Storm Damage Roof Repair

Several different factors go into deciding on an increase in insurance premiums for roof damage on an insurance claim. One factor is the number of insurance claims you have had in the last 10 years — if you have made several claims in one to three years, your premiums are more likely to increase than if it’s the only claim in the past 10 years.

Other factors include the cause of the claim, the total cost of the claim, and the state you live in.

Claim processing times vary depending on the type and severity of the damage, how many other claims the insurer is processing (as in a natural disaster), how quickly you make a claim, and when an adjuster is available to assess the damage.

Once the claim is settled, it can take approximately 30 to 60 days to receive the claim check, although some states have laws requiring the check within 30 days of settlement.

Homeowners’ insurance may or may not cover roof leaks, depending on what caused the leak. If a covered peril caused it, homeowners insurance should cover it. Roof insurance claims usually do not cover leaks due to an old roof, a neglected or poorly maintained roof, or something the homeowner did to damage the roof.

A claim may be denied because of the age of your roof. If the roof is too old or the damage is caused by normal wear and tear, it is unlikely your policy will cover repair or replacement.

EC Roofing estimates the average life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is around 20 to 40 years, while wood shingles should last up to 30 years and fiberglass shingles up to 50 years.