What Washington homeowners policies usually cover after a windstorm or a fallen tree, what they don’t, and how a roof claim works.
The short answer
Often it does, when a sudden event such as a winter windstorm or a falling tree caused the damage. Standard homeowners policies commonly respond to that sort of loss once you pay your deductible. A roof that is simply worn out from age, moss or neglect is usually another matter.
No two policies read alike, so treat what follows as general background and not a guarantee. Check your own policy or ask your agent before you count on anything.
What’s usually covered
- Wind damage, such as shingles that are missing, lifted or creased
- A tree or heavy limb coming down on the house in a storm
- Water damage inside the house from a sudden, covered roof leak
- On many policies, emergency tarping to stop further damage
What’s usually not covered
- Normal wear and tear, and a roof that has simply aged out
- Moss, rot or damage from poor upkeep
- Leaks that dripped for a long time before anyone noticed
- Floods and earthquakes, which generally need their own coverage
What about fallen trees?
When a tree lands on your house or garage, the policy commonly helps pay for repairs and often for removing the tree, up to a limit. A tree that drops in the yard and hits nothing is frequently not covered for removal.
If a neighbor’s tree comes down on your roof, you generally claim through your own insurer. Should that tree have been plainly dead or dangerous, your insurer may seek the cost from the neighbor. In a region full of tall firs and cedars, trimming weak or overhanging limbs before winter costs far less than a claim.
Things that affect your payout
- Your deductible: look for a separate, often higher, deductible that applies to wind damage.
- Actual cash value or replacement cost: an older roof may be paid at its depreciated value instead of the price of a new one, depending on the policy.
- Deadlines: policies put time limits on reporting damage.
- Records: good photos and an inspection report strengthen your case.
How a roof claim works, step by step
- Put safety first: stay clear of downed power lines and keep off a damaged roof.
- Limit further damage by having the roof tarped, and hold on to the receipts.
- Have the damage inspected and photographed, at no cost to you.
- Report the claim to your insurance company.
- When the adjuster comes to look at the roof, have your roofer there too.
- Read the insurer’s estimate carefully and point out anything it leaves out.
- After approval, the roof is repaired or replaced.
If you are unsure how your claim is being handled, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner offers free help to consumers.
Get help with your claim
We photograph storm damage, meet adjusters at the house and deal with insurance and mortgage companies so nothing is overlooked. Read how our claim help works, or call (737) 307-1960 for a free inspection.
