When you file a homeowners insurance claim after a storm, you expect that your policy will cover the damage. However, it is not uncommon for these claims to be denied. But why is this? In a lot of cases, your insurance claim may be denied due to the damages being deemed as “wear and tear” instead of “storm-related” damages? The difference between the two can significantly affect your payout, or whether you receive one at all. This is why it is important to know what damages fall under wear and tear and which ones don’t. Understanding this distinction can help you document your claim more thoroughly and avoid potential pitfalls during the filing process.
So how do insurance adjusters determine what qualifies as storm damage versus regular wear and tear? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Difference
Storm Damage
Storm damage refers to destruction caused by a specific, identifiable weather event such as a hurricane. These damages are often hard for insurance adjusters to dismiss as normal wear and tear as their effects are often sudden and distinct. Examples of storm damage could include:
- Torn shingles due to high winds
- Hail pitting or cracking roofing materials
- Fallen trees damaging your roof or siding
- Flooding from sudden heavy rainfall (note: typically, not covered without flood insurance)
This type of damage is sudden and accidental, which usually makes it a covered peril under most standard homeowners insurance policies. Insurance companies tend to recognize these damages as qualifying incidents when supported by weather reports and timely documentation.
Wear and Tear
Wear and tear refers to gradual deterioration over time due to aging, usage, and environmental exposure. Wear & Tear can be identified through signs of neglect and aging. This makes them distinct from sudden storm damage. Examples include:
- Curling or brittle shingles from age
- Rusted flashing or corroded gutters
- Faded siding or paint from sun exposure
- Water stains from chronic roof leaks
Since this type of damage occurs slowly over time, it is considered the homeowner’s responsibility and is usually not covered by insurance. Insurers expect homeowners to perform routine maintenance on their homes to prevent this kind of deterioration. Not doing so could get your claim denied and rack up repair costs.
What Insurance Adjusters Look For
Insurance adjusters are trained to assess roof damage and determine which damages are storm-related and which ones are not. Here are the factors they focus on during their inspections:
- Date of the Event
Adjusters will review the date you reported the claim and match it with local weather reports. If you’re claiming hail damage, for example, they’ll look for confirmed hail activity in your area on or around that date.
- Damage Patterns
Storm damage typically leaves distinct patterns:
- Hail hits are usually uniform in size and appear randomly across surfaces.
- Wind damage often affects one side of a roof or building, depending on the storm’s direction.
- Wear and tear, however, shows gradual degradation like cracks, fading, and erosion that align with the home’s age.
- Material Condition
Insurance adjusters will also assess whether the materials (shingles, siding, flashing, etc.) were already nearing the end of their lifespan. In addition to cracks and discoloration, they can determine the age of the materials by looking at the installation dates, the age of the home and manufacturer guidelines. This is because older materials are more likely to be ruled as worn out rather than storm damage.
- Maintenance History
If your roof or home exterior hasn’t been maintained, this could count against you; it could also get your insurance claim denied altogether. Missing caulking, clogged gutters, and cracked seals are all indicative of poor maintenance. Most Insurers expect routine maintenance and upkeep and the lack of it can weaken your claim. To mitigate this keep records of your repairs and routine inspections. This will demonstrate that the damage in question was truly caused by the storm and make it harder for the insurance adjuster to dismiss it.
- Photos and Documentation
Photos taken before and after the event can be incredibly valuable. Adjusters will use these to verify the condition of your property and determine if the storm was the direct cause.
Why This Distinction Matters
The distinction between storm damage and wear and tear can save you time and money. Your Insurance will only cover sudden, accidental events and not predictable deterioration. Wear and tear shows more uniform signs of aging and neglect, while storm damage is more sudden and localized; sudden damage can also be identified by torn shingles and punctures . If your claim is denied because the adjuster believes the damage was pre-existing or due to poor maintenance, you may have to pay out of pocket for repairs; you can also appeal the claim by gathering evidence to the contrary. This is why it is important to schedule regular roof inspections and keep records of them. The more thorough you are, the better prepared you will be to prove your case. For through roof inspections, it is best to contact a roofing contractor as they can give you a detailed outline of the necessary repairs.
Visit Us Today!
At DUBO Roofing and Construction, we understand how stressful both the storm damage and the insurance process can be. That’s why we offer inspections for both commercial and residential properties. Our professional roofers are trained to tell the difference between storm-related issues and regular wear and tear. Whether you need a professional inspection, documentation for a claim, or repairs, We have you covered. With hurricane season on the horizon, don’t wait until the next storm. Schedule your free roof inspection today and let us keep your home safe. Trust DUBO Roofing and Construction, where experience meets reliability.
