If a storm or falling branch damages your pool screen enclosure, you may not know what to do next. Lafferty Aluminum & Screening works with these structures often and can answer common questions homeowners have.
Here is what you should know:
Before you file a claim, it helps to know how your enclosure was built and attached. A professional can give you details that support your claim and help you understand your options for repair or replacement.
Your homeowners insurance might cover pool screen enclosure damage, but it depends on a few things.
Coverage often depends on:
If wind, a falling tree, or an accident causes the damage, your policy may cover repairs. Most policies will not pay for damage from normal wear, old age, or poor upkeep.
Your enclosure will fall under one of two categories: Dwelling Coverage or Other Structures Coverage. Check your policy to see which one applies to you.
Your homeowner's policy usually splits protection into two parts. One part covers your house. The other part covers extra structures on your property. Where your pool enclosure fits depends on how it connects to your home.
If your pool enclosure attaches to your house, your insurer may treat it as part of your dwelling. This often happens when:
This matters because dwelling coverage usually gives you higher limits. That means you have more protection if repairs are needed.
If your enclosure stands on its own and does not connect to your house, your insurer may list it as a separate structure. This puts it in the same group as:
This matters because separate structure coverage often has lower limits. In many cases, it only covers up to 10% of your total dwelling coverage.
Whether your claim gets approved depends on what caused the damage. Here's what you can expect.
In Florida, you face storms, high winds, and hail on a regular basis. Your policy will likely cover some storm damage, but not all of it.
Usually covered:
Usually not covered:
Your policy will often cover sudden, unexpected accidents. Examples include:
If you can point to a specific event that caused the damage, your claim has a better chance of being approved.
Your insurance will not pay for damage that builds up slowly over time. This includes:
You're responsible for covering the cost of this type of gradual damage yourself.
Insurance companies check why your enclosure broke before they pay you anything.
Your claim may get denied if the damage came from:
Insurers expect you to take basic care of your enclosure. If they find proof that you ignored a problem instead of fixing it, they can refuse to pay for the repair.
To protect your coverage, check your enclosure regularly. Fix small issues before they turn into bigger ones.
Call your insurance company as soon as you notice damage. Reporting the damage right away helps your claim move faster. It also helps you avoid arguments later about when the damage actually happened.
Good records support your claim. Take clear photos and videos of:
You should also collect:
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to look at the damage. This person checks what caused the problem and how much damage there is. Be ready to walk them through the enclosure and point out each damaged area.
Before you agree to any settlement, read your policy again. Check your coverage limits and deductibles.
Pay close attention to hurricane deductibles. These can cost much more than your standard deductible.
Before you assume your enclosure is fully protected, it helps to know how insurers treat these structures. A few key factors affect how much support you'll get if something goes wrong.
Your policy likely lists your enclosure under "other structures" coverage. This part of your plan usually has a cap.
Check your policy documents to find this exact percentage. It can vary by insurer.
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts covering a claim.
If you live in Florida, storm damage may work differently than other types of claims. Your policy might have a separate deductible just for hurricanes or windstorms. This amount is often higher than your standard deductible.
Read your policy carefully to understand which deductible applies to different types of damage.
Standard coverage may not be enough if you've invested in a high-end enclosure. Basic policies often don't account for premium materials or custom features.
You can ask your insurer about adding your enclosure as scheduled property. This means:
This option makes sense if your enclosure cost significantly more than a typical structure.
Insurers expect you to take care of your property. If you skip maintenance, you risk having a claim denied.
Simple steps can help:
Taking care of your enclosure also helps it last longer, which saves you money over time.
Your policy may pay for screen replacement if the damage comes from a covered event, like wind, hail, or a falling tree branch. If the screens tear or wear out over time, you will likely have to pay for that repair yourself.
In most cases, yes. Keep in mind that you may need to pay a separate hurricane deductible first. Some policies also leave out screen mesh, so check your policy details before you file a claim.
This depends on how your enclosure connects to your house. If it is attached to your home, your insurer may count it as part of the main dwelling. If it stands apart, it often falls under other structures coverage instead.
No. If your screens need replacing because of age, wear, or lack of upkeep, your policy will not pay for it. This type of repair falls on you as regular home maintenance.
Insurers often deny claims tied to:
These issues fall under maintenance, so your policy will not likely pay for them.
Knowing what your policy covers helps you avoid surprise repair costs. If your enclosure has damage, or you want to upgrade it, expert help is available.
Book a consultation through our online form, or call us at (321) 652-1078.
Your ideal enclosure is one phone call away.
We're excited to learn more about your needs and provide you with a personalized quote. Please fill out the form, and our team will get back to you with a detailed estimate to kickstart your project.
