Insurance Content Navigation

• What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover In Kentucky?
• What Doesn't Homeowners Insurance Cover In Kentucky?
• Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage after a Storm?
• Is the Roof of My Garage Protected from a Storm?
• How Can I Avoid Roof Damage from a Storm in Kentucky?
• Does Living in Kentucky Impact My Rates?
• How a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You

Kentucky experiences between 40 and 55 thunderstorms a year. Heavy rain, wind, and hail can severely damage your home, including your roof, which is why it's important to have a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy.

A Kentucky independent insurance agent knows exactly how much homeowners insurance you need to cover any roof damage. Here's how you can fully protect your home.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover In Kentucky?

If you experience a loss, your Kentucky homeowners insurance will pay to repair or replace the structure of your home and damaged belongings, and will also cover temporary living expenses. 

A standard homeowners policy will cover the following common causes of loss:

• Fire and smoke
• Lightning
• Windstorms and hail
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Falling objects
• Damage from ice, snow, or sleet

It will also provide liability coverage for any third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. In these scenarios, it will pay for any medical bills and legal fees associated with a lawsuit.

What Doesn't Homeowners Insurance Cover In Kentucky?

While homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home from nearly any unforeseen event, there are gaps in standard coverage. 

Common exclusions in homeowners insurance coverage include

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Routine wear and tear
• Damage from nuclear war
• Intentional fires
• Insect infestations

You can work with your Kentucky independent insurance agent to purchase flood insurance and earthquake insurance for your home. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage after a Storm?

Yes, your Kentucky homeowners insurance will cover any damage that your roof sustains in a storm. 

This is part of the property damage coverage that is included in your policy. When purchasing this portion of your policy, you'll want to consider the cost to rebuild your entire home should it be destroyed. 

It can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $30,000 to replace a roof, so it's important to work with your Kentucky independent insurance agent to make sure your policy will pay for a full roof replacement if necessary.

"If your roof is very old or poorly maintained it may get excluded from your coverage," explained insurance expert Paul Martin. "Your independent agent can let you know if your roof will be excluded in your policy."

Is the Roof of My Garage Protected from a Storm?

If your garage is detached from your home, your Kentucky homeowners insurance will classify it as a detached structure. However, any storm damage would still be covered under your property coverage. This includes any roof damage.

While the roof and the structure of your garage are covered, your vehicle inside the garage would not be covered under a homeowners policy. 

Any damage that occurs to your vehicle would be covered under your Kentucky auto insurance policy as long as you have comprehensive coverage. 

The history of severe storms in Kentucky

How Can I Avoid Roof Damage from a Storm In Kentucky?

Kentucky experiences storms with 100 mile-per-hour winds. While you can't control the weather, there are some general steps you can take to minimize the severity of the damage your roof may sustain in a storm. 

• Inspect your roof: A professional should inspect your roof once or twice a year.
• Add ventilation:  Properly securing your roof can prevent pieces from detaching in a windstorm.
• Add insulation: Protect your roof in the winter months from ice and snow.
• Monitor surrounding trees: Avoid keeping overgrown or dead trees near your garage roof.

Your Kentucky independent insurance agent can provide you with additional tips for keeping your home safe during a storm.

Does Living in Kentucky Impact My Rates?

There are several factors that impact insurance rates. The most common include:

• Home size
• Replacement cost
• Location
• Claim history
• Credit score
• Marital status

Even though severe storms are the most common home disaster in Kentucky, homeowners still pay less than the national average for home insurance. The average Kentucky homeowner pays $1,109 a year, which is slightly less than the national average of $1,211. 

Working with a Kentucky independent insurance agent, you can determine if your home is in a high-risk area and shop for affordable homeowners insurance coverage.

Top 5 risks for Kentucky homeowners

1. Severe storms and lightning
2. Flooding and water damage
3. Wildfires and residential fires
4. Tornadoes
5. Burglary and other property crimes

How Can a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Kentucky independent insurance agents are experts in home insurance. They've helped hundreds of owners secure affordable and comprehensive coverage. They'll chat with you, free of charge, to learn about your home and insurance needs.

Once your coverage is secure, should you need to file a claim, they can help you through that process as well. They're available to support you before, during, and after purchasing insurance so that you're always protected.