Roof Leak & Inside Damage

[mmconn2]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland

We've started the claims process with our insurance company (USAA) but are still in the process of getting estimates... now I'm worried that our insurance rate will go up significantly if we actually complete the process. Is it pretty much guaranteed to increase once a claim is filed/completed?

We have a decent roof leak – mostly due to terrible construction and the age of the roof (we’ve since found out that the home inspector should have never even passed the roof). The final straw of the roof was due to a few sever storms back-to-back. However, we were told that wear/tear and pre-existing problems were not covered. We’ve been told by numerous *trusted* sources that the entire roof needs replaced.

Also, the damages inside the house are somewhat hidden - the main leak is in the bathroom and we know that water is getting behind the walls. Is it possible to have a claim remain open until after all work is completed? I don't want to settle based on what we can simply see; when I know there is more damage that won't present itself until we start tearing down the walls.

Is it reasonable to ask the insurance company to cover at least the portion of the roof that is actually causing the damage to the inside of the house?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[moburkes]

Yes a claim can remain open. Yes your premiums are likely to increase.

[ecmst12]

In auto, and I suspect in homeowners too, it is normal for the initial estimate to be written and paid based on what is visible at the time of the first inspection. Then once work is begun, if more damage is found, it can be inspected, approved, and paid at that time. It's called a supplement and it's quite common.

[JustAPal00]

You might get cancelled. Insurance companies don't like to pay for claims that are caused by lack of maintanence. If shingles were blown off due to high winds then it's not your fault. If however shingles were crumbling and just had no life left in them then it was a lack of maintanence issue that caused the loss.