What Roof Repairs Are Covered By Insurance?
One of the trickiest parts of being a homeowner is trying to navigate the world of insurance.
What is covered and what isn’t covered can depend on a number of different things from what kind of insurance you have, to who you have the insurance with.
Roof repairs in particular can be a big point of contention for many insurance companies, with hardly any of them willing to give you a cut and dry answer on the situation until you have a problem that needs fixing.
Here at Stormguard, we regularly contribute to home assessments for insurance quote purposes, and over the years we have become very familiar with the sorts of factors that are taken into consideration.
Here are some things that are always brought up when trying to claim roof insurance.
CAUSE OF DAMAGE
One of the main considerations is what actually the original cause of damage was. Most insurance companies will not cover for damage caused by regular wear and tear, but things like accidental fire and natural disasters usually come under the remit for cover.
Other factors that are outside of your control like vandalism are also likely to be covered. It is always worth asking your insurance company so you know exactly where you stand.
CONDITION OF ROOF
You are likely to get much better insurance cover if you can prove that you are a homeowner who is committed to taking good care of your roof.
If it is ten years old or more and still in relatively good condition, you will most likely get much better insurance coverage than somebody who has claimed multiple times already for their roof.
AGE OF ROOF
The age of your roof and property in general is always going to be a big factor when it comes to the level at which insurance companies set your premium and choose to handle any claim.
In general building terms, a roof that is less than ten years old is considered fairly new, and this will have a bearing on the kind of insurance fees that you are asked to pay.
Insurance Roof Reports for Roof Damage
When you lodge a roof damage claim, your insurer will typically require a formal roof report before approving any repair or replacement work. This document is prepared by a licensed roofing contractor and provides your insurance company with an objective, professional assessment of the damage to support your claim.
At Stormguard Roofing, we prepare detailed insurance roof reports for homeowners across the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, North Lakes and surrounding areas. Our reports are compiled by QBCC licensed contractors and include everything your insurer needs to assess and process your claim efficiently.
What Does an Insurance Roof Report Include?
A comprehensive insurance roof report from Stormguard covers:
- Description of damage — A detailed account of all visible damage to roofing materials, gutters, flashings and roof penetrations
- Cause of damage — Identification of whether damage was caused by storm, hail, fallen debris, or other insurable events
- Photographic evidence — Clear photos of all affected areas to support your claim
- Scope of works — A breakdown of the repairs or replacement required to restore the roof to its pre-damage condition
- Itemised quote — A professional quote for the recommended works, in a format accepted by major insurers
- Contractor details — Our QBCC licence number and insurance details, as required by most insurers
Having a thorough, well-documented report significantly reduces the likelihood of your claim being disputed or delayed. If you've experienced storm damage or suspect your roof has been damaged, contact Stormguard Roofing to arrange an inspection and report.
How to Lodge a Storm Damage Roof Claim on the Sunshine Coast
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, acting quickly can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim. Here's a general guide to the process:
1. Document the damage
Take photos of any visible damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Include wide shots of the roof as well as close-up images of specific damage areas. Do not attempt to access the roof yourself.
2. Contact your insurer
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage occurs. Most insurers have a claims hotline or online portal. You'll be asked to provide your policy details and a description of the event.
3. Arrange a professional roof inspection
Your insurer will typically require a written report from a licensed roofing contractor before approving the claim. Contact Stormguard Roofing to arrange an inspection — we'll assess the full extent of the damage and prepare a detailed report and quote for your insurer.
4. Submit your claim documentation
Provide your insurer with the roof report, photos, and any other supporting documentation they require. Having a thorough, professional report in place from the outset helps avoid unnecessary delays.
5. Await insurer assessment
Your insurer will review the documentation and advise whether the claim has been approved. If approved, work can be scheduled and completed by our licensed team.
If you need assistance at any stage of the process, the Stormguard team is experienced in working with insurers and can help ensure your claim is supported by the right documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an insurance roof report include?
An insurance roof report from a licensed contractor like Stormguard includes a description of the damage, the cause of damage, photographic evidence, a scope of works, and an itemised quote for repairs or replacement. It also includes the contractor's QBCC licence details as required by most insurers. A thorough report helps support your claim and reduces the risk of it being disputed or delayed.
How do I lodge a storm damage claim for my roof?
Start by documenting the damage with photos, then contact your insurer to notify them of the event. You'll need a written report and quote from a licensed roofing contractor to support the claim. Stormguard Roofing prepares insurance roof reports for homeowners across the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas. Once your insurer approves the claim, we can schedule and complete the repair or replacement works.
So, if you think that you need some help with your roof insurance claim, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
We provide a professional and thorough service that won’t leave any stone unturned. A member of the team will always be on hand to answer any pressing questions that you might have.
If you liked what you read, read our previous blog on signs to replace your roof.
