Forum Discussion

Explorer

Apr 16, 2015

80mph gusts wind ..ripped off half roof

A couple days ago Utah was hit with winds steady at 40-50 and gusts up to 80mph... during that time the wind side edge of my roof on my 1993 itasca sunrise began to peell back... after a few minutes it peeled back to the ac unit..which held strong and the remaining roof stayed ... it of course began to rain and I was able to secure the bathroom vent to hold it down to vlose off some of rain and snon.. finally got a large tarp ...after wind slowed... and got on roof..which seemed to be strong..

Questions..called insurance..progressive.. and was told they would start a claim but that it is probably a maintanance issue and wont be covered...am I gonna get denied?

What advice on handling insurance or if denied. On getting it looked at.n. and possibly repaired
I live in Utah ....between Provo and SLC.. i just retired last Sept and bought this from private seller..runs great and i love it and would hate to have wasted the money....

Thanks for any advise...ideas n. Or help with trying to save my first and probably only RV...

Retired on basic income so buying new one is not option...

Class A

113 Replies

mayo30
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015
You can bet that the insurance company will do an industry search for other claims of roof problems on Itasca and Winnies,regarding maintenance.What do you think they will find,about the history of roofs?
msmith1199
Explorer II
Apr 16, 2015
They won't know for sure until they look at it. If they deny you, you can always appeal through the insurance company process and if you aren't happy with that you should have a State Department of Insurance and you can complain through them.

In theory a motorhome should be able to withstand an 80 mph wind because if you're driving 60 into a 20 mph headwind your motorhome is in an 80 mph wind. The difference being that is usually a direct headwind. Your argument to that would be that this 80 mph wind came from the side and that's what caused the roof to fail.

One thing to remember about insurance companies is the squeaky wheel gets the grease is a term that really applies to them. If they deny you they are hoping you just walk away. If you start complaining really loudly and start mentioning filing a complaint with the insurance commission, you are much more likely to get attention from them. Give them a chance to change their mind before filing a complaint.
ScottG
Nomad
Apr 16, 2015
I can't imagine what maint. keeps an 80 MPH wind from creating lift.