If your home has recently experienced damage from an accident or natural disaster, you may be able to get insurance coverage for the damage. For example, insurance may pay for replacement siding after hailstorm damage. However, your insurance provider may only pay to replace the damaged portion, creating a mismatched look with your existing home.
In this case, you have rights. Missouri has rules on matching insurance claims for siding, roofs and more that can help you get the coverage you need to restore your home’s appearance.
The “line of sight” rule emphasizes the visual aspect of repairs. If an adjuster can clearly see a mismatch between repaired sections and undamaged portions from a distance, they may need to expand the scope of repairs.
“Matching coverage” is the insurance coverage needed to cover repairs and ensure the line of sight has a reasonably uniform appearance. Homeowners insurance companies must generally pay to replace undamaged materials within a single field of vision to create a uniform look.
Many standard policies don’t automatically include matching coverage. Let’s review your policy to ensure your home is fully protected.
Get a Free Home Insurance ReviewSome state regulations require homeowners insurance companies to offer matching coverage. While Missouri doesn’t have an insurance matching law regarding line of sight, state case law does support the principle of matching.
The case of Alessi v. Mid-Century Insurance Company is the primary case law in Missouri supporting this principle. In this case, the court ruled that when a policy uses the term “equivalent construction,” it means the replacement must be “virtually identical,” not just functional. This case sets a strong precedent for getting Missouri homeowners insurance providers to pay to replace undamaged portions to ensure a match.
“Reasonably uniform appearance” means that repairs to your property shouldn’t create an obvious or jarring visual mismatch that could lower the home’s value.
Begin by reviewing your policy to find terms like “equivalent construction” or “comparable material.” Then, get a written statement from your contractor or supplier that the original materials are no longer available.
Next, take clear photos, including the damaged and undamaged areas. Collect all the information you’ve gathered and connect with your insurer in writing, referencing your policy language and precedent for the principle of siding or roof matching insurance. If they still refuse, consider contacting the Missouri Department of Insurance or a qualified public adjuster.
Get the protection you need for your home with homeowners insurance coverage. At David Pope Insurance Services, LLC, we can help you find options that give you peace of mind for the various situations you may face as a homeowner. Get in touch with us to discuss your needs.
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