Does homeowners insurance cover gutter repair? Sometimes. It depends on how the gutters were damaged. Sudden damage from an outside event is often covered, while gutters that wore out or were damaged through neglect usually are not. Every policy is different, so check yours or ask your agent before you count on a claim.
When Homeowners Insurance May Cover Gutter Repair
If your gutters were damaged by a bad storm, there is a good chance you are covered. Homeowners policies generally cover damage from events such as hail, lightning, and the weight of snow and ice. Fire, falling objects such as trees, and vandalism are typically covered too.
The common thread is that something sudden and outside your control broke the gutters. If that describes your situation, take photos of the damage and note the date of the storm before anything is repaired.
When Gutter Damage Is Usually Not Covered
The gutters are simply old
Most policies only pay for things that break because of an outside event. Homeowners insurance will not cover gutters that failed due to old age. Rust, sagging and leaking seams are treated as normal wear and maintenance, which is the homeowner’s responsibility.
The damage is found to be your fault
You may also be denied if the insurer decides the damage came from negligence. If your own ladder falls on the gutters, that could be considered your fault. If a tree that was clearly old or dying broke the gutters, the insurer could decide you neglected to trim it back. In cases like these you may not be covered.
What to Check After Storm Damage
A storm that is strong enough to tear down gutters often damages other parts of the exterior. Walk around the house and look at the siding, windows, doors, railings and awnings. Report everything you find in the same claim, with photos.
Keep your deductible in mind as well. If the repair costs less than your deductible, filing a claim will not help.
Aladdin Inc. works on many of the other parts of a home that storms tend to damage. That includes door canopies and window awnings, storm doors and vinyl replacement windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover gutters damaged by a fallen tree?
Often yes, because a falling object is a typical covered event. The exception is when the insurer decides the tree was neglected and should have been trimmed or removed.
Will insurance pay to replace old, leaking gutters?
No. Wear from age is considered maintenance, and maintenance is not covered.
How do I know what my policy covers?
Read the section of your policy that lists covered events and exclusions, or call your insurance agent. Your agent can tell you what applies to your home and what your deductible is.
Getting Your Home Back in Shape
Whether insurance pays or not, storm damage needs to be fixed by a contractor you trust. If a storm has damaged your doors, windows, railings or awnings, contact Aladdin Inc. in Wallingford or call (203) 776-9996 for an estimate.