Roof replacement and insurance companies

[bobsbbq]

I would like to get feedback from others who may have had a insurance claim on your rubber roof.

We recently had a limb fall on our 5er and tore two holes in the roof. One was about 4" and 1 about a quarter size. The insurance company is National General through Good SAMs. We are waiting on a appointment to have a shop inspect it. The shop has said they will not patch it over the phone.

Response from adjuster is "it will not require a roof replacement and can be patched" they said they would not pay for a replacement as the RV is 12 years old. They told me when I got the policy it would cover replacement cost of the roof and awning less 100.00 deductible. Now there are saying that the roof is a replaceable item just like tires, and will apply wearable value. They said the roof life is 10 years and I'm already past that. So it sounds like they already are not wanting to replace it regardless of what the shop recommend.

We don't have the money to cover getting the roof replaced if the insurance doesn't cover a majority of it.

Has anyone had similar dealings with this or any recommendations.

[RollandB]

I have Farmers and two years ago they covered the cost of replacing my roof without any depreciation, the roof was 8 years old at the time. The damage was a lot more than what the OP noted on their damage. I'm also an agent and what I've seen in claims for clients only those things (like tires and awnings) that are wearable are depreciated in the claims process. Companies are different so YMMV.

[RAS43]

bobsbbq wrote:
Those of you who had success what insurance company do you have.

Safeco Ins.

[Jerry_B]

Eternabond!

[TurnThePage]

If it's only the rubber roof and not the wood structure underneath, it's time for Eternabond. Inexpensive and simple.

[sdetweil]

I have American National. They replaced the rubber roof on my new FW thanks to a tree.. wouldn't allow it to be patched.

no change in policy cost after claim.

[bobsbbq]

Those of you who had success what insurance company do you have.

[MrRetired821]

Had a tree limb jump out and hit my trailer on the back corner. Damaged the fiberglass top corner and rip the ladder off at the top. Also tore a small section of the rubber roof. 5th wheel is a 2000 model and this happened in 2014. Insurance said go see their repair guy who after looking at it appraised the damage at around $8600.
The rubber roof was tore about 24 inches. The entire roof was replace and included a layer of thin material on top of the existing wood to make it look smooth. Insurance took care of the entire bill minus the depreciation of the materials for the roof, which was not a lot. Good luck.

[phillyg]

I wouldn't talk to my insurance company about it at all. From your description it sounds like $20 of Eternabond and 20 minutes of your time would fix your roof. On the other hand, if you think your 12-year old roof is deteriorating and you're trying to get your insurance to pay for it thru a claim for two small holes, well, I would think you shouldn't do that.

[ksg5000]

I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with a patch - so long as it's done correctly. I suggest you ask the repair shop to give you some specific information about why a "patch" won't work ... and get them to talk to the insurance adjuster. A complete new roof is preferable to a repair guy who makes more money and minimizes down the line complaints about problems .. but it may not be appropriate insurance solution.

[Chopperbob]

Just slap some eternabond on it and forget it.
If you are really worried a coat of Bus Kote will
Give you several more years of service.
Its Good for awnings too!
Bob

[RAS43]

Hit a tree limb last year that damaged the rubber roof in two small places, satellite dish, some roof vents and vent covers and one roof panel. Insurance covered the entire bill less my deductible. The repair required an entire rubber roof per the shop as they would not patch it. They also put down 1/8" luan paneling over the original roof panels to insure a smooth finish and good surface to glue the rubber roof to. The insurance company agreed to all of it, on a 10 year old trailer.

[NMDriver]

You might get some help from your state insurance regulating agency.

As a matter to consider, EPDM roll on roofing is around $50 gallon or 5 Gallons for $150 and has been keeping the rain out of my RV for years. I did re-coat it after 3 years, when I noticed some of the coating had been rubbed off along the front edge of the 5er, tree limbs I am guessing as I drove down the road.

[jackleg]

My past exp. tells me insurance is just a big word. Most insurance companies will do nothing but cheat u.

[bobsbbq]

I don't have anything against a patch if that is all they pay for. I guess my biggest disappointment is the way the over sale the coverage. They new when I bought the policy a year ago , because of the age they would not replace a roof but yet that is what they told me. I'm going insurance hunting back to a cheaper policy as it is not worth the extra money on this older RV if they will not cover as they claim.