Bracing For Summer 2023 – Upcoming Summer Storms, And Your Insurance Provider

Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and have fun. But it’s also a time to take care of your roof. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the summer of 2023 is expected to be one of the hottest and driest on record, with temperatures above average and rainfall below average across most of Australia. This means your roof will be exposed to more heat, UV rays, and potential fire hazards.

Moreover, storms can still occur during summer, causing severe damage to roofs. In fact, storm damage accounts for more than half of all home insurance claims in Australia. That’s why it’s important to schedule a roof inspection before the summer starts, to make sure your roof is in good condition and ready to withstand the summer weather.

A roof inspection is a thorough examination of your roof by a qualified professional from Roof Inspection Reports, who will check for any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration. A roof inspection can reveal problems such as cracked, curled, or missing shingles; loose or damaged flashing; rust or corrosion on metal roofs; leaks or water stains; mould or mildew growth; sagging or buckling; or pest infestation. These problems can compromise the performance and safety of your roof, leading to costly repairs or replacements in the future. A roof inspection can help you identify and fix these problems early, before they become worse or cause further damage to your home.

A roof inspection can also help you save money and energy by improving the efficiency and lifespan of your roof. A well-maintained roof can reduce heat loss and gain, lowering your cooling and heating bills; prevent water damage and mould growth, improve your indoor air quality and health; enhance the curb appeal and value of your home; and extend the warranty and service life of your roof.

Will Your Insurance Cover You In The Event Of A Storm?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim roof repairs on your insurance if the damage was caused by unpreventable events, such as storms, fires, vandalism, or accidents. However, you may need to provide evidence of the cause and extent of the damage, such as photos, receipts, or roof inspection reports.

You may not be able to claim roof repairs on your insurance if the damage was caused by preventable or pre-existing issues, such as poor maintenance, wear and tear, or faulty installation. In fact, having such issues may void your claim if they contributed to or worsened the damage caused by a storm or other event.

We recommend having a roof inspection before the summer of 2023 really takes hold, as it can help you identify and fix any problems with your roof that may affect your insurance coverage or claim. A roof inspection can also help you comply with the Australian building standards for roofing, which can improve the performance and lifespan of your roof.

It is imperative to choose a reliable and qualified roofing contractor like Roof Inspection Reports for your roof inspection and repair, as they can provide you with a professional and unbiased report that meets the requirements of your insurance provider. A roofing contractor can also help you source quotes and negotiate with your insurance provider on your behalf.

What steps could you take to ensure you are covered by your insurance company for storm damage?

Some steps you could take to ensure you are covered:

Review your home and contents insurance policy and check what events and damage are covered by your insurance. You can read your policy’s product disclosure statement A document that financial service providers must provide to you when they recommend or offer a financial product. It must include information about the product’s key features, fees, commissions, benefits, risks and the complaints handling procedure. You may need to pay extra for flood cover or other optional extras.
Make sure you have evaluated the cost to rebuild or replace your home and its contents if they are destroyed and ensure the sum insured on your policy is adequate. You can use online calculators or get professional valuations to estimate the value of your property and belongings.
Keep an eye on the weather and news reports so that you have time to act when needed. You can take some preventive measures to protect your property from storm damage, such as clearing gutters, trimming branches, securing loose items, and checking roof tiles
If a storm does damage your property, contact your insurer as soon as possible and lodge a claim. You may need to provide evidence of the cause and extent of the damage, such as photos, receipts, or reports. You should also follow the instructions of your insurer and avoid doing any repairs without their consent.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your claim, you can contact your insurer’s internal dispute resolution team and try to resolve the issue. If that fails, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an independent body that can review and resolve disputes between consumers and financial service providers

These are some of the steps you could take to ensure you are covered by your insurance company for storm damage. I hope this information helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Don’t Get Caught Out This Summer

Roof Inspection Reports is a leading roofing company in Brisbane with over 35 years of experience in the roofing industry. We offer a range of services, including roof inspections, roof repairs, roof maintenance, roof design, and roof certification. We have the expertise and equipment to handle any type of roof, whether it’s metal, tile, slate, asphalt shingle, wood shake or flat. We are accredited by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), and we are fully insured and licensed. We guarantee our workmanship and customer satisfaction.