In this article, you will learn:
1. Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
2. How to Claim Hail Damage on a Roof in Ontario
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Ontario weather patterns are often unpredictable, and when hail strikes it can wreak havoc on your residential roof.
With speeds of up to 100 km/h and sizes ranging from small pebbles to large golf balls – even the smallest of hailstorms can cause some serious damage within a short amount of time.
Unfortunately, many Canadian homeowners are unfamiliar with the process of filing a home insurance claim; causing a great deal of anxiety on top of an already stressful situation.
From photos and documentation to repairs and receipts, it’s helpful to understand the process ahead of time to ensure that you are fully reimbursed for any covered roof repairs.
As dealing with roof damage is already challenging enough, we at T. Simpson Roofing Ltd have put together the following article to help you approach your next insurance claim with confidence.
When it comes to home insurance policies, your roof should be treated as the most important part of your home.
As the major structure responsible for protecting your property, loved ones and interior belongings, any risk of roof damage can quickly escalate into much costlier repairs if left unresolved for too long.
While most Ontario home insurance policies are designed to include coverage for hail damage, it is important to note that policy details can differ from one provider to the next.
Whether you have a comprehensive or named-perils insurance policy, here are a few important details to clarify ahead of time:
– What is the allowable time period to file a claim?
– What information and/or documentation is required? (photos, summary of the damage)
– What is the policy deductible?
– Is depreciation applied to my roof?
– How much of the roof repair expenses will be covered?
– Does coverage include water damage?
Unfortunately, hail damage can be a bit difficult to identify as the damage is not always visible right after a storm.
Since water damage and mold problems can sometimes take months to appear, the risk of delayed repair can often result in further deterioration and an increase in overall repair expenses.
While routine roof inspections are highly recommended each spring and fall season, it is also very important for Canadian homeowners to inspect their properties following extreme weather conditions to assess any possible concerns.
As 1-in-3 hail insurance claims often report the wrong date of loss, keeping a routine maintenance schedule will help to ensure that you are always covered for your full insurance eligibility.
For many Canadian homeowners, the process of filing an insurance claim and/or speaking to an adjuster may seem like an intimidating process.
However, we can assure you that the process is much easier with a clear understanding of your specific policy details and procedures!
While home insurance companies may vary in their coverage and filing specifications, the following steps will help you gather the information you need for a seamless home insurance claim:
Having a clear understanding of the current state of your roof is very important for home maintenance, insurance claims and roof repairs.
Before contacting your insurance company, be sure to conduct a thorough roof inspection and document any damage that may come up.
From the age of your roof and date of the hailstorm to photo documentation and written damage summaries – the more information you have available for your insurance claim, the better.
If you suspect that a recent hailstorm may have caused damage to your residential roof, contact your trusted roofing professional to help you identify the full scope of damage in a safe and efficient manner.
The easiest and most efficient way to determine what you are covered for is to contact your home insurance provider directly.
By clarifying your personalized policy details, you will have a much better understanding of the deductibles, coverage amounts, claim requirements and filing process, along with any next steps to help you move forward.
While there are some policies that only offer roof damage coverage up to the depreciated value, there are also policies available that cover the full cost of roof repairs and/or replacements regardless of age.
In most cases, your insurance company may also send a home inspector to investigate your roof damage and verify your insurance claims.
Depending on the age of your roof, you may still have access to manufacturing and/or installation warranties issued at the time of roof installation.
While some products may offer coverage for hail-damaged materials, it is certainly worth looking into as you may be able to find additional coverage through your existing warranties.
Before you can move forward with any necessary repairs or roof replacements, you will need to obtain a quote from a certified contractor.
If you had worked with a contractor to determine the full extent of hail damage on your roof, this would also be a great opportunity to request a service quote to provide to your insurance company aløng with your claim.
As you are generally free to work with a roofing professional of your choosing, we highly recommend working with someone who has extensive experience in roof estimates for insurance claims. By doing so, you can rest assured that your estimate is as close to the mark as possible without the risk of hidden expenses.
Last but certainly not least – be sure to file your home insurance claim as quickly as possible.
If you suspect that your residential roof has been damaged by hail, addressing it as soon as possible will prevent the risk of further damage that might not be covered by your insurance policy.
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At T. Simpson Roofing Ltd., we pride ourselves as the largest GAF Master Elite™ Roof Installers in Canada.
If you suspect hail damage on your residential roof, click here or call 1-800-925-3044 for assistance.
