Does homeowners insurance cover siding damage? In many cases, yes. A standard homeowners policy typically pays to repair or replace siding damaged by a sudden event such as wind, hail or flying debris in a storm. It generally does not pay for siding that has simply worn out with age. Your own policy, deductible and endorsements decide the details, so read it or call your agent before you count on a payout.
How Storms Damage Siding
Siding is designed to be durable and long-lasting, but it has limits. Strong winds, flying debris and hail can leave it dented, cracked or broken, and a severe storm can rip panels off the house completely.
Damaged siding can no longer protect your home from the weather. Water that gets behind it can soak the wall underneath, so damage should be dealt with as soon as possible.
When to Check Your House for Siding Damage
Damage is not always obvious right away. After a hail storm, dents may be hard to see when the sun is high in the sky. They often show up only in the early morning or late evening, when low light casts shadows across the wall. Walk around the house at those times and look at every side.
Check the rest of the exterior on the same walk. Hail and wind that hurt siding often hit windows, screens, storm doors and awnings too. Note any cracked glass, bent frames or torn fabric. If a storm leaves you needing new vinyl replacement windows or storm doors, those may be part of the same claim.
When Does Insurance Cover Siding Damage?
Homeowners insurance is designed to pay for damage caused by certain natural events that are not the fault of the homeowner. Siding damaged by the weather usually falls into that category. Damage from neglect, poor maintenance or normal aging usually does not.
Will Insurance Replace Siding on the Whole House?
Sometimes. If only one side of your house is damaged, it can be difficult to match the color and material of the existing siding, especially if it is several years old and has faded. Some homeowners policies contain endorsements that pay to re-side the entire house even when only one side is damaged. Others pay only for the damaged area. Ask your insurer which applies to you.
Steps to Take After You Find Damage
Take clear photos of every damaged area, including close-ups and wider shots that show where on the house it is. Write down the date of the storm.
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage and ask how the claim process works. An adjuster will usually come out to inspect.
Get a written estimate from a contractor for the repair or replacement work. It gives you something to compare against the insurer’s figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage to siding?
Hail is commonly covered under standard homeowners policies, though coverage and deductibles vary. Check your policy or ask your agent.
Does insurance pay for old or worn-out siding?
Generally no. Insurance is meant for sudden damage, not for wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
What if the new siding does not match the old?
That depends on your policy. Some include matching coverage that pays to replace undamaged siding so the house looks uniform. Others do not.
Storm Damage to Windows, Doors or Awnings?
For the siding itself, a siding contractor can inspect the walls and give you an estimate for your claim. If the same storm damaged your windows, entry doors, storm doors or awnings, Aladdin Inc can provide an estimate for replacing them. We have served Connecticut homeowners since 1949. Call (203) 776-9996 or contact us to get an estimate.