Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Damaged Siding?

Many people in Daytona Beach, and throughout the state, have siding on the exterior of their homes. Siding has many benefits, including being resistant to damage, low maintenance, and fairly easy to replace. Siding can stand up to the violent storms often seen in Florida very well, but it still can become severely damaged. Whether or not damage to siding is covered under a homeowners insurance policy depends largely on how the damage was sustained. Below, our Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyer explains further.

Understanding what Damage Homeowners Insurance Covers

Generally speaking, homeowners insurance usually covers damage caused by smoke, fire, windstorms, lightning, and hail. Theft and vandalism are also usually covered in most policies. Just as there are common types of coverage, there are also common types of exclusions. For example, earthquakes and floods are usually excluded from homeowners insurance policies.

Siding that becomes damaged by a windstorm or hail is usually covered by homeowners insurance. However, if damage to siding is caused by rot, mold, or other types of deterioration, the damage is not always covered. In certain cases when siding has become damaged by an event such as a windstorm or fire, damage to siding may be covered.

Before filing a claim, it is important to review your insurance claim to determine what type of coverage it provides. This can help you understand whether or not to move forward with a claim.

What to Do if Siding Becomes Damaged

The first thing to do after your siding becomes damaged is to assess the damage to determine whether you need to replace an entire section, or whether it can be repaired. If the damage is extensive and cannot be repaired with caulk, you will probably need to hire a professional contractor. Obtain quotes from three or four contractors to determine the average cost of the repairs.

Before speaking with the insurance company to determine if you have coverage, you should speak to a Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyer. An attorney can review your policy and hold the insurer accountable for paying the full coverage you deserve. Insurance companies are also less likely to act in bad faith by underpaying or denying valid claims.

Siding Replacements are Sometimes Mismatched

If you do not need an entire section of siding to be repaired, the insurance company will likely only provide coverage to replace the damaged portion. When new siding is installed, there are sometimes discrepancies between the new and old siding, and they are mismatched.

Many insurance policies exclude mismatched siding, which means they are not liable for ensuring the siding matches. On the other hand, if you can show that the disparity detracts from the value of your home, you may have a case to obtain coverage.

Contact Our Residential and Commercial Property Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach for a Free Consultation

If a storm or other natural disaster has damaged the siding on your home, you need sound legal advice. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach residential and commercial property damage lawyer can provide it while negotiating with the insurance company for the full and fair coverage you need. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html