Living in Florida carries its own set of trials, and one of them is making sure your roof stands up to the state’s frequent storms. But even with a roof that you know has been installed correctly and maintained well over time, there can be unexpected damage due to wind or hail. When this happens, it’s important to understand what kind of roof damage is covered by home insurance so you can make sure any needed repairs are taken care of quickly without breaking the bank.
From deductibles on comprehensive coverage for hurricane damage to determining who pays for missing shingles after a strong storm, these details are crucial for anyone living in Florida covering their largest investment—their home.
If you have a denied roof damage claim, or are looking to make sure you’re adequately covered in the future, we recommend contacting our team at Herman & Wells. Our experienced insurance dispute attorneys can help you get the payout you deserve for your roof damage.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- Roof damage is common in Florida and is usually the result of storms, hurricanes, or other events.
- Homeowners in Florida who are filing a roof damage insurance claim should take the necessary steps to ensure they receive the coverage and compensation they deserve.
- Consult with an experienced attorney, gather documentation to support your claim, utilize services from public adjusters, use roof inspection technologies, and select reputable contractors with experience in local regulations.
- At Herman & Wells, we specialize in helping Florida homeowners with their roof damage insurance claims and are committed to getting them the coverage they deserve.
- Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you need.
The Fundamentals Of Roof Damage Insurance Coverage In Florida
Roof damage is a serious concern for homeowners in Florida, which means having the right kind of coverage through your homeowners insurance policy is critical. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not can make all the difference if you ever find yourself needing to file a claim due to roof damage.
When it comes to homeowners insurance policies specific to Florida, there are several key terms and definitions to understand, such as “dwelling coverage,” which pays for repairs or rebuilds of the actual structure of your home in case of damage. This includes any attached structures like a garage, deck, or shed that are covered under the same policy. Another important term is “loss of use” coverage, which provides reimbursement for living expenses while you are unable to occupy your home due to roof damage.
It’s also important to be aware of what is not covered under typical dwelling coverage in Florida, such as damage caused by a flood or hurricane. To make sure you have the right level of protection for these kinds of events, it’s best to research and purchase additional specialty coverage outside of your regular homeowners policy.
Understanding Covered Perils For Roof Damage In Florida
When it comes to roof damage claims in Florida, there are several types of covered perils that are typically included under standard homeowner’s policies.
Wind-Related Damage
Storms and high winds can cause significant damage to roofs, so it’s important to understand what kind of coverage you have for wind-related roof damage in Florida. Most homeowners’ policies will cover damage from hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds in Florida. It’s important to check your specific policy for the exact coverage that applies to wind-related roof damage.
Hail Damage
Hailstorms are common in Florida, so it’s crucial to have adequate coverage for hail-related roof damage. Homeowners’ policies typically include coverage for roof damage caused by hailstorms and other severe weather conditions specific to Florida. It’s important to review your policy to make sure you know exactly what is covered in the event of hail-related roof damage.
Water Damage
Water intrusion can be a major issue for roofs in Florida, so it’s important to make sure you have coverage for water-related roof damage. Most homeowners’ policies cover roof leaks and water intrusion resulting from covered perils such as storms or sudden plumbing issues in Florida. Review your policy to make sure you know the exact coverage that applies to water-related roof damage.
Impact Damage
Falling objects can cause significant roof damage during covered events, including trees, debris, or other external causes. Most homeowners’ policies will cover some or all of the damage caused by falling objects during covered events. Make sure to understand the exact coverage that applies to impact-related roof damage in Florida.
Exclusions And Limitations In Roof Damage Insurance Coverage
Along with the covered perils, there are some exclusions and limitations that can affect your coverage for roof damage in Florida. It’s important to understand these exclusions and limitations so you can make sure you have adequate coverage for all potential roofing issues.
Gradual Deterioration And Normal Wear And Tear
Most homeowners’ policies will not cover roof damage resulting from normal aging or lack of maintenance. This includes damages caused by gradual deterioration, such as wear and tear, rusting, dry rot, and other forms of natural aging.
Pre-Existing Conditions And Structural Issues
If your roof has pre-existing issues or structural deficiencies, they may not be covered under a standard homeowners’ policy in Florida. This includes damages caused by pre-existing issues, such as poor installation or inadequate maintenance.
Policy Deductibles And Limitations
Every homeowners’ policy has a deductible that must be met before coverage applies for roof damage in Florida. It’s important to understand the specific terms of your policy and what kind of coverage limits are included in order to accurately assess the level of coverage you have for roof damage.
Resolving Denied Roof Damage Insurance Claims In Florida
When it comes to roof damage insurance claims in Florida, homeowners may encounter unexpected delays or denial of their claims. Understanding the reasons provided for the denial is essential in order to identify options and determine the best course of action going forward. If you have received a denied roof damage insurance claim in Florida, here are some steps to take:
Review The Letter
Carefully review the denial letter from your insurance company to understand why it was rejected. This can help you determine what is needed to be done in order to get a more favorable outcome.
Gather Documentation
Gather the necessary documentation to support your claim. This can include photos, repair estimates, receipts, invoices, and any other relevant paperwork that could strengthen your case. If you choose to initiate an appeal or dispute the denial of your roof damage insurance claim in Florida, fill out all required forms in a timely manner and submit them as instructed.
Consult A Lawyer
Consult with a Florida-based attorney who is experienced in insurance claim disputes. They can provide legal advice tailored to your unique situation, advise on potential recourse options, and represent you throughout the appeal or dispute process. If an acceptable resolution cannot be reached through your insurer, the attorney may suggest filing a lawsuit in court.
Expert Advice For Maximizing Roof Damage Insurance Claims In Florida
For Florida homeowners, navigating the roof damage claim process can seem daunting – especially if you don’t have prior experience. Here are our tips on properly documenting roof damage and reporting it to insurance providers to get maximum compensation:
- Take photos or videos of the damaged area, showing both close-up and full views.
- Thoroughly document your findings, including time, date, weather conditions, and other relevant factors.
- Keep records of any communication with your insurance provider regarding the roof damage.
Engaging a public adjuster’s services can help you navigate the roof damage insurance claim process in Florida. Public adjusters are experienced professionals who work on behalf of the policyholder and understand the complexities of insurance claims. They have extensive training and valuable insights into how to position your case for maximum benefit. If you decide to hire an attorney they will have the resources and access to a network of these professionals to work on your claim.
Florida-Specific Considerations For Roof Repairs And Replacements
If you’re a Florida homeowner, you need to consider several factors when it comes to roof repair and replacement:
Building Code Compliance
Adhering to local building codes is essential for any roof repair or replacement project. This is especially true in Florida due to the state’s unique climatic characteristics and susceptibility to natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Before beginning any roof repairs or replacements, you should familiarize yourself with the applicable building codes in your county as well as any specific considerations related to the type of damage sustained by your roof.
Permitting Requirements
Depending on the scope of your roof repair or replacement project, you may need to file for a permit with local authorities. To be sure that all requirements are met and approved prior to starting any work, it’s important to consult your county’s regulations.
Contractor Selection
Be sure to select a reputable contractor with experience in handling Florida insurance claims and working within local regulations. Speak with several contractors in your area and ask for references and proof of licensing before making a final selection. Additionally, never agree to pay the full amount up front – instead, establish a payment schedule that ensures quality workmanship throughout the project.
Roof Damage Claim Wrongfully Denied? Call Herman & Wells
If you have recently experienced roof damage from a storm, hurricane, or other event in Florida and your insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim, it’s important to understand the importance of taking action. At Herman & Wells we are committed to helping homeowners get the compensation they deserve for their roof damage. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate insurance claims in Florida, which is why we are here to provide the guidance you need.
Don’t let your roof damage claim become a stressful experience. At Herman & Wells, our experienced attorneys can help you through every step of the process from filing your initial claim to appealing a denied claim. Our legal team is committed to getting you the coverage and compensation you deserve. Call (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation today!