We had really bad wind and some shingles flew off the roof.

by karlcheryl » Wed Apr 07, 2010 09:17 pm

We had really bad wind for 2 days and some shingles flew off the roof. We called our insurance company and asked if a new roof could be covered under our homeowners insurance. They said we would have to pay the $500 deductible for each time we found the shingles on our yard (2 days) and that they doubt that our homeowners insurance would cover since the roof is 11 plus years old. Is that correct?

Total Comments: 7

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:53 pm Post Subject:

Not exactly... and why do I think this came from some peon in your agents office.

Your deductible applies per occurrence. An occurrence an on unbroken chain of events (i'm sure your policy has a much better definition). It the damage was from one, ongoing windstorm, then it's one deductible. If the storm stopped and then another started then it's two deductibles. Really, I should say if it's two fronts that moved in or one. If the winds die down for as moment but then pick right back up, it's one occurrence.

Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:50 pm Post Subject:

Thank you for your reply.

Do you think it's worth filing a claim to our homeowners insurance since the roof is more than 11 years old? I don't want to waste my time and the "peon" says she doubts it will be covered? If that is the case, I feel disappointed as we pay into our insurance year after year and feel we should be able to use it when unfortunate things happen.

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 01:45 am Post Subject:

Is that correct?

no!

why do I think this came from some peon in your agents office.

my thoughts EXACTLY..

karlcheryl, first off, I don't know ANY agents that have the authority to deny ANY claims..

Secondly, if it's a few shingles that can be replaced. that will be less than your deductible (one of them :roll: )..then I'd not mess with it...as to the roof being 11years old..depends on the type of roof and policy you have...you may not have a depreciating policy at all..

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 02:34 am Post Subject:

That is something in the question that I overlooked. You are probably not going to get a "new roof" unless there is about 75% of it damaged (I don't know property claims that well... I'm sure there is a percentage that dictates getting a new roof).

the "peon" says she doubts it will be covered?

Yep, really sounds like this is coming from an agents office as an adjuster or the person taking a report would not just make this statement without looking into the situation. If it's a store and wind damaged the shingles then I see no reason why they would not be covered. I'm guess what this person meant (or said) was that they thought a few shingles damaged would be under your deductible. Having a roof inspect the damage, tell you what the damages are and give you an estimate. Then go from there.

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 02:45 am Post Subject:

Thank you very much for all the information. Insurance is confusing and you all gave me some good advice. I will submit the claim if it, of course, makes sense to do with the deductible.

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 02:45 am Post Subject:

Thank you very much for all the information. Insurance is confusing and you all gave me some good advice. I will submit the claim if it, of course, makes sense to do with the deductible.

Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 04:12 am Post Subject:

Call a roofer first. They will let you know (or should let you know the amount of damage). Also remember that they have something to gain from telling you the whole roof is damaged. An 11 year old roof really isn't that old (unless it is cheap builders shingles). For a few shingles up to a square of shingles you are not going to get more then about the $500 to $800. for repair. Is the claim worth it for a few hundred dollars.

If the roofer tells you it all needs replaced, call another roofer and get a second opinion. They should be willing to inspect for free.

Add your comment

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.