From the increasing number of hot days to heavier rains, Florida’s climate is bringing more extreme weather. Just last June alone, some areas in Southern Florida saw over 50 cm of rain, as reported by VOA.
Such extreme climate events further underscore the importance of having homeowners’ insurance. With your home insured, you can get help repairing or replacing it and its contents if damaged by a covered peril, such as a storm.
The problem is that insurers can cancel policies, and roofs can be the reason.
So, was your homeowner’s insurance canceled because of roof concerns? If so, our experts here at Innovative Roofing will guide you in knowing what to do next. Read on to discover the crucial steps following a homeowner’s policy cancellation.
Ask Your Insurer for Specific Reasons
Under 2024 Florida Statutes 626.9201, homeowner’s insurance providers must notify policyholders of pending cancellations in advance. The written notice must also include the reasons for the cancellation.
Advanced notices give homeowners time to contest the cancellation or shop for a new policy. For policies up for cancellation within the first 90 days they’re in force, the notice must be at least 20 days in advance. For policies older than 90 days, insurers must provide a written notice 45 days in advance.
If your insurer only mentioned your roof’s “poor condition” as the reason for the cancellation, contact them as soon as you get the notice. Ask them to give you more specific details, as you may still be able to address the issue by investing in quality roof repair solutions. Your insurer may agree to perform an insurance reinstatement once you’ve had your roof fixed by experts.
Was Your Homeowner’s Insurance Canceled Because of Roof Age-Related Reasons?
Insurers have specific age limits for roofs, and they consider this when evaluating coverages. However, according to the Florida Senate Website, insurers can’t deny coverage or refuse to renew a policy just because a roof is under 15 years old. Doing so is against Senate Bill 2D.
Florida Senate Bill 2D also provides allowances for roofs over 15 years old. Under this law, insurers can’t just require homeowners to replace their roofs as a condition of policy renewal. Instead, they must let homeowners have their roofs inspected by an authorized inspector first.
So, if your insurer’s sole reason is that your roof is already ten years old, you may be able to contest the cancellation.
What if your insurer canceled or refused to renew it because your roof is 15 years old? Then, consider hiring a licensed roofing contractor for an inspection.
A highly experienced roofer will determine if your roof has at least five more years of useful life. If so, they will suggest proper repairs rather than replacement. They can then certify your roof, which you can use to contest your insurer’s cancellation or refusal to renew your policy.
Follow Your Roofer’s Recommendations
On the inspection day, your roofer will examine your roof’s state and overall condition. They’ll inspect for the following to determine the best course of action:
- Where the damage is, and if it’s only affecting a small section of the roof
- The severity of the damage, such as if it’s only on the surface and not the underlying structure
- If there’s significant water damage, rot, or decay
- If the roof has had multiple previous repairs
After assessing your roof, your contractor will discuss their findings and give you expert recommendations. For example, they may only suggest repairs even if your roof is already 15 years old but only has a small damaged section (the rest is still okay).
However, if there’s extensive and severe damage and your old roof has already had many repairs, they may advise you to get it replaced. A replacement may make more financial sense if there’s a risk that another section of your roof will soon be in disrepair.
Regardless of which approach you and your roofer decide on, it’s best to schedule your roof for future yearly inspections and upkeep. Investing in these services can help protect your roof from further damage and minimize the risk of your homeowner’s policy getting canceled again due to your roof.
Document All Repairs
Gather proof that you’re addressing the problems to facilitate the resolution of your roof insurance issues. For example, you should:
- Take photos and videos of the roof inspection, repair, or replacement
- Keep all receipts of the roofing services
- Compile all documents your roofer provides (e.g., certification and service contract)
Call Your Insurer
After the roof repairs or replacement, tell your insurance provider you’ve addressed all your roofing woes. Provide them with all the documentation you’ve organized beforehand. Then, ask them if they can reinstate your policy.
Shop Around for a New Policy
You can’t win them all; unfortunately, this can be true for insurers, too. Even if you’ve done the repairs or replaced your roof, they may still be unwilling to reinstate your policy. In that case, you should start shopping for new insurance as soon as possible.
When researching a new homeowner’s insurance provider, consider the following home coverage tips:
- Read reviews, especially about cancellations and policy renewal refusals
- Check how often the insurance provider denies claims
- Research the insurer’s rates and if they’ve made recent requests to hike their rates
- Compare at least three top-rated insurance companies
- See if they offer other coverages you need, such as auto and pet insurance, and if they provide bundling discounts
Once you decide on a new provider, please don’t delay purchasing your new policy. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get your home and its contents protected again.
Don’t Stay Uninsured
Was your homeowner’s insurance canceled because of roof concerns? If so, now you know what to do.
If you need a highly experienced and reliable roofer to inspect, repair, or replace your roof, the expert team at Innovative Roofing is ready to help. With our 40+ years of combined experience in roofing, we can help resolve all your roof-related problems so you can re-insure your home ASAP. As part of GAF’s 1% of Master Elite and Master Select contractors in the U.S., you can rest assured that your home and roof will be in highly competent hands.
Reach out to us today to request your free quote!
