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How to Get Homeowners Insurance to Pay for New Siding: A Pro’s Guide

Securing homeowners insurance to cover the cost of new siding boils down to demonstrating that the damage stems from a covered peril as defined in your policy. This typically involves proving that wind, hail, fire, vandalism, or other covered events directly caused the siding damage, necessitating its replacement. Meticulous documentation, prompt reporting, and a clear understanding of your policy’s exclusions are crucial for a successful claim.

Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

The cornerstone of any successful claim lies in intimately knowing your homeowners insurance policy. Don’t just skim it; thoroughly read and understand the “declarations,” “coverages,” and especially the “exclusions” sections. This document outlines precisely what your insurance company will and won’t cover.

Identifying Covered Perils

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage resulting from specific perils. Common covered perils impacting siding include:

Wind: High winds can tear off or damage siding panels.
Hail: Hailstorms can leave dents and cracks, compromising the siding’s integrity.
Fire: Direct fire damage or smoke damage might necessitate siding replacement.
Vandalism: Intentional damage, such as graffiti or physical damage, is usually covered.
Falling Objects: Trees or other objects falling onto the siding can cause significant damage.
Accidental Water Damage: While rarely a direct siding issue, water damage stemming from a covered peril (like a burst pipe caused by freezing) that affects siding might be covered.

Recognizing Policy Exclusions

Just as important as knowing what’s covered is understanding what’s not covered. Common exclusions relevant to siding include:

Wear and Tear: Gradual deterioration due to age or normal weathering is generally excluded.
Poor Maintenance: Damage resulting from neglecting necessary repairs or upkeep is typically not covered.
Insect Damage: Damage caused by termites, carpenter ants, or other pests is often excluded.
Faulty Workmanship: Problems arising from improperly installed siding are generally not covered.
Earth Movement: Earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes are often excluded and require separate coverage.

Documenting the Damage

Detailed documentation is your best friend when filing a homeowners insurance claim. Immediately following the damaging event, take the following steps:

Capturing Photographic Evidence

Take numerous high-resolution photos and videos of the damaged siding from various angles. Include close-ups showcasing the extent of the damage.
Capture the surrounding area to illustrate the cause of the damage (e.g., fallen tree, hail size, wind direction).
Keep a digital record of all photos and videos, backing them up to multiple locations.

Gathering Supporting Documents

Obtain police reports if the damage resulted from vandalism or theft.
Collect weather reports confirming the date and severity of a hail or windstorm.
Gather repair estimates from reputable siding contractors. Obtain multiple estimates for comparison.
Keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make to prevent further damage.

Filing Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

Once you’ve thoroughly documented the damage and understand your policy, it’s time to file your claim.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the damaging event.
Obtain a claim number and the name of the adjuster assigned to your case.
Clearly and concisely describe the damage and its suspected cause.

Cooperating with the Insurance Adjuster

Be available for the adjuster’s inspection of the damaged siding.
Provide all requested documentation promptly and accurately.
Walk the adjuster through the damage, pointing out key areas of concern.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects of the claim process.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

Insurance companies sometimes undervalue claims. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if you believe the initial settlement offer is insufficient.

Review the adjuster’s report carefully, noting any discrepancies or overlooked damage.
Present your own evidence and repair estimates to support your claim.
Consider hiring a public adjuster to represent your interests and negotiate on your behalf. This is particularly useful for complex or high-value claims.

FAQs About Homeowners Insurance and Siding

Here are frequently asked questions to provide greater clarity on navigating homeowners insurance claims for siding replacement.

1. Does homeowners insurance cover siding replacement due to hail damage?

Generally, yes, if the hail damage is significant and compromises the siding’s protective function. However, cosmetic damage alone might not be covered.

2. Will my insurance cover siding replacement due to wind damage?

Potentially. If high winds directly caused the siding to be torn off or severely damaged, it’s typically a covered peril.

3. What if my siding damage is due to a falling tree?

If a tree falls on your siding, the damage is usually covered under the “falling objects” peril. The tree’s ownership is not relevant.

4. My insurance company is only offering to replace the damaged sections of siding. Can I get them to replace all the siding?

You can argue for full replacement if matching the existing siding is impossible or impractical. This is especially relevant for older or discontinued siding types. Document the inability to match and provide contractor estimates that address this issue.

5. What is “matching siding” coverage?

Some policies offer “matching siding” coverage, ensuring that if a portion of your siding needs replacement, the insurance company will cover the cost of replacing all the siding on the affected wall to ensure a uniform appearance. Check your policy for this specific clause.

6. What if the siding damage was caused by a contractor’s negligence?

If the damage resulted from faulty workmanship during a prior siding installation or repair, it’s unlikely to be covered by your homeowners insurance. You would need to pursue a claim against the contractor’s liability insurance.

7. What if I don’t agree with my insurance adjuster’s assessment?

You have the right to dispute the adjuster’s findings. Provide additional evidence, obtain independent estimates, and consider hiring a public adjuster. You may also have the option to invoke an appraisal clause in your policy, which involves an independent appraiser assessing the damage.

8. How long do I have to file a claim for siding damage?

The timeframe for filing a claim varies by state and insurance policy. Check your policy’s “conditions” section for specific deadlines. It’s generally best to file as soon as possible after the damage occurs.

9. Will filing a claim for siding damage increase my insurance premiums?

Filing a claim can potentially increase your premiums, especially if it’s a large claim or you’ve filed multiple claims in a short period. However, some insurance companies offer “claims-free” discounts, which you might lose.

10. Do I need to pay a deductible for siding replacement?

Yes, your deductible will apply to siding replacement claims. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums, but the more you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.

11. What if my siding damage is caused by termites?

Termite damage is almost always excluded from homeowners insurance policies. You would need to explore separate pest control coverage options, if any, prior to the damage occurring.

12. Should I hire a public adjuster to help with my siding claim?

Hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial, especially for complex claims, significant damage, or when you’re struggling to negotiate with your insurance company. They typically charge a percentage of the settlement amount, so weigh the cost against the potential benefits of a higher settlement. They bring expertise and can manage the entire claim process on your behalf.