AboutJames R. Berliner, CPCU Expertise My specialty is personal and busines insurance, relating to the property and casualty field. Homeowners, Auto, Business Auto, Workers Compensation, Business Interruption, Crime, Directors & Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Professional Liability, General Liability, Umbrella Liability, etc.
Experience I am the owner of my own agency (established 1970), have obtained my CPCU designation, and am licensed in many states.
Organizations IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America), CPCU Society, PIACT (Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut - Board of Directors)
Question I recently had wind damage to my roof which caused some interior water damage. My insurance company will cover to paint all walls and ceilings in the great room(open floor plan dining, den foyer) so all will match. However, they will only cover half my roof and my ridgevents and will be depreciated. Is this a common practice. I don't understand why the interior is required to match, while the exterior is not. Also, should I have the roofing contractors write 2 separate estimates, one for my responsibility and one for theirs?
Thanks Alot, Julie
Answer Hi Julie,
What you are describing would not be the norm, based on an industry standard Homeowners (form HO-3)policy. Depreciating the roof seems very unusual - ask if they will pay you the depreciated amount once you show them proof the roof was repaired?
Also, if the wind damaged your roof and allowed water to get in (we all agree this is covered), how does your carrier know that your sub-roof is not also wet, which could lead to mold if not exposed for inspection and dried properly or replaced. And to expose your sub-roof for proper inspection would then lead to new matching shingles all the way around. Advise your carrier that you do not know the extent of wetness of the sub-roof, and you are concerned about future mold issues. Document your concerns in writing to your claim adjuster. You would like them (or have them pay for your roofer)to perform a complete inspection of the sub-roof prior to any repairs. Please let me know how this works out.
