4 tips for dealing with your insurance company if you get a leaky roof

Water is the new fire in insurance. Water leakage and flooding can quickly spread throughout a house. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, insurance companies are now paying more for water damage than fire damage.

To prevent getting stuck in a stressful claim situation, it’s important to know how your insurance covers water damage. 

Now, here are a few things to keep in mind if a leak springs in your home.

1. Insurance companies will send an adjuster: The insurance company will send someone over to survey the damage and verify that your claim is covered by your policy. Take some time before they arrive to go over your policy. Make sure to ask a lot of questions if something isn’t clear.
2. Have your roof inspected regularly: Being able to show that you’ve kept an eye on your roof will help if you need to make a claim. It’s also helpful to make sure you’re cleaning your eavestroughs and checking that shingles are maintained. If your insurance company suspects a maintenance issue, they may find a reason to deny your claim.
3. Always review your policy when it renews: Reviewing your policy allows you to know if any changes have been made by the insurance company. The worst thing you can find is that you’re not covered for something you thought you were. With situations like a leaking roof, there may be specific language in your policy that can change over time.
4. Obtain documentation from a professional roofer: If you’ve ever had your roof worked on in any way, it’s important to get documentation from the contractor outlining what they’ve done. If damage occurs due to rainfall or ice, getting a letter from a professional roofer outlining the damage and how it occurred can greatly help when talking to your insurance company and going through the claim process.