Notify insurance carrier of roof work

In this area of the country, roof repairs and replacements are very common. Wind and hail damage constitute a large portion of homeowners insurance claims in Kentucky and across the entire nation.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, wind and hail damage was the cause of loss for 45.5% of all U.S. homeowner's insurance claims in 2020. Usually, roofs are the main thing that takes the damage, so repairs and replacements are commonplace.

If you've replaced or repaired a large portion of your roof, be sure to inform your insurance company, even if they helped to pay for it.

Many insurance companies will not automatically update your policy showing your roof has been replaced, even if a claim was made. This must be reported by you and proof must be shown — typically with a receipt from the roofing company.

Many companies offer discounted rates and enhanced coverages for a newer roof. If yours doesn't, shop around for a company that does.

One of the biggest enhanced coverages some offer is what is called a roof replacement endorsement (the exact product name may vary company-to-company). This means that if your roof is less than a certain age, they will agree to replace the roof in the event of significant damage rather than simply pay you the depreciated value of it.

If you've replaced or repaired a large portion of your roof, be sure to talk to your agent.

Andrew Sargent is an insurance advisor with The Wright Legacy Group.