Consumer Education

Why is a roof in good conditions so important?

Having a roof in good conditions protects you, your loved ones, and your property from weather.

Homeowners insurance companies may deny your claim due to unattended leaks; they are in the risk management business, when issuing an insurance policy they want to feel comfortable in assuring a property. The roof must meet certain requirements or homeowners could find their property uninsurable or paying higher premium.

The roof conditions affects a property value.

A rusted nail is all it takes to cause a waterproofing problem

Rusted nails pops up and wave the roof shingles and roof flashings

Water can run under any unsealed roof vents causing leaks

Unsealed vents are a point of access for water intrusion

Leaking is more that just a stain in your ceiling

Water intrusion through the property structure may cause great damage

Would filing a claim raise my insurance premium? Read ...

We wish there was a straight answer to satisfy your curiosity and say it's a myth, but we can share some verified details to give you an idea with hope it should help you go through the explanation whether or not filing a claim would raise your homeowner insurance premium, and share with you some facts to keep in mind when taking a decision.

  • Insurance rates are regulated by the state. The Texas Department of Insurance is the official state agency regulating the insurance industry in the state of Texas.

  • Insurance rates would raise every year. Insurance companies are frequently adjusting their rates and requesting approval from the regulating office. Whether or not you file a claim, you can expect to pay higher premium at time of renewal.

  • The reason you are paying a premium for an insurance policy is to file a claim when coverage is needed and lower the impact of your out-of-pocket costs to it's minimum. Why would you pay for something you'll never use?

  • Most claims stay on your insurance record for roughly five years. Insurance companies will review their shared database for accuracy on your claim(s) to evaluate the risk and estimate your new premium. Be aware of how much would affect your rate for claims denied due to presumption of attempt to falsify a claim.

  • The age and conditions of the property and the roof are a key indicator when estimating the risk to quote an isurance premium. A yearly inspection should be performed to avoid being consider negligent and obtain a denial on coverage when you need it the most.

  • Finally, it's worth a consideration and analysis of your insurance policy to decide if the repair needed would be better of being paid out-of-pocket or financed instead of filing an insurance claim. Consider deductible(s), exclusions and policy endorsements.

ACV vs RCV policies? Read ...

  • Actual Cash Value (ACV): your insurance policy will pay the depreciated cost of the repair of the damaged property, minus deductible.


  • Replacement Cash Value (RCV): your insurance policy will pay the cost of the repair of the damaged property, minus deductible without deducting for depreciation.

Poly-tarp

A tarp installation is a short term prevention method meant to slick off water intrusion that could reach the wooden supports of a roof causing considerable damage to the property.

Asphalt Shingles

Commonly used coverage for the roof deck. Can be found in different brands, colors and shapes, but it should be a must to understand about the different types in the market, especially the manufacturer warranty for each model.