An Omaha family faced a roof-coverage surprise after a tree fell on their home during a windstorm. The homeowner initially believed the policy provided full coverage. After reading all 68 pages, he found language on page 67 that changed the earlier wording: the roof would not receive a full replacement if it was damaged by wind or hail.
The page-67 detail in the Omaha policy
The family was working toward an estimated $117,000 repair. The homeowner said the policy was an actual-cash-value policy, meaning it did not cover the full cost of a new roof and was subject to depreciation. After depreciation and a $7,120 deductible, the reported insurance payment was $2,152.53.
Those figures apply to one home, one loss, and one policy. The lasting lesson is where the homeowner found the limitation: near the end of the 68-page policy.
Checklist: Review roof settlement language before buying or renewing
- Read the complete policy. Do not stop at the opening pages. The Omaha homeowner found the key roof language on page 67.
- Find every reference to wind and hail. Read the surrounding language to see whether wind or hail damage changes how a roof loss is settled.
- Look for actual cash value and depreciation. The Omaha homeowner said these terms meant the policy did not cover the full cost of a new roof.
- Locate the deductible. The reported deductible in the Omaha claim was $7,120. Know which deductible appears in your own policy.
- Check how the property is described. Confirm that listed features match the home. One example raised was a two-car garage being listed as a one-car garage.
- Come prepared when discussing coverage. Bring a specific list of what the home needs to be covered for. An insurance broker who sells policies from multiple companies, or conversations with multiple agents, can provide a broader view of available coverage.
After a loss, read past the first pages
The Omaha homeowner said he was filing a complaint with the Nebraska Department of Insurance. His experience shows why it is important to read the complete policy, including endorsements and settlement language near the end, before buying or renewing coverage.
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Source: Roofing News: Iowa roofer caught in sting operation | Omaha homeowner finds insurance loophole
FAQ
What did the Omaha homeowner find on page 67?
After reading all 68 pages, the homeowner found language on page 67 that changed earlier wording. It said the roof would not receive a full replacement if it was damaged by wind or hail.
What did actual cash value mean in the Omaha roof claim?
The homeowner said the actual-cash-value policy did not cover the full cost of a new roof and was subject to depreciation. After depreciation and a $7,120 deductible, the reported payment was $2,152.53.
How large was the estimated Omaha repair?
The family was working toward an estimated $117,000 repair after a tree fell on the home during a windstorm.
What policy details should homeowners review for roof coverage?
Read the full policy and look for language about wind, hail, actual cash value, depreciation, and the deductible. Also confirm that the property description, such as the number of garage spaces, matches the home.
Why speak with more than one insurance professional?
The Omaha report recommended coming prepared with a specific list of needed coverage and speaking with an insurance broker who sells policies from multiple companies, or with multiple agents, for a broader view of available coverage.
