Will Homeowners’ Insurance Pay for My Damaged Gutters?

Gutters are exposed to the same conditions as your roof or siding, therefore they are vulnerable to potential damage. Sometimes they are regarded as separate from the roof, which has led to some homeowners worrying about whether or not they’ll pay out-of-pocket for gutter repairs. In this post, Oregon gutter repair company Renaissance Roofing, Inc. shares insight on whether gutter damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Named-Peril Vs. Open-Peril Policies

Homeowners’ insurance policies may vary between insurance providers, but they can be classified into two categories:

Named-peril policy. Most people are familiar with named-peril policies because they are much like warranties, in that the covered perils — fire, vandalism, falling objects, to name a few — are specifically listed in the terms and conditions. If it’s not listed, you may be able to purchase additional coverage.

Open-peril policy. In comparison, an open-peril policy provides coverage to all types of risks. Instead of listing covered perils, it lists exclusions that typically include lack of maintenance, normal wear, and weather-related damage. Some parts of the house may also be part of the exclusions list.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Gutter Damage?

Circling back to the question: will homeowners’ insurance cover gutter damage? There is no single answer because of variables like what damaged your gutter in the first place, and the type of policy that you have. Named-peril policies are generally straightforward, as it explicitly states what is and what isn’t covered, while open-peril policies may require clarification from your insurance provider.

What to Do In Case of Damaged Gutters

It’s best to call your insurance provider at your earliest convenience and ask them about your coverage, instead of waiting for something to happen to your gutters. In addition to being less stressful, it can also give you the opportunity to amend your insurance coverage in case your gutters are not included.

If you find your gutters damaged, make sure that you document it with photos and video, taking care to leave your gutters as you found them. You’ll need to set two appointments: one to your insurance provider, another to your gutter repair contractor. Both will inspect the damage independently. Then, your gutter contractor will submit a repair estimate to your insurance adjuster, who will initiate your claim.

Once your claim is approved, your insurance provider is going to issue two checks, issued to your gutter contractor. The first one will cover the downpayment, while the second one will be issued to cover the rest, after deductibles.

Working with an experienced gutter company can help streamline the homeowners’ insurance claims process. Find out more about what Renaissance Roofing, Inc. can do for you by calling us at (541) 791-4886. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Salem, Albany and Eugene, OR.