If the cause of the leakage was negligence, poor maintenance, or faulty workmanship, you wouldn't be able to claim a leaking roof. However, if a natural disaster (weather event) or a fire caused the damage, you can file a claim. It all comes down to the fine print of your insurance policy.
Avoid any admissions of fault or liability when talking to your adjuster. Such statements can be used to shift blame, potentially decreasing the amount you might be compensated. Instead, focus on describing the damage and the events as they happened, without inserting personal opinions about who might be at fault.
If your new roof is leaking from improper installation, it'll be covered by your roofing contractor's workmanship warranty. This means the roofing contractor should take care of the issues at no charge to you. Taking care of the leak is important, but a reputable roofing contractor will also pay for the ceiling damage.
However, many of us are hesitant to file a roof claim because we fear that it will lead to an increase in our insurance premiums. The truth is that filing a roof claim can indeed result in a higher insurance premium, but the extent of the increase depends on various factors.
Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.
A standard homeowners insurance policy will typically cover a roof leak if the leak occurs suddenly and accidentally, as opposed to gradually. The leak must be also be caused by a covered peril—in other words, a peril that is listed on your policy. Examples of covered perils include stormy weather, fires and accidents.
If you don't complete repairs or a replacement, however, your insurance provider will likely just decide to no longer cover your roof. This means if another storm deals further damage, you won't be covered and will have to pay for the replacement out of pocket.
If you have a hail damage claim on your homeowner's insurance, it will likely raise your premium. As a matter of fact, this is one of the biggest sources of homeowner's insurance premium increases for insurers.
As stated above, minor asphalt shingle roof leaks cost $1500-500 to repair. Moderate leak repairs on simple roofing run $500-1,500. Extensive storm damage across a large, steep, or complex roof can run over $10,000 in some cases if a full replacement is necessary.
Even if your roof is well-maintained or fairly new, heavy rainfall is still a cause for concern. The areas of your roof that are prone to pooling water can lead to a leak during heavy rain. Not to mention, your gutters simply may not be able to keep up with the downpour.
Responsibility for Repairs
Determining who is responsible for repairing a ceiling leak can be a point of contention between tenants and landlords. In most cases, the responsibility falls on the landlord, as they are typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Insurance adjusters are often given bonuses or other incentives based on how much money they save the company by getting claimants to accept low settlements. Making lowball offers is a key way insurers try to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.
Contacting your roofing contractor before your insurance company can help with the claims process. Your roofer of choice will provide a fair inspection and advocate for you to the insurance adjuster if need be. You can even have your roofer stick around when you meet with the insurance adjuster.
Too Many Insurance Claims
However, It's almost always worth filing a roof claim if the type of damage or the extent of the damage is extensive. The cost of replacing a roof often outweighs the cost of higher premiums.
Legally, you are allowed to keep the claim money instead of using it for repairs. However, keeping the claim money rather than repairing your vehicle comes with potential consequences.
Every insurance policy can be different. Some allow for 6 months while others allow for 2 years. On average, most policies and carriers allow for 1 year from the date of loss. It's important to review your insurance policy to see what your time frame is to file a claim.
The short answer for whether or not you should show a roofing contractor your estimate is yes. You can have the insurance adjuster give you a check, cash it, and use it to pay for repairs. However, doing this leaves little room for negotiations, and it also limits your ability to get high-quality roofing repairs.
If your roof damage insurance claim is denied and you disagree with the decision, contact the insurance company and schedule a re-inspection. During this inspection with the insurance adjuster, have reputable roof repair contractors on-site to document the list of damages along with the adjuster.
As a general rule, water damage is covered by home insurance if it is sudden or accidental.
Home insurance usually covers roof leaks caused by covered perils, but not damage caused by normal wear and tear or other excluded perils. If caused by a covered peril, your home insurance will typically pay to repair or replace your roof and address any damage caused by the leak, minus your deductible.
If you find yourself disagreeing with the insurance company's settlement offer, or if the damage is extensive, it might be worth considering a public adjuster. They can help you get a more accurate estimate and negotiate a better settlement.