You walk into your living room and see it: a brown, spreading stain on the ceiling.
Panic sets in. Your first thought is to grab a bucket. Your second thought is, “I hope my insurance covers this.”
Living in Brevard County, we pay some of the highest homeowners insurance premiums in the country. It is natural to want to use that coverage when something goes wrong. However, filing a claim isn’t always the right financial move. In fact, filing a claim for the wrong type of damage can sometimes cost you more in the long run.
At H&H Roofing & Repairs, we have helped thousands of Melbourne and Palm Bay homeowners navigate the insurance process. Here is the honest truth about what is covered, what isn’t, and when you should (and shouldn’t) call your adjuster.
The Golden Rule: “Sudden and Accidental”
In Florida, insurance policies generally cover damage that is sudden and accidental. They rarely cover damage that is gradual.
What IS Usually Covered:
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Wind Damage: If a tropical storm tears shingles off your roof, this is a classic covered event.
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Falling Objects: If a tree limb snaps during a storm and punches a hole in your decking.
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Hail Impact: Hail can bruise shingles, reducing their life expectancy. This is often covered even if the roof isn’t leaking yet.
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Interior Water Damage: Often, if a storm creates an opening in your roof that lets water in, the policy will pay to fix the dry wall and paint inside, even if the roof repair itself is below your deductible.
What ISN’T Usually Covered:
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Wear and Tear: Roofs get old. If your 20-year-old shingle roof starts leaking simply because the asphalt has worn off, that is considered a maintenance issue, not an insurance claim.
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Lack of Maintenance: If a leak is caused by a valley full of rotting leaves or a rust hole that has been growing for years, the insurance adjuster will likely deny the claim as “negligence.”
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The “25% Rule” (Sometimes): While Florida code requires full replacement if 25% of the roof is damaged, some insurance policies now have “Roof Surface Payment Schedules” that only pay the depreciated value of the roof, not the full replacement cost. Check your policy!
The Trap: The “Hurricane Deductible”
Before you call your insurance company, you must do the math.
In Florida, most policies have two different deductibles:
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All Other Perils (AOP): Usually a flat fee (e.g., $1,000 or $2,500) for things like fires or pipe bursts.
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Hurricane Deductible: usually 2% or 5% of your home’s insured value.
The Math Problem: If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% Hurricane Deductible, you are responsible for the first $6,000 of damage.
If a storm blows off a few shingles and the repair cost is $1,200, and you file a claim:
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The insurance company records a “claim filed” on your history.
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They apply your $6,000 deductible.
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They pay you $0.
The Result: You still pay for the repair yourself, but now your insurance rates might go up because you filed a “zero-pay” claim.
The Solution: Call a Roofer BEFORE the Adjuster
This is the most important advice we can give you.
If you suspect damage, call a local, licensed professional like H&H Roofing & Repairs first.
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We offer free inspections. It costs you nothing to have us check.
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We know the difference. We can tell you, “This looks like old age, don’t file a claim,” or “This is clear wind damage, you have a strong case.”
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We speak “Adjuster.” If you do have a valid claim, we can meet your adjuster at your home to ensure they see all the damage we found.
Don’t Gamble with Your Rates
If you have a leak, don’t panic. Get the facts first.
Call H&H Roofing & Repairs at (321) 704-2174 for a comprehensive roof assessment. We will give you an honest evaluation of whether you need a repair, a replacement, or an insurance claim.
License #CCC1333557
