these damages when an act of nature caused them. However, there are certain situations where a Texas insurance company may disqualify roof coverage.
Situations Where Roof Coverage May Be Disqualified in Texas
In certain situations, homeowners insurance may not provide coverage for roof damage, including damage caused by:
- General wear and tear or deterioration over time;
- Animals, rodents, or pests;
- Floods or earthquakes (unless additional coverage is purchased);
- Improper or faulty maintenance or repairs; and
- Pre-existing damage from a prior covered loss.
Homeowners must understand their level of coverage and when it may be necessary to purchase additional coverage to fully protect their homes from potential damages.
Does My Insurance Cover It? Assessing Damages & Filing Claims
To properly assess the damages and file a claim in the event of a roof damage incident, homeowners should take the following steps:
- Take pictures or video footage of the damaged area as soon as possible after the incident occurs to help support your claim with your insurer if needed.
- Contact your insurer immediately after discovering the damage so that they can begin processing your claim quickly, including scheduling and conducting an inspection of the damage to your roof.
- Obtain necessary documentation to support your claim, including estimates/quotes from local contractors for replacement of your roof.
By taking these steps, Texas homeowners can maximize their chances of getting a new roof fully covered at the full, replacement cost value.
Re-Roof vs. New Roof in Texas
When it comes to roofing in Texas, homeowners have two options: re-roofing (or, repairing) or installing a new roof. Re-roofing is the process of replacing the existing roof with new shingles, such as asphalt shingles, while a new roof involves tearing off the old roof and all associated elements of the roof and replacing them entirely.
Re-roofing is often the more cost-effective option as it requires less labor and roofing material than a full replacement. It also allows for faster completion times since most of the existing structure can remain intact. However, re-roofing may not be suitable for all homes depending on the severity of the damage to your roof, or the age or condition of the roof at the time of the loss. In these cases, a full replacement may be necessary.
A new roof installation typically takes longer than re-roofing and requires more labor and materials. A new roof also offers better protection against extreme weather conditions in the future, such as hail storms or hurricanes common in Texas.
No matter which option you choose, it's important to hire an experienced and professional roofing contractor. Research Texas roofing companies that are licensed and insured and understand local building codes and regulations for best results.
How to Determine if Texas Homeowners Insurance Will Cover Roof Repair or Roof Replacement?
Will your insurance company pay for roof repair or roof replacement? Only your insurance company can give you a definitive answer. To get a general idea of whether your insurance company will cover roof repair or roof replacement, do the following:
- Figure Out Your Roof's Age and When it Was Last Replaced.
- Review Your Insurance Policy.
- Document and Photograph Your Roof's Condition, in Detail, Prior to Suffering a Loss.
- Document and Photograph, in Detail, the Damage to Your Roof After You Suffer a Loss.
- Hire a Professional, Licensed, Roofing Contractor.
- File and Diligently Pursue Your Insurance Claim.
McLaurin Law, PLLC: When You Need More Than Luck on Your Side for Your Home Insurance Claim for Your Roof
Does your homeowners insurance cover roof replacement? Will your policy include insurance money for roof repair or roof replacement? At McLaurin Law, PLLC, we can help you navigate the claims process, determine the actual cash value of your roof, see if your insurance will replace your roof or if you need additional coverage, and select the best roofing contractor to save money. Call us at (713) 461-6500 or complete our online form to schedule a free strategy session with an experienced Houston insurance lawyer.
McLaurin Law, PLLC. When you need more than luck on your side.
