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Florida is no stranger to natural disasters, with just about every homeowner worried about protecting their property during hurricane season. Of the many types of damage that could affect your property as the result of a hurricane or severe thunderstorm, few can be more problematic than roofing damage.
This is especially true given the state’s turbulent home insurance market, with Florida home insurance roof requirements being an increasingly noteworthy issue for both insurers and home-owners.
In fact, the start of 2022 saw a host of news stories revealing that many insurers were dropping homeowners and refusing to renew their policies simply based on the age of the home’s old roof alone — regardless of the actual condition of the roof.
This is a major problem for homeowners who still have a mortgage on their property, as lenders will often refuse to lend to individuals who do not obtain insurance coverage. And in a state where natural disasters like hurricanes are far more likely than other parts of the country, going without home insurance cover, is a risky proposition.
Unsurprisingly, this has since led to new legislation and increased concern from homeowners and insurers alike on how to navigate roof requirements for homeowners insurance in Florida. Here’s what you should know.
After a rising number of homeowners had their insurance policies canceled — or had insurers refuse to offer them coverage — simply due to the age of their roof, the Florida state legislature implemented new roof requirements for homeowners insurance in Florida in May 2022.
As reported by the Tampa Bay Times, “Companies would be blocked from denying coverage because of a roof’s age if the roof is less than 15 years old. And for roofs that are older than 15 years, insurers would have to allow an insurance agent or homeowners to have an inspection on the roof’s condition before refusing coverage. If the inspection shows the roof has five or more years of useful life left, the insurance company could not reject coverage simply because of age.”
Here’s everything you need to know:
Essentially, the legislation aimed to improve conditions for both homeowners and insurers. While insurers could no longer drop homeowners simply because of the age of their roof, they also received financial protection to cover their own losses. Reducing the likelihood of unnecessary roof replacements when repairs would be sufficient can also lower costs for both home-owners and insurers.
Here's a simpler explanation of the recent changes to Florida's homeowners insurance roof requirements:
In July 2021, Florida passed a law to tackle fraudulent claims for roof replacements. This came in response to concerns about roofers who, after a storm, would often encourage homeowners unnecessarily to claim for a complete new roof. The law now stops roofers from soliciting door-to-door and offering incentives for homeowners to file such claims.
Additionally, the law set new rules for filing roof-related insurance claims:
The law also introduced changes to the insurance coverage options for roofs:
For repairs to older roofs, the reimbursement varies by older roof type:
While these changes aim to reduce the homeowner's insurance' costs, they also mean homeowners with older roofs may pay more out-of-pocket for repairs unless the damage is considered a total loss from a covered event, in which case the reimbursement schedule does not apply, and full costs are covered.
As part of obtaining a homeowners insurance policy, insurers will often want to perform a roof inspection to determine its status and structural integrity. Even if an inspection is not required, they will ask you to supply basic information such as its age and type.
The information you supply (or that is obtained during the inspection) is used to create an individualized policy to determine the type of coverage you will be offered for the roof. While the age of the roof is a major concern for insurers, this isn’t the only factor that is considered. The following roof attributes can also influence your policy coverage:
Different roofing materials each come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
As noted previously, the material type is used to set the roof surface reimbursement schedule for covered repairs on older roofs. However, the type of materials used for your roof can also affect its longevity and risk for damage in the first place.
Though metal roofing tends to be more expensive upfront, it can last for 50 years or more. Met-al roofs are extremely resistant to a wide range of environmental hazards. They can withstand winds of 160 mph — and some can endure even stronger winds. Metal roofing is also resistant to insects and fire damage.
Like metal, concrete or clay tiles can last up to 50 years. Concrete and clay tiles are resistant to heavy rain, fire, salt, and insects. Thanks to their heavier weight than other roofing materials, they also offer great wind resistance. However, clay and concrete tiles are more likely than metal to be cracked or damaged by an impact from a tree branch or other debris.
Wood shakes and shingles have a charming, rustic appearance. However, they are typically bet-ter suited for inland areas that are less vulnerable to hurricanes. They require constant maintenance, and are vulnerable to fire and insect damage, as well as rot from excess moisture.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing in the United States thanks to their low cost, aesthetic appeal, and decent all-around performance. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to Florida’s wild weather. Shingles can get blown off during a hurricane or thunderstorm. High temperatures and humidity, as well as exposure to UV rays can also cause deterioration of the shingles.
The shape of the roof can also significantly influence its risk for hurricane damage. As a result, it is something many insurers in Florida will carefully consider when providing a policy quote. Different roof shapes will be more or less susceptible to high winds.
In Florida, gable and hip roofs are considered the best option for properties in high wind zones thanks to lower roof slopes and fewer corners where wind gusts could lift the roof.
Florida building codes require that buildings meet a wind load requirement ranging from 120 mph to 180 mph, depending on the part of the state the building is located in. Newer homes must be built to the state’s current standards, which can reduce the risk of damage and lower home insurance premiums.
Additional factors that can affect a roof’s risk for severe storm damage include the design of the roof deck and overhang. A larger overhang provides greater opportunity for wind to get under the roof and literally lift it off the house during extreme storms.
Proper roof deck attachments can also strengthen a roof’s wind resistance. Newer roofs will of-ten use strong double wraps. However, older roofs are more likely to use toenails (nails ham-mered at an angle) or clips, which are less secure and require more repairs and replacements.
The stronger the attachment to the building’s rafters, the greater the wind resistance, and the more likely a property is to qualify for wind mitigation credits.
If you own an older home, consider upgrading key features to minimize hurricane damage and improve your home insurance terms. For instance, any new roof installation must comply with the latest state building codes. Despite the high costs of roof insurance, even with potential $10,000 credits from 2022 legislation, roof upgrades are crucial.
You can also take proactive wind mitigation measures like installing additional roof straps or clips through a licensed contractor, and addressing repairs to prevent leaks and hail damage beforehand. Regular property maintenance like trimming trees and cleaning gutters before hurricane season is essential to reduce risks of storm damage.
Report any roof upgrades or repairs to your insurance provider and consider scheduling a wind mitigation inspection. These actions can demonstrate reduced risk, potentially lowering your insurance premiums.
Keep your home and family safe by being proactive about roof maintenance and storm preparation.
Act Now! Contact Worth Insurance for a personalized quote and discover the best home insurance company options to protect your home. Call or visit us online today!
In Florida, understanding your homeowners insurance also requires an understanding of Florida home insurance roof requirements. Your roof can have a significant impact on your premium based on factors like its age, the materials used and whether your insurer offers options such as stated value limit coverage or a roof surface reimbursement schedule for older roofs.
Coverage options and premium amounts that homeowners insurance cover for roofing can vary significantly between different insurers. Needless to say, even with a basic understanding of roof requirements for homeowners insurance in Florida, trying to find the right coverage option for your needs can be confusing.
This is where Worth Insurance can help. Our team of expert agents can help you find a quote that meets your specific needs — ensuring that you have adequate coverage for your roof without breaking the bank. Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about your insurance cover what you can do to protect your property.
The newly passed legislation in Florida's special session may allow insurance companies to patch rather than replace significant portions of someone's roof which was damaged by a hurricane.
To see how Worth can reduce your risk.
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