Will My Insurance Cover a 20-Year-Old Roof?
Owning a home here in the Greater Dayton area usually brings its own set of challenges and responsibilities. This is especially the case with maintaining structural integrity in an older home, or a home with an older roof. In fact, one of the most common concerns among homeowners revolves around the age of their roofing system and how this affects their insurance coverage.
In this blog, your friends at Van Martin Roofing will explore whether a 20-year-old roof can still be protected under the umbrella of your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you’re wondering, “will insurance cover a 20 year-old roof,” you’re in the right place! First, we will look at how the age of your roof affects insurance coverage!
How Roof Age Impacts Insurance Coverage
The age of your roof plays a major role in determining your home insurance coverage. Insurance companies often scrutinize the age and condition of a roof before deciding to cover the cost of damage. The reason behind this is simple: a newer roof signifies lesser risk for insurance claims stemming from roof damage, whereas an older roof, particularly one that is over 20 years, could pose a higher risk of needing repairs or replacement.
Can a roof over 20 years old be covered?
When it comes to a 20-year-old roof, whether a metal roof or any type of roofing system, insurance coverage can become tricky. That’s why you always have a trusted friend and advocate in your corner with Van Martin. Some insurance policies clearly state that they will only pay for roof damage if the roof is under a certain age, often around 20 years. However, it’s not impossible for an older roof to be covered.
The decision generally depends on the condition of the roof, the type of insurance policy you hold, and the insurance provider. It is essential, nevertheless, for homeowners to conduct roof inspections frequently and maintain records to improve roof insurability. We can also help you with this as well!
Reasons why home insurance companies may have issues with an older roof
Some home insurance companies may hesitate to offer insurance coverage for an older roof because the likelihood of filing a claim usually increases as the roof ages. Problems such as leaks, missing shingles, weather damage or other types of aging and wear and tear can lead to the insurance company viewing an older roof as a liability rather than an asset.
Additionally, the specific type of roofing material impacts the life expectancy of a roof and consequently, its insurance prospects. Metal roofs, for example, may have a longer life expectancy than asphalt shingles, potentially affecting the company’s willingness to cover the cost.
Furthermore, insurance claims filed for an older roof might not yield the expected results. Homeowners insurance might cover only the depreciated value of the old roof, not the full cost of a new roof replacement. This discrepancy is why understanding the specifics of your home insurance policy is incredibly important. It also underscores the importance of having an expert and advocate in your corner like Van Martin. We can help you get everything you’re entitled to with your insurance company and we advocate on your behalf and represent you.
In Conclusion . . .
Overall, it’s clear that navigating insurance coverage for a 20-year-old roof requires a good understanding of your policy details and proactive roof maintenance. Although age significantly impacts roof insurability, exceptions exist, and understanding the fine print of your homeowners insurance could save you from unforeseen expenses. Regular roof inspections and immediate repairs play an essential role in ensuring your old roof remains under the protection of your insurance coverage, regardless of its age.
Looking for additional help? Call Van Martin today!
As we’ve indicated above, your friends here at Van Martin Roofing have your back when it comes to working with your insurance company to get you everything you are entitled to without delay. In fact, we urge you to call us today if you suspect you have an insurance claim or have recent storm damage, wind damage, or any other covered peril. At Van Martin, we aren’t just another local roofing company. With 20 years of experience and a track record of excellence that speaks for itself, we are your trusted partner throughout the Miami Valley Ohio area. We treat our customers like family and stand behind every job we undertake.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to take our word for it! We encourage you to see what our customers have to say!
Call us today at (937) 222-7855!
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