Insurance claim or not?

[thedigitalone]

We had our roof replaced after ~19 years in the PNW and in the process discovered that one of the gutters was improperly installed such that it was leaking water inside of an interior wall, who's bright idea was it to ever invent integrated gutters?

I started tearing into it this past weekend and found that the damage/rot was more extensive than expected, it is going to be a larger project than I'm comfortable taking on myself.  We're talking about demoing and re-framing part of 2-story wall, exterior siding, drywall, possibly a tile floor and a window depending on how far the damage goes once it's all opened up.

We've never had a homeowners insurance claim, reading a bit online it seems that "seepage" can be tricky, do you think this type of damage would be covered?

I was just looking to get some thought/ideas on how to approach this before picking up the phone and calling USAA.  I've always felt that homeowners insurance was for catastrophic types of events, this will be expensive ($15-20k?) but that's a tiny fraction of the value of the house.

On another note, does anyone have a good contractor reference in the Seattle area? :)

[CNM]

The best answer is to look at your policy to see if it's covered.  You can also make a claim if you're unsure and then it will be denied or not denied as the case may be.  I have USAA insurance and my experience with their customer service has always been exceptional.

[newloginuser]

If you went through an agency, they may be able to help you in determining coverage, or how to help get it covered. I would think unknown water damage to your home would be covered, but you really do need to review your policy or talk to a professional.

[Fishindude]

Sounds like the problem is the result of not keeping up with routine maintenance.  If insurance companies had to pay every time someone's neglected roof leaked, they'd be out of business.
I'd be surprised if it's covered by your insurance.

[BudgetSlasher]

Sounds like the problem is the result of not keeping up with routine maintenance.  If insurance companies had to pay every time someone's neglected roof leaked, they'd be out of business.
I'd be surprised if it's covered by your insurance.

This has been my experience, some insurances (USAA for example) have a small amount they will pay towards long term water intrusion (in USAA's case it is 2.5k after deductible). But, generally the water damage provisions only apply to a sudden failure (things get wet and ruined, not wet and rotted).

[thedigitalone]

Exactly why I was asking, the leak was not readily apparent and judging from the damage it was happening for a long time.

I was trying to figure out if it is worth calling in a claim, just to have it denied, then face the possibility of rates going up or just suck it up and hire a contractor.

Appreciate the feedback!

[affordablehousing]

quick question but why do you need to repair the wall? How compromised is it structurally? Perhaps you can just spray some boracare on it, sister extra joists on from the inside and put new sheetrock up.