Siding protects your house from the elements. Deciding how much siding damage before filing a claim is a real concern for homeowners, because it affects curb appeal. You shouldn’t wait too long, but should you wait on filing?

Find a siding company in Bucks County or surrounding area if you need assistance. Double check your roof as well, a roofing company in Bucks County or surrounding area like ours can inspect it for free.

It’s tricky knowing when to get the insurance company involved. Waiting too long will make it a real pain in the long run.

Understanding What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers

Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage from sudden, accidental events. Think of things like windstorms, hail, or even fire.

But, wear and tear over time? That is likely on you, as most standard policies exclude things like damage caused by pests. Rodents and insects can also cause massive amounts of destruction.

Often time the damage is not covered under the policy, and you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.

When is Siding Damage a Covered Peril?

Homeowners insurance coverage commonly protects you if issues from strong weather causes damage. Your policy may even pay for storm damage in several situations. The issue has to be a “covered peril” on your specific policy, such as:

• Strong Winds
• Fallen trees
• Vandalism

It’s crucial to know exactly what is classified as a covered peril for siding damage insurance purposes. Check your homeowners insurance policy thoroughly to get complete clarification on this matter.

Assessing the Extent of the Damage

Before thinking about filing a claim, it’s wise to do a detailed inspection. Look for obvious things like cracks, holes, or warping.

Also, check for less obvious signs. These could be things like discoloration or pieces that are loose or missing.

Common Signs of Damage

Here’s a breakdown of what to watch out for:

Visible damage such as:

• Cracks or holes.
• Warping, buckling, or bowing.

There’s also not-so-obvious damage:

• Discoloration or fading.
• Loose or missing pieces.

These seemingly small issues can sometimes point to bigger, underlying problems, such as water damage underneath your siding. It’s important to not immediately downplay a minor-looking siding defect.

How Much Siding Damage Before Filing a Claim?

This question is not easily answered. You should take your policy’s deductible into consideration. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, paying out of pocket might make more sense.

But, if the damage is extensive, filing a claim is often the best route. It is often better to get these things handled when they occur.

The Deductible Factor

Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. Let’s say your deductible is $1,000.

If the estimated repair cost is $800, filing a claim might not be worth it. You are unlikely to get anything out of your insurance provider if that were the case.

Considering the Long-Term Impact of Damage

Think about how to classify what “extensive damage” really is. A good indication that there may be considerable or extensive issues could include several things, and might depend on:

1. Damage Area: The bigger the problem area, the greater chance that the damage is extensive.
2. Water Damage: Mold and mildew behind your siding? This is serious issue to handle immediately.
3. Compromised Structure: Big cracks could indicate that your actual wall is damaged.

The Claims Process: What to Expect

Once you’ve decided to file, contact your insurance provider. They will send an insurance adjuster. This adjuster will come to inspect your property for damage.

The claims adjuster will figure out the scope of the needed repairs. They decide whether to approve your request to claim siding damage.

Documenting the Damage is Crucial

Before the adjuster arrives, gather evidence. Take clear photos and videos of the damaged areas.

This documentation is important to have on-hand. This helps show the insurance company the true extent of the problem.

Working with Contractors for Siding Damage

It’s wise to get multiple quotes from contractors. This gives you a clearer idea of the repair costs, making things like a siding replacement less difficult.

Make sure to share those contractor quotes with your insurance provider. That will help show the complete amount you think is fair, for when negotiating with the insurer.

Different Types of Siding and Claim Considerations

The type of siding also changes what you should know when addressing siding damage insurance claims, including whether it might even be approved. There is the potential the material might be excluded entirely.

Vinyl siding hit popularity and high-use in the 60s and 70s. It gained high demand because, generally speaking, it tends to be low maintenance. Yet, extreme weather can still cause vinyl siding to break, crack, and sometimes split.

Cement Siding

James Hardie® siding, made out of fiber cement, is designed for durability, standing up well to fire and pests. .

The benefit of using it over standard siding materials is clear. However, a heavy impact could still damage it.

If your home has cement siding you are going to want to keep a closer eye on things to maintain the home’s structure.

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value

It is helpful to understand this difference. An Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy pays the depreciated value of your siding.

A Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy covers the full cost of replacing the siding with new material. Keep in mind that that is only covered up to the policy’s coverage limits and less of your policy deductible.

Matching Siding Concerns when Evaluating Damage

Your policy might have a clause on siding damage repairs, and that affects matching it correctly. It helps to understand what homeowners are discussing regarding this aspect, and this question has been frequently talked about online.

This is really an aesthetics discussion that homeowners deal with. Although most don’t require it, sometimes the damage causes enough worry for there to be full replacement of all panels. You can review if your insurance provider has an existing policy related to siding matching.

When Siding Might Not Be Covered

Sometimes your policy may not cover certain damages. Here are a few examples to be aware of before you make a claim:

• Damage present already, potentially on your roof when you originally got your homeowners insurance policy.
• The need to update to fix just appearances on damaged materials, known as “cosmetic replacements”.
• Standard degrading, including damage siding already there, at a property purchase.

FAQs about how much siding damage before filing a claim

How to claim siding damage?

Take pictures of the damaged siding. Then, reach out to your insurance provider for a property assessment and an adjuster meeting.

Does home insurance pay for siding?

Yes, homeowners’ insurance may help cover siding damage. You will want to be sure you are clear on your specific homeowners insurance policy coverage details.

Do insurance companies have to match siding?

That is something you should speak to them about. Insurance policies and their coverage can vary based on many factors.

How do you estimate siding repair?

For accurate calculations, first analyze things. This includes: the type of damaged materials, labor costs, replacement needs, adding overhead costs. Don’t file insurance claims for every single small thing, though.

Some minor wear-and-tear should not require getting coverage from the policy’s provider. Review your policy carefully before contacting your insurance agent.

Conclusion

Dealing with property fixes may sound like a lot of work. However, checking what caused damage to property helps, you might be in the position to handle your home properly. Assessing the real impact to your place and taking clear images of the siding damage gives the power needed in fixing the issues and working out with insurance providers.

When in doubt and working through it, it may be worthwhile asking for assistance. So, don’t stress out over wondering how much siding damage before filing a claim.

Take actions that make sense by looking through insurance resources. These resources might include, reviewing your homeowners insurance policy details, requesting estimates from certified contractors, as well as keeping track of every communications during the claims process. Taking care of your residence can provide real, significant impact for your home.