🏠 Is Your Insurance Policy Written for Your Benefit?

(From the team at Zenith Roofing – Atlanta, GA)

If you’ve ever filed a homeowners insurance claim, you already know: the fine print matters. Most folks don’t read their policy cover-to-cover until something goes wrong. By then, it’s too late.

At Zenith Roofing, we help Atlanta homeowners navigate roof damage claims every week — hail, high winds, falling trees, you name it. And one thing we’ve learned over the years is that not all insurance policies are created equal. Some are written to protect you. Others… not so much.

When “You’re Covered” Doesn’t Actually Mean You’re Covered

Let’s take a real-world example.

A homeowner in Milton, GA called us after a hail storm blew through. The wind had ripped shingles off his detached garage — a large, beautifully built workshop behind the house where he stored tools and a classic car. The damage was bad enough that water had soaked into the structure, and the roof decking needed to be replaced.

He filed a claim, expecting his insurance company to cover the cost. After all, he was insured for “wind and hail damage,” right?
Wrong.

When the adjuster came out, they explained that his policy didn’t include Coverage B – Other Structures. That means anything not physically attached to the main house — like a detached garage, shed, fence, or workshop — wasn’t covered under his dwelling protection.

In other words, his garage roof wasn’t protected at all. He had been paying premiums for years and still had to pay thousands out of pocket because of a missing coverage line on his policy.

Why Coverage B Matters (and What Else to Check)

Coverage B is usually a small percentage of your main dwelling coverage — often around 10%. So if your home is insured for $400,000, your detached structures might be covered for $40,000.

But here’s the catch:

• Not every policy includes it automatically.

• Some insurers exclude or cap it without clearly explaining it.

• Renovations or new additions (like that garage you built last year) aren’t covered unless your policy is updated.

It’s worth sitting down with your agent before the next storm rolls through and asking a few key questions:

• “Do I have Coverage B for detached structures?”

• “How much coverage do I actually have for roof damage?”

• “Are recent upgrades, garages, or sheds listed on my policy?”

Protect Your Home — and Your Claim

When storms hit Georgia, we see homeowners blindsided not just by wind and hail, but by the gaps in their policies. That’s why Zenith Roofing always recommends having your roof inspected and documented before storm season. A clear inspection record helps prove pre-loss condition — and can be the difference between a paid claim and a denied one.

If you’re not sure what your policy covers, we can help. Our team works with insurance adjusters every day, and we know what they look for when evaluating storm and roof damage claims. We’ll give you honest feedback, not sales pressure — just the information you need to protect your home.

The Bottom Line

Insurance is supposed to work for you — not against you. But it only does if your policy is written correctly. Coverage B might sound like a small detail, but for homeowners with detached garages, sheds, or workshops, it’s a big deal.

Before the next storm season, take ten minutes to review your policy. And if you want to make sure your roof and structures are documented and ready for whatever Georgia weather throws your way, give Zenith Roofing a call. We’re here to help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to make sure your home — and everything on your property — is protected the way it should be.

📞 Schedule a free roof inspection or policy review today at Zenith-GA.com