Is Siding Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

IS SIDING DAMAGE COVERED BY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE?

Many homes throughout the Southeast are covered in siding, which gives the whole home a uniform and finished look. Siding has many advantages for the homeowner, including the low maintenance needed to keep it in good shape and the way it resists damage better than a painted surface. However, over time, a home’s siding can become damaged and need repairs or even replacement. Read on to find out if the siding repairs or replacements your home may need is covered by homeowners insurance.

WHAT DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

Most homeowners insurance policies only cover damage done by the perils named in the policy. These can vary, but typically include perils like:

• Wind damage
• Tornado damage
• Hail damage
• Fire damage

As a result, whether or not the siding damage is covered depends on what caused the damage. If the cause of the damage was a covered peril named in the policy, then your insurer has an obligation to cover the repairs needed. If the siding is damaged beyond repair, they will have to pay for the replacement. Some examples that are covered under a typical homeowners insurance policy include:

• Dents and dings to the siding caused by hail impact
• Siding which has been torn from the home as a result of a tornado’s high winds

Damages that would not typically be included are normal wear and tear that accumulates over the course of years or gradual fading of the siding’s color due to sun exposure. Taking care of normal damage to the home falls under your responsibility as a homeowner, and the insurer will not pay for these issues. Pressure washing your home’s siding regularly is one good way to ensure that it stays in good condition and that you can see any issues as soon as they arise.

DAMAGE RESULTING IN MISMATCHED SIDING

Homeowners insurance only covers replacement of the siding that was damaged, and will not typically pay to replace the siding on the other parts of the home. As a result, homeowners can end up with new siding on one portion of the home that looks different than the rest. If this happens to you, check your policy to see if there is language that addresses what happens in the case of a mismatch. Many policies carry an exclusion for mismatches, but some will cover siding for the other parts of the home if you can prove that a mismatch detracts from the value of the home.

If you have recently had siding damage occur at your home, and are wondering if you should file a homeowners insurance claim, Five Star Claims Adjusting can help. Our qualified public adjusters can help you determine whether your claim is covered under your policy and assist you through the process of filing the claim. Click here to contact us and get the process started.