Will my homeowner’s insurance cover roof damage from storms in Wentzville?

Missouri storms are no joke, and if you live in Wentzville, you know just how unpredictable they can be. From high winds and hailstorms to heavy rain, the weather can take a toll on your roof. So, what happens if a storm leaves you with roof damage?

One of the first things that probably comes to mind is, “Will my homeowner’s insurance cover this?”

The short answer: It depends on your policy and the type of damage. Let’s break down how homeowner’s insurance typically works when it comes to roof damage from storms in Wentzville, and what you can do to ensure your roof is covered.

Step 1: Understanding Wentzville’s Storm Season

Wentzville residents are no strangers to storms. From the intense summer thunderstorms that bring hail and high winds to the winter storms that dump snow and ice on your roof, Missouri weather is known for its unpredictability. All of this can put serious stress on your roof, and even minor storm damage can lead to big problems if not addressed quickly.

In fact, according to the National Weather Service, Missouri sees an average of 30-40 severe hailstorms every year. And Wentzville, being in the heart of the state, is no exception. Hail can cause significant damage to shingles, dent metal roofs, and even crack tiles. Meanwhile, strong winds can tear off shingles or loosen materials, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks.
With such weather conditions, having homeowner’s insurance that covers storm-related roof damage is critical for protecting your home and your budget.

Step 2: What Homeowner’s Insurance Typically Covers

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover “sudden and accidental” roof damage caused by storms. This can include:

Wind Damage: If high winds tear off shingles or cause trees or debris to fall on your roof, this type of damage is typically covered.
Hail Damage: Hail can dent, crack, or puncture your roofing materials. Most policies will cover hail damage, though coverage may depend on the age and condition of your roof.
Damage from Falling Objects: If a storm causes a tree branch to crash onto your roof and damage it, this would likely be covered.

However, not all types of damage are automatically covered, and it’s important to read the fine print in your policy. Some policies may have exclusions for certain types of roofing materials, or they may only cover a portion of the repair costs based on the age of the roof.

Pro Tip: If your roof is over 20 years old, your insurance provider may only offer partial coverage, or they may consider it “wear and tear” and not cover it at all. Be sure to review your policy’s specifics so you’re not caught off guard in the event of a storm.
If you’d like more information on Missouri’s insurance coverage regulations and what’s typically included, the Missouri Department of Insurance offers detailed guidelines that can help homeowners understand what to expect when filing a claim.

Step 3: Filing a Roof Damage Insurance Claim in Wentzville

If a storm has caused noticeable damage to your roof, the first step is to document the damage. Take clear photos of any visible issues, such as missing shingles, dents, or debris that has landed on your roof. This will be important when filing your claim.

Here’s what the insurance claims process usually looks like

1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify them about the damage as soon as possible. They will guide you on the next steps and may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
2. Get a Professional Inspection: Before you file your claim, it’s a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor, like Brody Allen Exteriors, inspect the damage. We’ll provide a detailed report that can help support your insurance claim.
3. Meet the Adjuster: Once your insurance company sends out an adjuster, we can meet with them to make sure nothing is missed in the damage assessment.
4. Repairs or Replacement: Once your claim is approved, your insurance will either cover repairs or, in some cases, a full roof replacement if the damage is severe enough.

Step 4: Common Exclusions in Homeowner’s Insurance

While most policies cover storm-related damage, there are some exclusions that Wentzville homeowners should be aware of.

Some of the most common exclusions include:

– General Wear and Tear: If your roof is simply aging or deteriorating due to lack of maintenance, it’s unlikely that insurance will cover the repairs. For example, if an inspection reveals that your roof was already in bad shape before the storm hit, your claim could be denied.
– Cosmetic Damage: In some cases, hail or wind might cause cosmetic damage (like small dents in metal roofs) that doesn’t impact the roof’s performance. Some insurance policies won’t cover purely cosmetic issues.
– Roof Material: Certain policies may have restrictions based on the type of roof material. For instance, older roofs made from wood shakes or certain tiles might not be fully covered.

To avoid surprises, make sure you understand your policy and ask your insurance agent about any exclusions specific to your home.

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Step 5: How to Prepare Before a Storm Hits

Being prepared before a storm strikes is one of the best ways to ensure your roof is covered by insurance.

Here’s how you can protect your home and improve the chances of a successful claim:

1. Get Regular Roof Inspections: Regular inspections can help you spot potential issues before they turn into bigger problems. Many insurance companies will be more likely to approve your claim if you can show proof that your roof was well-maintained before the storm.
2. Document the Condition of Your Roof: Keep a record of your roof’s condition with photos or inspection reports, especially after any maintenance or repairs. This documentation can be useful when filing a claim after a storm.
3. Know Your Policy: Read through your homeowner’s insurance policy so you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. If your policy doesn’t provide enough coverage, it might be worth discussing additional coverage options with your agent, especially for storm damage.

Taking these steps before a storm hits can make the insurance process smoother and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.

Storm damage is a reality for many homeowners in Wentzville, but having the right homeowner’s insurance can make all the difference. By understanding your policy, taking preventive steps, and documenting any damage, you can ensure that your roof repairs are covered after a storm hits.

If your roof has been damaged in a recent storm, don’t wait—contact Brody Allen Exteriors for a professional inspection. We’ll help you navigate the insurance process and get your roof back in top shape, so you can focus on enjoying your home and the great community of Wentzville.

Need Assistance with Your Claim?

Brody Allen Exteriors can help guide you through the process and ensure your roof is repaired to the highest standards. Many of your neighbors have successfully navigated their insurance claims with our expert assistance.

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Adam Dunston

Adam Dunston is the Director of Sales at Brody Allen Exteriors, where he has dedicated himself to aiding homeowners with storm damage recovery since 2001. A former Marine, Adam served from 1997 to 2001 before entering the roofing industry. His experience spans from hands-on installations to strategic sales leadership. At home, Adam is a devoted husband to Sammi and a father to Bailie, Lily, and Carter.