I'm having a rather unexpectedly pleasant experience with a very small roof leak in the upstairs of my house. Noticed a stain on ceiling of spare bedroom about a month ago, didn't think much of it as it was small and I assumed it was rain blown into the ridge vent in recent thunderstorms. Finally went in attic and verified that yes, it was from roof and not AC condensate. Wandered outside and got far enough away to view the offending area and darn if there wasn't a shingle puckered (I don't allow myself on the upper roof any more). Surprised as the roof was all completely replaced in 2006 when I added an addition. I know 20-30 year roof's often don't last that long but it still has appeared great to me, especially compared to others in the hood.
Did some calling around and found a highly recommended roofer. He inspected and while up there was chalking all sorts of spots. Comes down and informs me there's mucho hail damage and two shingles missing. I was sort of shocked but figured, oh well, time for a new roof. He informed me insurance would likely cover, and was further shocked. Then when I told him it was Metlife, he grimaced and said they require claim to be filed within 180 days. I could not recall recent hail, but he started researching and found that local TV station had film of it in March. Cool. He filed the information and today I was informed they would cover it ALL, estimate almost $13k with deductible. Sweet. Replace my 15 yo roof for $1,000.
What baffled me is the roofer relating how different HO insurance companies handle such claims, the 180 day requirement being one of them. He had nothing positive to say about one of the highly recognized names out there who he says just about refuses all claims and is in his opinion unethical. I had pretty much assumed insurance coverage was equal and legally required to be. Who reads the fine print in 1/4" thick policies when choosing various carriers? I know, some of you likely do but I sure don't.
Lastly, I was rather shocked that they'd pay out the full price of a 15 year old roof. Always assumed they'd depreciate it. We do have full replacement cost policy but I thought that only applied to contents.
Oh well, free roof was a real shock. Just had the place painted, some landscaping done, remodeled the addition. Place should be good for a while.
Did some calling around and found a highly recommended roofer. He inspected and while up there was chalking all sorts of spots. Comes down and informs me there's mucho hail damage and two shingles missing. I was sort of shocked but figured, oh well, time for a new roof. He informed me insurance would likely cover, and was further shocked. Then when I told him it was Metlife, he grimaced and said they require claim to be filed within 180 days. I could not recall recent hail, but he started researching and found that local TV station had film of it in March. Cool. He filed the information and today I was informed they would cover it ALL, estimate almost $13k with deductible. Sweet. Replace my 15 yo roof for $1,000.
What baffled me is the roofer relating how different HO insurance companies handle such claims, the 180 day requirement being one of them. He had nothing positive to say about one of the highly recognized names out there who he says just about refuses all claims and is in his opinion unethical. I had pretty much assumed insurance coverage was equal and legally required to be. Who reads the fine print in 1/4" thick policies when choosing various carriers? I know, some of you likely do but I sure don't.
Lastly, I was rather shocked that they'd pay out the full price of a 15 year old roof. Always assumed they'd depreciate it. We do have full replacement cost policy but I thought that only applied to contents.
Oh well, free roof was a real shock. Just had the place painted, some landscaping done, remodeled the addition. Place should be good for a while.
