Do you live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and are concerned about wind damage to your roof? If so, you’re not alone. Strong winds are common in this area and can cause significant damage to homes. But does your homeowners insurance cover wind damage to your roof? According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, windstorms are the state’s second most common cause of homeowners insurance claims.
Wind damage to roofs is typical in many parts of the United States, including Tulsa, Oklahoma. If your roof is damaged by wind, you may wonder if your homeowners insurance will cover the repairs. When it comes to protecting our homes, homeowners insurance is essential. It provides financial coverage in case of unforeseen events and damages. One common concern for homeowners is whether their insurance policy will cover wind damage to their roofs.
In this blog post, we will discuss wind damage insurance coverage, the signs of wind damage to your roof, types of homeowners insurance policies, laws and codes covering wind damage, filing an insurance claim for wind damage, and what is covered and not covered by homeowners insurance.
Understanding Wind Damage Coverage
Wind damage can be a significant threat to the integrity of your roof. High-speed winds can cause shingles to become loose, lift, or completely detach from the roof. Consequently, this leaves your home vulnerable to water leaks and further structural damage. Thankfully, most homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage.
Wind damage can range from minor to severe, including missing shingles, loose gutters, or entire roof sections being blown off. For more information on the effects of wind damage to a roof, check out our blog post on wind-damaged shingles.
It’s important to note that wind damage coverage typically extends to other forms of extreme weather, such as hail, tornadoes, and fallen tree branches. So, if your roof is damaged due to a windstorm, you should be eligible to file a claim with your insurance company.
Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies
To better understand how wind damage is covered by insurance, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the two primary kinds of homeowners insurance policies: Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
#1 Actual Cash Value (ACV) Policies
An ACV policy provides coverage based on the depreciated value of your wind-damaged roof. This means that the insurance company will consider the age and condition of your roof when determining the payout amount. While an ACV policy might not cover the total cost of a new roof, it can still contribute to a significant portion of the expenses. However, you may need to supplement the remaining cost out of pocket.
#2 Replacement Cost Value (RCV) Policies
On the other hand, an RCV policy offers coverage for the total replacement cost of your damaged roof. With an RCV policy, the insurance company must provide enough funds to cover the entire cost of replacing your roof with a brand-new version. This means you won’t have to worry about covering additional expenses out of pocket as long as the claim is approved.
It’s important to review your insurance policy to determine the type of coverage you have for wind damage. Understanding the terms and conditions of your policy will help you make informed decisions and manage your expectations when filing a claim.
Laws and Codes for Covering Wind Damage
In Tulsa, OK, homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage to roofs. However, some specific laws and codes govern how wind damage is covered.
- For example, the Oklahoma Insurance Department requires that homeowners insurance policies in Tulsa include coverage for wind damage caused by a “sudden, unexpected event.” If a gust of wind damages your roof, Your insurance company will likely reimburse you for the repairs. However, if your roof is damaged by wind overtime, such as slowly lifting up shingles until they’re eventually torn off, your insurance company may not cover the repairs.
In addition, the City of Tulsa has a matching shingle ordinance that requires homeowners insurance companies to replace damaged shingles with shingles that match the existing roof in terms of quality, color, and size. This ordinance ensures that homeowners’ roofs are restored to their original appearance after wind damage.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Wind Damage
If you’ve experienced a storm and have identified wind damage to your roof, it’s time to file an insurance claim. Here are some critical steps to follow:
- Document the Damage: Take detailed photographs or videos of the wind damage to your roof. This evidence will support your claim and help the insurance adjuster assess the extent of the damage.
- Review Your Policy: Carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage and the claims process. Pay attention to any deadlines or specific requirements for filing a claim.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company immediately to report the wind damage. Provide them with all the necessary information, including the date of the incident and a description of the damage.
- Schedule An Inspection: The insurance company will likely send an adjuster to check the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement. You will need to provide them with access to your roof so that they can conduct a thorough inspection.
What is Covered and Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance in Tulsa, OK, typically covers wind damage to roofs caused by a sudden, unexpected event. As mentioned before, if a gust of wind damages your roof, your insurance company will likely cover the repairs. However, if your roof is damaged by wind caused by a gradual process, your insurance company may not cover the repairs.
For example, if a tornado or a strong thunderstorm damages your roof, your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover the repairs. However, if your roof is damaged by the wind gradually eroding the shingles over time, your insurance company may not cover the damage.
It is essential to read your homeowner’s insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. You should also contact your insurance company immediately after the damage occurs to file a claim.
Here are some examples of wind damage that is typically covered by homeowners insurance in Tulsa, OK:
- Shingles were blown off the roof
- Damage to gutters and downspouts
- Torn or missing siding
- Damage to windows and doors
- Damage caused by uprooted trees
Here are some examples of wind damage that is typically not reimbursed by homeowners insurance in Tulsa, OK::
- Wear and tear
- Neglect/Lack of Maintenance
- Poor Installation
- Granule Loss
If you are still determining whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will cover wind damage to your roof, you should contact your insurance company for clarification. They will be able to review your policy and let you know what is covered.
Conclusion
Homeowners insurance in Tulsa, Oklahoma, typically covers wind damage to roofs. However, it is important to read your policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. You should also contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage occurs to file a claim.
If you are unsure whether or not your homeowner’s insurance will cover wind damage to your roof, you can contact A Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing. We can inspect your home for damage, advise whether or not it’s likely to be covered by your insurance, and help with repairs once your claim is approved. Contact us today at (918)-402-7167, to learn more about our services. We’re always ready to help!
