Hailstorms can occur unexpectedly and anywhere. Hail can vary in size from small pea-sized chunks to large golf ball-sized ones, posing a threat not only to the appearance of your house but also to its structural integrity. To determine whether hail damage is covered by home insurance in Cumming, Ga and elsewhere, it is important to find out beforehand, rather than waiting until the need arises. If you are searching for home insurance that includes hail damage, contact Bradford Turner Insurance Group.
Most home insurance policies do cover hail damage, unless you live in a state where hailstorms are exceedingly common and therefore excluded from your coverage. Hail damage is a vital aspect to include in your insurance policy, as the chunks of ice can cause significant harm to your home, leading to expensive repair costs.
Is Hail Damage Covered by Home Insurance?
It depends on your location and the specifics of your policy. Hail damage is often times included in home insurance coverage. However, if hailstorms are frequent in your state, your policy might exclude hail damage, impose coverage limits, or increase premiums to account for the heightened frequency of claims.
If you are unsure about what your home insurance policy covers, it is best to contact your insurance provider or agent. They will be able to guide you through all of your coverage details.
Hail damage can lead to expensive repairs for your roof and the structure of your home. While some hail damage can be repaired without a full roof replacement, having coverage is critical for the times when extensive repairs are necessary. The average hail damage home insurance claim amounts to around $12,000, showing the significance of having adequate home insurance.
Hail Damage Coverage
Usually, homeowners’ insurance covers hail damage to the structure of your home, including dents in the roof and siding, which can result in leaks and flooding. Addressing hail damage promptly is important, as it can lead to further issues affecting the structural integrity and resale value of your home.
Homeowners insurance policies may either offer replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage for repairs. Replacement cost coverage covers the current cost of replacing your roof, while actual cash value coverage uses the depreciation of your roof when settling the claim.
It is important to be aware that some insurance providers have implemented a “cosmetic damage exclusion” in hail damage coverage. This exclusion is created to limit costly claims resulting from weather volatility but may leave you uncompensated for hail damage that does not affect the function of your home. Therefore, any repairs in such cases would be at your discretion and expense.
Filing a Hail Damage Claim
If you experience hail damage, it is essential to file a claim promptly, ideally before starting any repairs. Typically, you have up to a year to file a hail damage claim with your insurance provider, but filing sooner allows for quicker repairs. Document all of the damage and contact your insurance provider to submit your claim. An insurance adjuster will then inspect the damage and decide the total repair cost. Once your claim is approved, you can proceed to schedule repairs with a contractor.
Remember that a deductible usually applies, ranging from 1-5% of your home’s insured value. Some people choose to obtain an independent inspection to ensure alignment with the insurance provider’s assessment. In cases where the assessment appears unfair, having the contractor and insurance adjuster communicate can usually lead to a resolution.
