Roofs. No two are the same. Despite the fact that every home must have a roof over it to keep out the elements and the critters, there’s a wide range of types of roofing materials, shapes, and conditions. Because of that, home insurance companies for Osage Beach look at roofing through a close lens when deciding on roof insurability.
What Do Homeowners Insurance Companies Look At When Deciding on Roofing Insurability?
Specifically, homeowner’s insurance companies look at:
- The roof’s age. Newer roofs will typically get lower rates, while an older roof may not be insurable at all.
- The roof’s condition. Visible signs of wear and tear may need to be remedied before you can be insured.
- The roof’s materials. Certain types of roofing materials are considered more stable than others.
- The roof’s shape. The design of your roofing can impact how at-risk you are against damage.
If you’re looking for ways to lower your homeowners insurance, or are buying a new home in Osage Beach, taking these roofing needs into consideration will help you
Your Roof’s Age and Homeowner’s Insurance
For just about any element of your home, the typical rule of thumb is that newer materials mean your home is less risk-averse. Your roof is no different.
Older roofs are more at risk for deterioration and damage. If a roof is over 20 years old, some homeowner’s insurance companies might require an inspection before offering an insurance quote. If they determine that your older roof is insurable, they still might lower your limits to only insure actual cash value. If damage does occur with that type of plan, you would be required to pay for the remainder of the costs beyond that cash value.
Roofing Condition and Homeowners Insurance
The way you maintain your roof will determine your risk level, which homeowners insurance companies use when quoting your insurance rates. Having annual inspections, or getting your roof inspected at least every other year, will help spot wear and tear in advance. For example, you could spot worn shingles and replace them before more extensive damage occurs.
There are proactive steps you can take to help improve and maintain your roof’s condition. For example, after a storm, remove any debris that landed on your roof.
If you do make any improvements to your roof on your own, having photographic evidence of the upgrades made will also help your insurance company see more detail about your roof’s conditions. That way, if damage does occur, the insurance company will also have before and after pictures to assess the extent of your claim.
The Shape of Your Roof and Homeowners Insurance
Surprisingly, the shape of your roof can impact how much you pay in homeowner’s insurance. In Osage Beach, there are three most common types of roofing — gable roofs, hip roofs, and flat roofs.
Gable roofs are pitched roofs that look like a V. These are popular because they’re shaped in a way that lends itself to having debris or snowfall come off easier over time. Still, their high pitch makes them harder to insure because they’re so vulnerable to high winds.
Hip roofs have four sides to them with a pitch at the top. These are also popular because they’re wind resistant but still make it easier for debris to fall off.
Flat roofs might not be as common around Osage Beach, but some homes have them. These roofs require regular maintenance and can be harder to insure.
Roofing Type and Your Homeowners Insurance
Your roofing materials are another consideration on the homeowners insurance. In Osage Beach, we typically see three types of roofing materials.
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common because they have a longer lifespan. Still, the asphalt shingles can decay faster than other materials.
Metal roofs are also popular because they can withstand fire and are wind resistant. These roof types can last up to 70 years, which makes them more risk-averse.
Slate or tile roofs are equally popular because they’re resistant to fire, rot, and damage. The challenge with this roofing material is that it’s more prone to cracks.
Getting Homeowners Insurance
Roofing is a big consideration when getting homeowners insurance in Osage Beach, but it’s not the only consideration. There are many factors that insurance companies look at when quoting your insurance premiums. If you’d like help navigating the various insurance company demands, we’re here for you. Reach out and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process of getting insured.