Roof damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners seek out a home insurance claim. Roofs themselves are essential to a home's overall structural integrity, and yet they take the brunt of the weather and protection of that home. In some situations, you may be able to file a claim for the damage to a roof in hopes that your insurer will pay for the repairs or replacement. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind before you do.

Frequency is Less Important Than Cause

Your home insurance company is there to help you with roof claims when they are caused by a storm or other covered damages. Keep in mind they do not just replace your roof because it is leaking. Rather, they do so when there is damage brought on as a result of a storm or other covered incidents. Roofing claims can happen as often as necessary in this case. If a storm comes through this year and a tree damages the roof, your insurer may cover it. The same goes for next year.

However, home insurance does not cover just any damage. It covers only situations that are not directly related to poor maintenance. For example, if your shingles are old and there is damage to them, leading to damage to the home and perhaps even mold buildup, but this is brought on by simply old shingles, it may not be covered by your insurance company. And that's important to know. Poor maintenance can be one of the most common reasons why you do not get the claim you file.

How to Know

The best way to know if you have home insurance coverage for the condition of your roof is to call your agent and schedule an inspection. If the damage was brought on by hail, windstorms, falling tree branches or other types of loss like this, your insurer may step in to cover it for you. In most cases, an inspection will answer this question for you. And you can file this type of claim as often as it is necessary and brought on by the right reasons. Do not avoid calling your contractor. Find out if there is help for your roof today.

Do you need to file a claim? Call Harrell Insurance Agency at (843) 572-1500 for more information on Charleston home insurance.