Roof and Gutter Damage and Homeowners Insurance: General Information

This article is general information only. It is not insurance or legal advice, and we are not an insurance company or adjuster. What your policy covers is determined by its terms, so ask your insurer or agent about your own policy and any claim.

The basic idea

Homeowners policies generally cover sudden, accidental damage from covered causes such as wind, hail, a falling tree or fire. They generally do not cover wear, age or neglect. Many questions about roofs and gutters fall somewhere between those two.

Deductibles

Some policies in coastal areas carry a separate deductible for wind or hurricane damage, and it may be set as a percentage of coverage rather than a flat amount. Many homeowners do not know their policy works this way until they need it.

You can find your deductibles on the declarations page of your policy. If you are unsure whether a deductible is a flat amount or a percentage, ask your agent. It is worth knowing before a storm.

Wear and maintenance

Policies commonly exclude damage from lack of maintenance, wear and tear or gradual deterioration. In practice, the condition of a roof or gutter before a storm can matter to how a claim is considered.

That is one reason maintenance records are useful: dated photographs, inspection reports and invoices for repairs show what condition the roof and gutters were in over time.

Roofs, gutters and storms

Roofs and gutters are typically part of the dwelling coverage. A roof or gutter system that is in sound, maintained condition tends to be easier to talk about than one with visible existing problems such as pulled-away gutters, sagging sections, soft fascia or old flashing failures. We cannot tell you how an insurer will treat a particular situation.

A storm that damages a gutter often affects the fascia behind it too. Soft or rotted fascia is a maintenance condition, and it is a good reason to have fascia checked when gutters are replaced.

Records worth keeping

After a storm, before repairs, many homeowners find it helpful to:

• Photograph the damage from several angles, inside and outside, with dates intact.
• Keep the weather record for the storm. Archived observations are available from NOAA.
• Obtain a written description of the condition of the roof or gutters from a contractor. This describes what a contractor sees. It is not a determination about coverage.
• Keep receipts for any temporary protection such as tarping, and check your policy or ask your insurer about its requirements.

Contracts and paperwork

Read anything a contractor asks you to sign, particularly anything that involves your insurance claim or assigns your rights or benefits to someone else. If you are unsure what a document means, ask your insurer or an attorney before signing.

Where we fit

We assess and repair roofs, gutters, flashing and drainage. We can describe what we find and photograph it. Decisions about coverage and claims are between you and your insurer. If you have storm damage and want your roof or gutters looked at, get a quote.