Roof damage can be a major problem for your Tulsa, OK home. Fortunately, your homeowner’s insurance may be able to help, sometimes without increasing your insurance rates.

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What Homeowner’s Insurance Covers

In general, a homeowner’s policy will cover roof damage that occurs due to sudden weather events (as opposed to long-term exposure to the elements). The following are some common causes of loss that a policy would likely cover:

Wind
Hail
Snow
Ice
Fallen tree or limb
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Whether wind blows off a few shingles or the roof collapses under a fallen tree, your homeowner's insurance will likely cover the cost. Depending on the type of loss, how many claims you have filed recently and certain other factors, your insurance rates may go up after filing a claim.

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What Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover

As with other areas of your home, insurance will not cover damage caused by neglect. Regular inspections by an experienced roofing company can prevent these problems. Mold damage as well as rodent and insect infestations can be caught early before causing major problems.

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Additionally, there are some roofs that insurance companies will not cover or will only partially cover. These include roofs that are comprised of more than two layers and roofs that are over 20 years old. If the roof has two layers, many insurance companies use the age of the older layer when determining if the roof is excluded.

Some insurance companies do not pay for cosmetic damage to a roof no matter what caused it. “Cosmetic damage” means any damage that does not interfere with the roof’s ability to keep water out of the home. Dings in a metal roof and nicks on shingles are examples of cosmetic damage.

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Your home’s roof is fully exposed all day, every day. Insurance rates are determined by risk factors and may increase after a claim, but it is reassuring to know that most insurance companies will cover damage if the roof has been properly maintained and is not over 20 years old.