Monday, April 8th, 2021
Is Wind Damage to Siding Included Under My Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Many homes throughout the Southeast are covered in siding, which gives the whole home a uniform and finished look. Siding has many advantages for the homeowner, including the low maintenance needed to keep it in good shape and the way it resists damage better than a painted surface. However, over time, wind damage to siding becomes a reality homeowners have to deal with. Home’s siding can become damaged and need repairs or even replacement. Read on to find out if the siding repairs or replacements your home may need is covered by homeowner’s insurance.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Include Wind Damage to Siding?
Most homeowner’s policies only cover damage named in said policy. These can vary, but typically include perils like:
- Wind damage
- Tornado damage
- Hail damage
- Hurricane damage
- Fire damage
- Storm damage
As a result, whether the siding damage is covered depends on what caused the damage. If the cause of the damage was a covered peril named in the policy, then your insurer has an obligation to cover the repairs needed. If the siding is damaged beyond repair, they will have to pay for the replacement. Some examples that are covered under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy include:
- Dents and dings to the siding caused by hail damage
- Siding which has been torn from the home as a result of high winds
Before you file a claim, note some damages that may not be covered your insurance company. Damages that would not typically be included:
- Normal wear and tear
- Gradual fading of the siding’s color due to sun exposure.
- Undamaged siding
Taking care of normal damage to the home falls under your responsibility as a homeowner, and the insurer will not pay for these issues. Pressure washing your home’s siding regularly is one good way to ensure that it stays in good condition and that you can see any issues as soon as they arise.
An insurance company charges different premiums depends on the type of siding you have to protect your home. For example, vinyl siding is one of the cheapest options currently available due to its long life span. On the other end, aluminum siding can have a higher premium since they are easily susceptible to storm damage and other common weather events.
Damage Resulting in Mismatched Siding
Homeowner’s insurance only covers the replacement of the siding that was damaged and will not typically pay to replace the siding on the other parts of the home. As a result, homeowners can end up with new siding on one portion of the home that looks different than the rest. If this happens to you, check your policy to see if there is a language that addresses what happens in the case of a mismatch. Many policies carry an exclusion for mismatches, but some will cover siding for the other parts of the home if you can prove that a mismatch detracts from the value of the home.
Professional Siding Damage Repair Services
If you have recently had wind damage to siding occur at your home and are wondering if you should file a claim, We here at Allstate Construction Roofing Inc. can help, call us to schedule a free estimate for siding replacement or repair and either of the following services we offer:
Some insurance companies have an insurance claim window period, as such, do not wait too long until you have to make a claim for your wind-damaged siding. While it can be intimidating to file a claim with insurance adjusters, however, with the right claim process and needed documentation the process shouldn’t be nerve-wracking. Otherwise, you can contact us for additional help.
