With winter approaching, those of us in southern Virginia may be contemplating last year’s season. This past February brought with it a series of winter storms that dumped over seven inches of rainfall in some areas, downed trees, littered the ground with debris, and caused historic river cresting. With the potential for another major storm such as this, the dangers of gutter failure are real. And while it’s easy to assume that your homeowners’ insurance will cover any damage your property sustains, that’s not always the case. Many homeowners in Rocky Mount and across Virginia are surprised to learn that gutter damage isn’t always covered by their policy, especially if the problem could have been avoided.
When gutters fail, the repair bills can skyrocket. From gutter repairs to complete gutter replacement, the expense of either can be substantial. And if you add in damage from basement flooding, interior damage, or landscape damage, the costs can be exponentially higher. For the homeowner who naively assumes their insurance company will step in and cover it, they’d better think again. For this reason, we have written this article to provide an overview of the basics of insurance coverage and how insurance companies evaluate damage to determine a claim. We will also describe several scenarios that result in claim denial and offer advice on how to avoid such circumstances. Once you have a better understanding of the proactive steps to take to prevent a claim denial, take our interactive quiz to help determine the likelihood of having your gutter claim denied. By understanding your individual risk, you can make the necessary adjustments to ensure you’re adequately covered when you need it most.
The Basics of Gutter Coverage in Homeowners Insurance
Gutters play a central role in the management of water runoff from the roof, and for those of us who live in regions with plentiful rainfall, they’re essential. Protecting your roof, home, and surrounding property from water runoff, gutters are an integral part of the home’s structure. For this reason, gutters are considered a covered part of the dwelling for most standard policies.
With that said, insurance policies vary greatly. The most common policies will only cover damage that is considered accidental or sudden and not from problems stemming from preventable issues. Common examples of gutter damage that’s usually covered include:
- Strong windstorms that tear gutters loose from the structure.
- Hail accompanied by strong winds that dent or puncture metal gutters
- A falling tree branch that hits and damages the gutters.
- Damage from lightning or a fire.
In most cases, insurers consider these events beyond the homeowner’s control and make the damage eligible for coverage under the policy. The things that are almost never included in the policy are:
- Ongoing wear and tear from age.
- Lack of maintenance, such as unaddressed clogs that lead to overflowing gutters.
- Events such as floods, earthquakes, and sewer backups typically require separate policies for coverage.
Understanding your policy and what it covers is a vital step in securing a claim approval. The other part is understanding how your insurance will interpret the damage. Next, let’s take a look at how insurance companies evaluate claims and what factors determine their decision.
How Insurance Claims Are Evaluated
Once gutter damage has occurred, homeowners must file a claim for coverage. The homeowner’s responsibility is to:
- Report the loss to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Take photographs of the damage.
- Gather all documentation pertaining to the installation and maintenance of your current gutter system.
As soon as gutter damage has been reported and a claim has been filed, an insurance adjuster will come to the home and determine:
- The cause of the damage. Was it sudden or due to a lack of maintenance?
- The extent of the damage. Does the gutter system require repair or full replacement?
- If the damage could have been prevented. Did improper installation or lack of care play a part?
- If the cause is excluded from the policy.
There are several factors that the adjuster will look for during their assessment that could void a claim if found. These include clogged gutters, corrosion, or signs of improper installation. In addition to these exclusions, Virginia has a statute of limitations that requires homeowners to report damage as soon as possible. Homeowners who wait weeks before filing a claim can void coverage that may have otherwise been approved. Let’s look at several scenarios that could trigger a claim denial and learn how to avoid them.
The Top 3 Scenarios That Trigger a Gutter Claim Denial (And How to Avoid Them)
After a large storm, such as the one we experienced last February, gutter damage can be significant, leaving many homeowners relying on their insurance company to cover repair costs. Insurance companies, however, deny gutter claims more often than one might realize. Below are three of the most common reasons insurance companies deny claims, along with tips homeowners can take to protect themselves.
Neglect or Lack of Maintenance
Why claims are denied: Failure to perform maintenance on gutters, such as cleaning clogs, ensuring secure connections, and preventing pest infestations, is considered preventable damage and, therefore, will trigger a claim denial. Insurance will not cover preventable damage, even if it’s a strong storm that deals the final blow to the system. If an insurance adjuster finds clogs, rust, or sagging sections that have been malfunctioning for longer than the storm has been in effect, they will deny the claim.
How to avoid it: Regular maintenance of gutters, along with keeping accurate records, can help avoid claim denials from insurance companies. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, with a particular emphasis on the fall season. Gutter contractors can also perform maintenance duties and install gutter guards to help reduce the risk of blockages throughout the year. Keeping detailed documentation and receipts from professional services can demonstrate that you have properly maintained your system.
Normal Wear and Tear from Aging
Why claims are denied: Like all things in life, time takes a toll. Gutters will naturally corrode, crack, sag, and pull away from the fascia, requiring replacement. Rust and sagging suggest gradual deterioration and will indicate to an insurance adjuster that the life of the gutter system was nearing its end naturally. Aging and wear due to the combination of exposure and time are not insurable “events.”
How to avoid it: Perform regular inspections of your gutter system and consider having a professional inspection at least every other year. To be more consistent, make inspections a part of your bi-annual maintenance plan and always remember to check them after a storm. Make small repairs as minor damage occurs, and remember to take photographs before and after each repair. Be sure to keep all receipts, especially when working with professional gutter contractors in Rocky Mount, as this demonstrates the exceptional care and quality workmanship that the gutter system has received.
Improper, Substandard, or DIY Installation and Repairs
Why claims are denied: Gutters that are not installed properly, such as having improper slope, insufficient hangers, or inadequate spacing, create conditions where the gutters cannot function properly and lead to the potential for damage to other structures of the home. If an insurance adjuster deems the damage sustained was caused by an error during installation or repair, the claim will be denied.
How to avoid it: To ensure that gutters are correctly installed and repairs are expertly executed, always work with licensed and insured gutter contractors. This not only guarantees quality craftsmanship that meets modern building codes, but it also provides adequate documentation for your insurance company in the event of unexpected damage to your gutter system.
There are many other reasons an insurance company may deny a gutter claim. Whether it’s a pest infestation gone out of control or an excluded natural event, such as a flood, some problems are simply excluded from coverage unless an additional policy is purchased (if available). Taking preventive measures today, such as scheduling a gutter inspection or pre-winter cleaning, can help extend the life of your gutter system. Take the quiz below and rate your risk of denial if you made a claim tomorrow.
Quiz: Will Your Gutter Claim Be Denied?
Take this short quiz and score your gutters to see how prepared, or not, your gutters are to avoid claim denial. Use the following denial risk score to assess how protected you really are:
0-1 Yes Low Risk: Your gutters are in great shape with a lot of life left. You have a slight chance of denial.
2-3 Yes Moderate Risk: Your gutters have not yet reached the end of their lifespan. By working with gutter contractors, you can address current shortcomings and avoid any surprises down the road.
4-5 Yes High Risk: Your gutters are in dire need of TLC, and an insurance claim is likely to be denied. Take action today and consult with gutter contractors in Rocky Mount to receive an estimate for gutter replacement. The cost of new gutters is minimal compared to the potential cost of gutter failure when you need them the most.
Answer these five simple questions, and total your score of ‘Yeses’ at the end to reveal your risk.
Do you clean your gutters at least two times a year?
Yes or No
Do you have any dated photographs of your gutter system over the last year or two?
Yes or No
Is your home in a flood zone without a separate flood insurance policy?
Yes or No
Are your gutters older than 15 years?
Yes or No
Were your gutters installed by anyone other than a licensed and insured gutter contractor (such as a DIY project)?
Yes or No
Prevention Equals Protection
Here in Virginia, where heavy rain is a part of every season, staying proactive and taking preventive measures to keep your gutters flowing is essential for protection. This protection extends beyond water management; it also provides financial protection in the event of the unexpected. Homeowners need to understand their policy, document all maintenance, and address issues while they are small. By doing these three things consistently, homeowners are more likely to have gutters that function correctly and insurance coverage when needed. If you scored a three or higher on the quiz above, work with a professional gutter contractor today to avoid a surprise claim denial in the future.