Booking that roof inspection could save you thousands
As a home owner who has diligently paid their insurance premiums year after year, you’d expect that when your insurance company would have your back when you need them, right? Unfortunately, when it comes to insurance coverage for your home, many people don’t realise the obligations they are under for carrying out regular maintenance. Your roof acts as the first line of defence against nature’s fury, shielding your home from rain, wind and hail. If your roof falters in extreme weather and lets water through and your insurance provider determines that your roof has not been adequately maintained, it could jeopardise your coverage in the event of a storm-related claim.
The easiest way to prove you are upholding your end of the bargain when it comes to roof maintenance, is by making a roof inspection something you organise every few years. A thorough roof inspection can identify any underlying issues, keeping your home fully protected as well as prove that you’re serious about property maintenance.
This proactive step could save you from the nightmare of facing substantial out-of-pocket costs if your home insurance claim is denied due to alleged lack of roof maintenance.
Insurance companies relying on lack of maintenance clauses:
The risk of a property owner’s insurance claim being rejected after a storm due to inadequate maintenance of their roof is a significant concern. According to the Financial Rights Legal Centre, it is the second most common issue raised by individuals affected by storms and the third most common issue for consumers with extreme weather event insurance claims. Many insurers rely on defect clauses and alleged lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear to deny or reduce claims, which has resulted in a significant number of complaints.
The denial of claims based on defects or maintenance issues is a widespread problem across various extreme weather events and insurance providers. Financial Rights, an organisation assisting consumers, often comes across cases where independent reports contradict an insurer’s assertions about building defects or poor maintenance as the cause of damage. Insurers sometimes shift their denial reasons as evidence is presented to counter their primary assertion, which can make consumers cynical about the insurers’ intentions.
Extreme weather leading to heavy scrutiny by insurance providers:
Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, and no homeowner is immune to their destructive potential. The past few years in Australia have demonstrated that more than ever before with some of the worst bushfires and floods in living history. From roof leaks and structural damage to interior flooding and compromised safety, the consequences can be devastating. That’s why it is absolutely vital to ensure your roof is in optimal condition, ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature may throw its way.
A comprehensive roof inspection conducted by a qualified professional will assess the overall integrity of your roof, identifying any existing or potential issues. From loose tiles and damaged flashing to hidden leaks and weakened support structures, a thorough examination will leave no stone unturned. By addressing any problems promptly, you not only enhance your home’s resilience but also fulfil your insurance obligations, guaranteeing that you are adequately covered when disaster strikes.
Beyond insurance requirements, a roof inspection offers you peace of mind, knowing that your home is fortified against the forces of nature. It is an investment in the long-term protection of your most valuable asset, ensuring that your family’s safety and security remain uncompromised during even the most extreme weather conditions.
Are roof leaks covered when water enters your home?
Most insurance policies cover water damage that arises from sudden events such as burst pipes or water tanks, faulty appliances and extreme weather events when something like a tree falls onto a building and damages the roof structure during a storm.
When excessive rainfall enters your home through the roof or your gutters becoming overwhelmed, the coverage can become a little less clear cut. The majority of insurers will offer coverage for storm damage, but use wording such as “providing your property is watertight, structurally sound and well maintained.” So, what does “well maintained” mean exactly?
The problem faced by home owners in southwest Sydney
Home owners that face having their claims rejected, rightfully find it disheartening. Many people lack a detailed understanding of insurance policies and don’t believe they are at fault in these sorts of situations. Home building and contents insurance policies typically have clauses that exclude damage caused by the homeowner’s failure to maintain the property adequately.
These exclusions are often not well understood by consumers. It can leave property owners baffled as to why their claim is denied and the definition of what is deemed “adequate maintenance” can also be a grey area.
What if your insurance claim has been rejected due to a lack of roof maintenance?
Consumers have some protection against the overuse of exclusion clauses under the Insurance Contracts Act. Section 54 of the Act prohibits insurers from refusing to pay a claim based on the homeowner’s acts or omissions unless the insurer’s interests have been prejudiced. For example, if a homeowner’s lack of maintenance led to plant growth in the gutters, but the home was flooded due to a tree crashing through the roof, the insurer cannot deny the claim solely based on maintenance issues. However, consumers often require guidance to navigate these complex arguments.
How can Liverpool home owners avoid water damage claims being rejected due to a lack of maintenance?
Some insurers acknowledge that their reliance on defect clauses, maintenance, and wear and tear causes frustration among consumers. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurer about how you, as the property owner, can meet your obligations should any unexpected weather events arise in the future. Try requesting simplified definitions of defect, maintenance, and wear and tear clauses and ask questions, keeping a record of everything.
One of the easiest ways to keep your insurer off your back is by arranging for a qualified tradesperson to take a look at your property. A regular roof inspection is a good way to prove that you are actively upholding your obligations when it comes to maintenance. If you haven’t had a trained professional up on your roof in 5 years, now is the time to make that phone call. Of course, some aspects of your roof will require more regular maintenance, such as keeping your gutters clear. A roofer can not only identify problems such as cracked tiles and ridge capping or weakened support structures, but they can provide you with the records of property maintenance – documents that could end up saving you thousands if you’re required to make a claim.
Don’t run the gauntlet to find out if your roof will withstand the next big weather event. If it’s been five years or more since a professional roofer was up on your roof, now is the time to book a roof inspection. If you’ve had solar panels installed in recent times, it’s also worth booking an inspection, because any damage caused during your solar installation can be addressed and remedied.
Having your insurance claim being rejected after a storm due to inadequate maintenance of your roof is a significant concern. It’s the second most common issue raised by individuals affected by storms and the third most common issue for consumers with extreme weather event insurance claims. Many insurers rely on defect clauses and alleged lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear to deny or reduce claims, which has resulted in a significant number of complaints.
Safeguard your home and make sure all those hard-earned insurance premiums you’ve been paying won’t go to waste. By meeting your insurance obligations, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your home is protected during unpredictable weather.