any people believe that having an insurance policy automatically guarantees a payout. Therefore, when a roof is damaged, homeowners expect to receive money and don't even consider the pitfalls of this process. Unfortunately, for Pennsylvania homeowners, things can be more complicated. Local laws take into account a variety of factors, including the condition of the roof, which can prevent you from receiving an insurance claim. We spoke with the experts at Brubaker Brothers Roofing, who know roofing inside and out, to provide you with comprehensive information.
If you're an active internet user, you've likely encountered national stories on insurance not paying out. However, don't give up just yet, as each state has its own laws on this matter. Let's find out what awaits you in Pennsylvania.
In general, insurance in Pennsylvania is no different from that in other states. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department clearly defines the rules for payment of compensation. However, it's not that simple. Instead of covering age, wear, or neglect, policies usually cover unplanned and unexpected events (such as fire, storms, hail, or falling objects). Therefore, don't naively expect to receive compensation if your roof has become leaky due to old age.
Many people are surprised to learn that not every injury will result in compensation. The good news is that damage caused by weather or natural disasters is most often suitable.
Assess the overall condition of your roof. If it's severely worn or shows signs of normal wear and tear, your chances of a claim are significantly reduced. Of course, the insurance terms themselves are essential in this case. To avoid disappointment, you should read them. In some cases, the company may offer you a payout equal to the current value rather than reimbursing the replacement cost.
If you're wondering whether to file a claim for a new roof, consider these points:
Was the damage from a storm, hail, wind, a falling object, or another sudden event? If yes, you might have a case. Damage from just getting old or from a lack of maintenance probably won't be covered.
The most important criterion is the roof's age. If it hasn't been replaced for 15 or 20 years, the insurer may assess the damage as a consequence of natural aging and deny compensation. You should also have proof of regular roof maintenance and inspections. Without this, it will be difficult to prove that you performed all the necessary maintenance.
There's a good chance you won't be able to recoup the cost of repairs. With old roofs, insurers often only offer reimbursement for the current real value. Obviously, this amount will be much lower than the cost of repairs. It's also worth considering the option of only receiving reimbursement for the repair itself, regardless of whether the patch is unsightly and you want to replace the entire roof.
A homeowner should carefully evaluate their prospects. Filing each claim reduces the likelihood of receiving favorable terms for the following policy. Therefore, if the repair is minor and can be claimed as a tax deduction, the best solution is to pay for it yourself and leave the insurance company out of it.
However, if the repair is significant and you are sure the insurance covers the cause of the damage, the claim will be justified. However, keep in mind that if your roof is old, the insurer may require a complete replacement before issuing the following policy.
Of course, it's crucial to assess your options. First, consider the urgency of the repair. If you can't wait, it's better to pay for the repairs yourself rather than waste time on the lengthy insurance process. It's a different matter entirely if the roof's condition allows for a wait. It's also important to realistically assess your options. There are situations in which the homeowner has no other way.
Here's a look at the good and bad sides to help you decide:
It seems that there are more disadvantages, but each specific situation needs to be considered.
Mistakes when filing insurance claims for roof damage often lead to frustration. However, in most cases, they stem from a lack of knowledge of one's rights and local laws. The first misconception is that any damage is automatically covered by insurance. In Pennsylvania, however, you won't receive coverage if your roof leaks due to its expiration, poor maintenance, or normal wear and tear. It's essential to be aware of this before you decide to file a claim.
In the event of damage by a foreign object or natural disaster, the likelihood of receiving compensation is very high. However, the insurance company won't take your word for it. Your job is to provide convincing evidence. This is often difficult. You'll need photos, documentary proof of the damage, and a contract with the contractor. Don't try to collude with the construction company to defraud the insurance company. In Pennsylvania, this can result not only in the loss of your insurance but also in criminal charges.
Ignoring the future is also a grave mistake. Even a valid insurance claim can increase your future interest rate if you decide to renew your policy. Moreover, if you try to defraud the insurance company, clients may not expect to continue doing business with you. Therefore, if the repair cost is not high and you can afford it, it's best to pay for it yourself.
It's worth noting that Pennsylvania law requires the insurer to pay for the repair or replacement of the damaged roofing with the same material. However, the law doesn't specify color. So don't be surprised if the damaged area appears as a bright spot against the rest of the roof.
Finally, remember regular maintenance. Showing that the roof has been inspected and repaired regularly helps your claim and shows the insurer you're responsible. Taking care of your roof is often better than relying on your insurance policy.
Now you understand that filing a claim isn't always worth it for every case of roof damage. You should make this decision only after carefully weighing the pros and cons based on your current situation. But if you do decide to take this step, follow this process:
So, deciding whether to file a claim in Pennsylvania should consider the damage, roof age, policy terms, costs, benefits, and the impact on future insurance. Weighing all this will help you choose a plan that really helps you financially.
For Pennsylvania homeowners, using insurance to replace a roof can be smart, but it's not the only choice. In the best case, you'll file a claim in which you clearly qualify and receive the benefit. Other times, you might decide the claim isn't worth it and pay out of pocket or wait. In Pennsylvania's insurance world, being prepared and understanding the details will help homeowners succeed.
