Wear and Tear and Your Home Insurance
A roof, appliance, or plumbing system can deteriorate over time even when you take care of your home. Most homeowners policies exclude normal wear and tear. Insurance generally responds to damage caused by a covered event, subject to the policy's limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Why the cause of damage matters
Replacing shingles because they have reached the end of their useful life is different from repairing damage caused by a covered hailstorm. Finding damage after a storm does not establish what caused it. The insurer reviews the facts and policy language when deciding a claim. Our roof insurance guide explains other details worth reviewing.
The same distinction matters inside your home. A refrigerator damaged by a covered fire may be treated differently from one that stops working through ordinary use. An equipment breakdown endorsement may address certain mechanical or electrical failures, but its terms need a separate review.
What to do when you notice damage
Take photographs and note when you first noticed the problem.
Report a potential claim promptly and follow your insurer's instructions.
Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage when safe; keep receipts.
Keep maintenance records and repair estimates, and ask before discarding damaged property.
Review the details before renewal
Ask how your policy handles roof valuation, wind and hail deductibles, and optional coverage. Replacement cost coverage does not remove every exclusion. Reviewing these details now can help you understand your responsibilities and possible out-of-pocket costs.
Greg Williams Insurance helps Longview and East Texas homeowners review their policies. Contact our agency, call (903) 372-1901, or explore homeowners insurance. For an existing loss, use our claims page.
Read more: Texas Department of Insurance home insurance guide. Your policy and the facts of the loss determine coverage.