If bad weather damages your roof, your homeowners insurance might help you fix it.
Before you need to repair or replace your roof, ask your insurance company or agent these questions:
- Do I have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage? When you buy or renew your home insurance policy, ask how they pay for roof damage and replacement. Some policies pay the full cost to repair the roof. This is called replacement cost coverage. Most policies pay less if the roof is older or showing wear. This is called actual cash value coverage.
- Does insurance always cover roof replacement? If your roof is old or in poor condition, your company might not cover it. Ask your agent to explain your roof coverage. If you need to replace your roof, consider choosing materials resistant to wind, hail, and fire. You might qualify for a discount.
- What’s my deductible? A deductible is what you pay before your company starts paying. Your deductible for wind and hail damage can be more than the deductible for other types of damage. Ask what the dollar amount of your deductibles are.
- When should I file a claim? You can file a claim if a storm, tree, or something else damages your roof. Have a question about insurance? Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 or visit www.tdi.texas.gov.
These columns by the Texas Department of Insurance are available for use in publications. They may be edited as needed and used without copyright. For questions, contact TDI media relations at 512-676-6595 or MediaRelations@tdi.texas.gov.