How is Your Roof Insured?

Insurance coverage specifics are constantly changing, and in the past few years one of the biggest changes we've seen has come in the way that insurance companies are handling roof claims. Roof coverage after a claim, specifically hail, has typically been very straightforward...actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost (RC) was chosen at the inception of the policy and that was that. However, recently most ALL insurance carriers are implementing some variation of this based most obviously on the age of the roof, roof material, condition of roof, type of damage.

Replacing your roof can be one of the most expensive parts of home maintenance. According to Forbes.com, full roof replacement costs approximately $11,500 for an average-sized home. We want to make sure you are fully aware of how your insurance coverage will protect you at the time of a claim.

Here's a few things to keep in mind when considering HOW your roof is insured:

1. Coverage on your roof will change based on the age of your roof. Coverage adjustments could occur at 10, 15 or 20 years. This means coverage could change from replacement cost to actual cash value to even a full roof exclusion based solely on the age of your roof.

2. ACV coverage can result in some premium savings but it will also result in a lower payout when a claim occurs as depreciation will be taken. ACV settlement typically only applies to materials, and not labor.

3. To ensure you are receiving the best coverage available to you, consistent communication regarding roof updates must occur. If you make ANY updates to your roof, even after an insured loss, please communicate those updates to us, your agent.

Every insurance carrier communicates these options differently within your policy. Some policies may seem very obvious with the verbiage included, others may not be so clear. This means that communication with us is imperative so that you understand where you stand in regards to how your specific policy covers your roof.

Did you recently replace PART of your roof? Let us know. Did you replace your roof simply due to typical wear & tear? Let us know. Did you file a claim that resulted in a new roof or new roof material? LET US KNOW. We want to MAKE SURE we have the correct birthday for your roof!

If you are unsure of your specific coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out and we will review your policy with you. Then you can relax knowing that the roof that's covering your family is covered in a way you are comfortable with.

Call us at 417-258-2541 or email us at info@smartinsuranceagency.com, that's what we're here for.