Were the gutters on your home damaged in a recent storm? If so, you may be wondering whether you should contact your homeowners insurance company to file a claim. Is this type of damage covered by your policy, or will you have to pay out of your own pocket to have it repaired? The answers to the questions below will help you determine if it’s worth filing a claim with your insurance company.
How were your gutters damaged?
Did heavy winds tear your gutters from their brackets, or were your gutters damaged as a result of vandalism or fire? In these cases, there’s a good chance that your insurance company will cover the damaged sustained by your gutters. If, on the other hand, your gutters were damaged due to general wear and tear, you will probably have to pay for the repairs yourself.
What does your insurance policy cover?
Most homeowners insurance policies protect against either “named perils” or “all risks.” A named-perils insurance policy will only protect your gutters in certain instances. An all-risks insurance policy, meanwhile, will protect your gutters in almost all cases. There are some exceptions when it comes to all risks policies, though. Many insurance companies won’t cover gutter damage caused by extreme events like earthquakes and floods.
Did you do everything you could to prevent the damage?
Before a homeowners insurance company agrees to pay for repairs, they’ll usually assess the extent to which you maintained and cared for your gutters. If they determine that the gutters were damaged as a result of negligence, they may not cover the cost of repairs. This constitutes yet another reason why it’s so important for homeowners to clean and inspect their gutters on a regular basis.
Interested in replacing your home’s old gutters with a modern, durable seamless gutter system? The team at Bell Seamless Gutters would be happy to lend a hand. Just give us a call or contact us online today to get started!
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