Insuring Your Home’s Roof Against Wind Damage

Your home is supposed to protect you against the weather, but it’s not invincible itself. Its main structural components, including its roof, are designed to be strong, but there will be times where the weather is too much even for them. That’s why you have home insurance to cover the costs of damage. 

One common cause of roof damage is high wind, and under most circumstances, your home insurance will cover your losses from these hazards. However, there are sometimes limitations on both how and when wind damage will be insured. It’s important to work with your insurance agent any time roof damage occurs to ensure you reap the maximum benefit. 

Unpreventable Damage 
All home insurance policies are designed to insure you against unpreventable, unexpected property damage. Wind damage falls under this definition, so if your roof sustains damage in this case, then you will be able to pay to repair it. However, there are some exceptions to this coverage rule. 

Wear and Tear 
Home insurance will not pay for normal wear & tear, which is why you are responsible for maintaining your property appropriately. Additionally, if your roof has existing damage, and high winds proceed to damage it further, then you might have challenges filing a claim. If your insurer can prove that existing problems with your roof exacerbated the damage, then they might refuse to cover you. 

Windstorm Coverage Exclusions 
Some homeowners policies do not cover wind damage under their standard benefits. Insurers often exclude this coverage in areas with significant wind damage risks, such as coastal communities or areas with high risks of tornadoes. To get that benefit, the homeowner might need to enroll in a windstorm endorsement, sometimes called a named-storm endorsement. 

What to Do When Damage Occurs 
When your roof gets damaged by wind, you need to document the incident. Most insurers only give you a limited amount of time to report and file claims (generally about one calendar year), and you naturally want to have the repairs made as soon as possible. 

At the time damage occurs, do what you can immediately to stop it from getting worse. For example, cover exposed interiors with tarps to keep out any moisture. Simultaneously, contact your home insurer to begin the claims filing process. They will instruct you on how to document your claim, and sometimes a claims adjuster will visit your property to analyze the issue. 

When negotiating with your insurer about the damage your roof sustained, be truthful. Do not try to hide any pre-existing roof damage from them, but do not feel that you won’t be able to file a claim just because your roof might have had minor existing damage.