So, a hailstorm just striked, or maybe one of those fall winds did more than you thought possible and you are left questioning “Does homeowners insurance cover siding?”. You’re not alone, as many homeowners are left wondering the same.
That’s why we took it upon ourselves to clear up any confusion about your home insurance policy and its relation to siding damage or replacement.
Dive in for some peace of mind and get answers to all your siding-related insurance queries!
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Siding Damage?
Let’s get this right out of the way so your heart can rest, YES, homeowners insurance can cover damage to your siding caused by covered perils such as hail, wind, fire, or falling objects. However, there may be exclusions and limitations that you need to be aware of.
Coverage for Damage from Covered Perils
Home insurance typically covers siding damage when it results from listed perils. These include incidents like hailstorms, windstorms 💨, and other forms of severe weather that can lead to extensive damage.
Following such events, your homeowners insurance policy will likely provide coverage for repairing or replacing damaged siding. It’s crucial to understand that the type of peril causing the damage significantly affects whether or not the insurance company provides coverage.
Don’t feel too confident though, because some policies usually exclude certain damages and only offer coverage for those specifically named as covered perils within the policy terms.
Exclusions and Limitations
Not all damage 🩹 types fall under the coverage of homeowners insurance. For example, if mold or rot causes harm to your siding, typically, your policy will not cover it. The same goes for mismatched siding – some policies explicitly exclude this kind of issue.
Other exclusions are in place for specific kinds of property damage that homeowner’s insurance can refuse to cover. Burst pipes and certain home office equipment 💻might be on this list.
Moreover, sewage damage impacting street or municipal lines usually remains outside the bounds of a typical coverage plan. And you should also remember that most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover sinkholes either.
When is Siding Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
While we deliver the good news just yet, there’s also some instances where insurance company can say no to your reclaims, and have good reason to.
Wear and Tear
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover wear and tear to your siding. If your siding is gradually deteriorating, fading in color from the sun ☀️, or showing signs of aging, your insurance may not provide coverage for these damages.
Rotting wood or melted siding may also be excluded from coverage under typical homeowner’s insurance policies. It’s important to understand that regular maintenance and the costs associated with replacing outdated or discontinued siding are typically the homeowner’s responsibility.
Defective Construction
If your siding is damaged due to defective construction or poor workmanship, it’s our duty to let you know, insurance typically does not cover this damage. This means that if you discover defects in the construction or installation of your siding, you may be responsible for the costs of repairs or replacements.
Insurance policies often exclude coverage for harm from faulty craftsmanship and construction errors. It’s crucial to review your policy carefully and consider consulting with a professional to assess any potential issues before they become costly problems.
Faulty siding can occur due to insufficient craftsmanship, defective installation, or other construction errors. When these issues are present, it’s essential to take immediate action to address them properly.
How to File a Siding Damage Insurance Claim
So, you’re rest assured that insurance does cover siding damage. The bad news is you still have to follow the steps for them to cover it. They won’t magically show up with a hammer 🔨 and nails, sadly. Without further ado, here’s what you need to do.
- Contact your Insurance Company
Immediately after discovering siding damage, informing your insurance provider about the situation is crucial. A swift notification will propel them to act quickly.
During this crucial conversation 🧏🏼♂️, discuss all relevant details regarding the event that led to the damage. Be prepared for questions about whether matching siding coverage is necessary or if only damaged portions will be replaced.
Referencing your homeowners’ insurance policy may aid with these discussions. Insurance companies might offer coverage for siding replacement under their policies, but this varies by company and individual agreements.
- Document the Damage
To successfully file a siding damage insurance claim, it is crucial to document the damage thoroughly.
This means recording and noting every detail of the damage you see. Take photographs 📸 from different angles, describe what you observe, and log all relevant information about the extent of the damage.
By capturing this documentation, you will provide concrete evidence to support your claim and ensure a smoother claims process. It’s important to complete this step before contacting your insurance company.
- Schedule an Inspection 🗓
You must schedule an inspection with your insurance company to file a siding damage insurance claim. This is an important step in determining the coverage and limits of your policy.
By having a claims adjuster come out and assess the damage, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what repairs or replacement may be covered. Be sure to contact your insurance company promptly after discovering the siding damage and request an inspection so that you can move forward with the claims process efficiently.
It’s always a good idea to consult with licensed experts who can guide you through filing your siding damage insurance claim.
Unless you work in an insurance company, in which case, you’re the expert, you should now how this goes by now.
Elite Siding and Roofing, Your Partnership for Ages
While homeowners insurance can cover the cost of siding replacement if it is damaged by covered perils such as hail, wind, fire, or falling objects, that doesn’t mean an overhaul is out of the question.
For any work or rennovation your roof needs, our team of professioanls is trained and equipped to provide the best service possible to your needs. Don’t hesitate and get a quote that will leave you craving for your latest rennovation.
