3 Tips to Get Insurance Coverage on Siding Repair/Replacement

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You want to take pride in your home. But when your siding is old and damaged, it can be embarrassing. But not all hope is lost; a siding replacement may be the solution to your problems.

Unfortunately, when siding becomes damaged due to storms, accidents, or other unforeseen events, the cost of repair or replacement can be significant. Fortunately, homeowners insurance may provide coverage for siding damage in certain situations. 

For over a decade, Rescue My Roof has been working with homeowners to help them get the most out of their homeowners insurance. We’ve helped them get their roofs, gutters, and siding covered.

In this article, we’ll explore how homeowners can navigate the process of getting siding repair or replacement covered by their insurance. Ultimately, you’ll know the steps you should take if a siding replacement is in your future. 

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to the structure of a home caused by specific perils outlined in the policy. While coverage can vary depending on the insurance provider and policy terms, common perils that may be covered include:

• Weather-related damage: such as windstorms, hail, and tornadoes.
• Accidental damage: caused by fallen trees, vehicle collisions, or other accidents.
• Vandalism or malicious mischief: intentional damage to the property by individuals.

It’s essential to review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what types of damage are covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply to siding repairs or replacements.

Steps to Getting Siding Repair or Replacement Covered

When you’re spending hundreds of dollars on homeowners insurance, you don’t want to worry that your claim may be denied.

Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of your insurance claim being approved:

1. Review Your Insurance Policy

Familiarize yourself with your homeowners insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, deductible amount, and any specific requirements for filing a claim related to siding damage.

Your insurance includes an Actual Cash Value policy or Replacement Cost Value Policy. Each policy equals a payout, but the amount insurance gives is different. 

An Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy gives a payout for the depreciated value of your siding. This means insurance will only pay what your current siding’s value. If your insurance claim is approved, insurance will pay the ACV, and you will be responsible for making up the difference. 

A Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy gives you a payout for the entire siding replacement cost. You won’t receive a check for the total replacement amount upfront.

When your claim is approved, you’ll begin collecting estimates. Initially, insurance will give you a check for the ACV. After you accept an estimate, sign a contract with a contractor, and provide proof the work was done, they will send a second check that covers the rest of the cost. 

2. Get Photo Documentation

When filing an insurance claim, the company needs clear evidence that damage occurred. The best way to do this is to get photo documentation from a contractor during an inspection. 

Contractors will mark siding areas with cracks, dents, hail damage, and other possible storm damage. They mark the areas with chalk, making them more visible in photos.

After marking damaged areas, they’ll take pictures of the damage to submit to your homeowner’s insurance company. They may also take photos of damage on the ground level that indicates storm damage, such as:

• Dents in downspouts (Above 5 feet, so it can’t be blamed on a lawnmower)
• Dings or strikes to your garage door
• Holes in your window screens 
• Dings to any painted wood or shutters 
• Splatter marks or dings to your electric meter, AC unit, or grill 
• Dents to your mailbox and other soft metals on your property
• Shingles around the property

3. Know Your Options If Your Claim is Denied

After the claim (along with evidence) is submitted, insurance will review it. If your claim is approved, then work can begin. 

If your insurance claim is denied, the “negotiation process” begins. 

There are issues insurance companies won’t cover. These issues are outlined in your policy and can include improper installation, waiting too long to file, or other policy exclusions. 

But you have a few options if your claim is denied because they didn’t find damage. The first thing you should do is ask your insurance company for a second opinion. 

They will send out a second adjuster to reassess the damage. They will either approve your claim or agree with the first adjuster that there’s no proof of damage. If the second adjuster denies your claim, the only option is to file a complaint against your insurance company or pursue legal action. 

Getting A Siding Replacement When Insurance Won’t Pay

Homeowner’s insurance can be reluctant to approve your siding damage claim. To give your claim the best chance at being approved, you should know what your policy covers, get photo documentation, and know the next steps to take if insurance denies your claim.

By understanding your policy coverage, documenting the damage, and following the necessary steps, homeowners can increase the likelihood of a successful insurance claim for siding damage.

You can learn more about navigating the insurance process with “Will Insurance Cover My Repairs or Replacement” or “4 Reasons You Should Get Multiple Roofing Quotes.” 

Additionally, you can download our Buyer’s Guide to learn more about the entirety of the roofing process. 

Regardless of whether or not the insurance claim goes through, a roof repair or replacement is inevitable.

If you need any roofing, siding, or gutter services in Southeastern Wisconsin, Rescue My Roof has you covered. Contact us today to get a free estimate.