Does homeowners insurance cover gutter replacement?
Short answer. It covers gutter replacement when a covered storm damaged the gutters enough that repair is not reasonable, paying for the same size and material you had, less depreciation where it applies and the deductible on the claim. It does not replace gutters that are simply old, rusted or too small for your roof.
Repair or replace: how gutter decisions go
- Dents that affect function, such as crushed sections that hold water or bent hangers, point to replacing that run.
- Cosmetic dents only may be paid or may fall under a cosmetic exclusion, so read your endorsements.
- Seamless runs cannot be patched in the middle without adding a seam, so damaged runs are typically replaced end to end.
- Color and profile. A new run that does not match the rest can be raised under your insurer's matching practice; see partial replacement and matching.
Depreciation on gutters
Gutters are depreciated for age just like the roof. On a replacement cost policy the depreciation is recoverable after the gutters are replaced; on an actual cash value policy it is not. Ask for the age and life expectancy the adjuster used. See recoverable depreciation.
When replacement is on you
- Old gutters that rusted, leak at the seams or pulled away.
- Undersized gutters that overflow in heavy Georgia downpours.
- Moving to a larger size, a different material or adding guards.
Do it in the right order
If the roof is being replaced too, the gutters go up after the roof so the drip edge sits correctly. Downspouts should discharge well away from the foundation. Keep photos of the old gutters, and the dented sections if you can, until the claim is settled.