Checking your mailbox can be a pleasant or infuriating experience, and some insurance companies are tipping the scales in the wrong direction.
Many homeowners have received letters from their insurance companies demanding roof replacements or they face losing coverage.
But if roof problems are news to you, you may be wondering — can an insurance company make you replace your roof?
Learn what actions insurance companies can and cannot take, and what you should do next if you receive one of these troublesome letters.
Table of Contents
- Why Is the Condition of Your Roof So Important to Insurance Companies?
- Insurance Companies Are Being Proactive About Roof Replacements
- Can an Insurance Company Make You Replace Your Roof?
- What To Do if Your Insurance Company Is Asking You To Replace Your Roof
- Apex East Roofing: Your Trusted Source for Residential and Commercial Roof Replacements in South Jersey
Why Is the Condition of Your Roof So Important to Insurance Companies?
Homeowners insurance provides peace of mind if a catastrophe or natural disaster hits.
When struck with roof repairs or a replacement, the cost can be daunting and homeowners insurance is a great investment to ensure you have the support you need.
Your roof directly affects and protects the overall integrity of your home, so it’s no surprise that insurance companies are critical of its condition.
Your insurance company aims to protect your home by ensuring your roof is safe from potential hazards like water leaks and structural damage. A damaged or worn-out roof can also pose additional risks to your home and result in costly claims for the insurance company.
Insurance Companies Are Being Proactive About Roof Replacements
Insurance companies keep records of areas where significant claims were filed after a storm.
While some homeowners become aware of their roof problems immediately, others can go months or even years without noticing. Insurance companies may be proactive by doing fly-over inspections of homes in the affected area to find roof damage before it worsens.
They will contact homeowners they cover and inform them if their roof is too old and needs to be replaced or is compromised in any way.
If your roof poses a high risk, insurance companies may drop your insurance to mitigate their own risk and reduce liability for storm-related claims in the future.
Issues Insurance Companies Look for When Determining if Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced
These common roof issues can raise red flags and prompt your insurance company to require you to fix them or face non-renewal or cancellation of your policy:
- Old or worn-out roof: Insurance companies generally require roofs to be replaced after 20 years. If your roof is older or looks like it’s seen better days, your insurance company will consider it a liability.
- Poor roof maintenance: Maintaining your roof is a must as a homeowner. Failing to keep up with tasks like making minor repairs and regularly cleaning the gutters can lead to larger problems in the future. Insurance companies may consider this negligence when determining coverage.
- Signs of wear and tear: Damaged or missing shingles or structural damage can cause leaks and other detrimental issues. Insurance companies assess these potential risks and determine if it’s too costly to cover.
- Prohibited materials: Insurance companies consider materials like wood shakes or asbestos tiles at high risk for damage and may not want to provide coverage for homes with roofs constructed of them.
Can an Insurance Company Make You Replace Your Roof?
So you got the letter from your insurance company and you’re wondering, can they really make me replace my roof?
The bottom line is no, an insurance company can’t force you to replace your roof. If you disagree with your company’s findings, you can find coverage with another company. However, if you stay with your insurance company, they may be able to assert consequences if they feel your roof can not provide adequate home protection.
Actions your insurance company may take can include:
- Refusing coverage
- Adding or enforcing a roof exclusion to your policy; or
- Increasing your policy rates
What To Do if Your Insurance Company Is Asking You To Replace Your Roof
Insurance companies will typically give homeowners a timeline in which they can take action to avoid consequences. It’s important to act quickly and not postpone the task. Follow these steps to ensure you move swiftly while protecting your best interests.
#1: Verify
Before you do anything, speak with your insurance company to confirm that your home and roof are properly identified. In some cases, insurance companies may use drones to inspect roofs and your home may have been mistaken for another.
Don’t take their word for it.
Request documentation including any copies of photos or videos from your insurance company to ensure they have identified the correct structure.
Once you’ve confirmed your home, speak with your insurance company in detail to understand the reasons for requiring replacement.
#2: Schedule an Inspection
It’s always a good idea to get a second opinion.
Schedule an inspection with trusted roofing experts like Apex East Roofing. As the first Fortified Certified roofer in New Jersey and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, our work speaks for itself. Not to mention, our inspections are free. That means no money is spent until you confirm your insurance company’s claim.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends your roof be inspected every 12-18 months. So if you haven’t had yours looked at in a while, now is the time.
When choosing a roofer, look for one that’s licensed to guarantee the roofer is authorized by local or state authorities to perform the work. Additionally, you’ll want a contractor who is insured with general and worker’s compensation liability to protect you from any financial liability in the case of accidents or damages.
Look for a roofer with manufacturer accreditations certified by roofing material manufacturers like Fortified or Owens Corning. Only roofing contractors who meet stringent standards for quality installation and customer service are awarded these certifications.
You can also check that the contractor is highly rated with the BBB. An A+ accreditation from the BBB indicates that the roofer has a proven track record of ethical business practices, transparent communication, and customer satisfaction.
If Your Inspection Shows That Your Roof Is in Good Condition
If we find your roof is in good condition, Apex East Roofing would be happy to write a report complete with photos to present to your insurance company.
This report can be used to negotiate with your insurance company to maintain coverage without replacing your roof. Alternatively, it can be used as support if you decide to find a homeowners policy with a different insurance company.
Regardless of who you choose for your inspection, ask the contractor if they can provide you with a report of their findings.
If Your Inspection Shows That Your Roof Does Need Repairs or Replacement
If your insurance company was right and your inspection shows your roof needs attention, be sure to schedule and complete the work within the timeframe your insurance company provided.
Replacing your roof can be costly. It doesn’t hurt to call a few roofers and get more than one quote from other companies to secure the best deal. Some companies may even offer financing options.
#3: Work With an Insurance Adjuster if Warranted
Before you fork over any money, let your contractor know your insurance company is demanding the work. The best South Jersey roofing companies will check if a storm caused the damage and get the proof you need to file a claim.
Your contractor will work with the insurance adjuster to help cover the costs. If the roof is less than 10 years old, your insurance company may only repair the damage, but damaged roofs older than 10 years may be replaced.
Apex East Roofing: Your Trusted Source for Residential and Commercial Roof Replacements in South Jersey
If you’ve received a letter from your insurance company demanding you replace your roof or face a loss of coverage, it can be infuriating and overwhelming.
If you live in South Jersey, the professionals at Apex East Roofing can help you navigate this daunting situation. Our free inspections can help you determine if your insurance company’s claims are correct and have a new roof installed within a week.
Whether you’re facing non-renewal or looking for homeowners insurance coverage with an aging roof, we can empower you to protect your home and secure the insurance you need.
Contact Apex East Roofing for a free inspection today.
