- Totally get what you mean about the vague maintenance stuff.
- I’ve only owned my place for about a year, and I’m still figuring out what “routine” even means for my roof.
- My insurance agent also just said “keep records,” but didn’t spell out what counts. I’ve got a folder with receipts for gutter cleaning and a couple of photos, but I’m not sure if that’s enough.
- I did have a minor leak after a windstorm last fall, and when I called the insurance company, they asked for proof I’d been “maintaining” things. Luckily I had a photo from the summer showing the roof was clear of debris, so they didn’t push back too hard.
- I kind of wish they’d just give a checklist or something, but maybe that’s wishful thinking.
- Does anyone actually hire pros to do yearly inspections, or is that overkill? I’m tempted, but it’s another expense...
Yeah, the “keep records” advice is so vague it’s almost funny. I’ve seen people just snap a few pics after cleaning out the gutters and call it good, but then others keep a whole binder like they’re prepping for a roof-themed audit. I get tempted to hire someone for an annual check, especially after my neighbor’s roof turned into a slip-n-slide after a bad winter. But honestly, if you’re keeping receipts and taking photos, you’re probably ahead of most folks. The insurance checklist dream is real, though... would make life way easier.
if you’re keeping receipts and taking photos, you’re probably ahead of most folks
That’s true, but I’ve seen claims get denied even when people thought they had “enough” proof. Insurance adjusters can be picky—sometimes they want to see a pattern of regular upkeep, not just a couple snapshots after a big storm. Curious if anyone’s actually had an insurer ask for more than just receipts and pics? I’ve always wondered if the annual inspection reports are really worth the extra cost or just overkill.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually had an adjuster ask for proof of “routine maintenance” after a hailstorm claim last year. I had receipts and photos, but they wanted to see a record of inspections too. I thought it was overkill at first, but apparently, some policies have fine print about “reasonable care.” Has anyone else run into that? I’m in the Midwest, so maybe it’s just our crazy weather, but it made me rethink skipping those yearly checkups.
That sounds a bit excessive to me. I mean, how many homeowners actually keep a file of inspection reports? I get the idea behind “reasonable care,” but isn’t proof of repairs and photos enough? Maybe it’s just the insurance company being picky...
