8 Crucial Facts You Must Know About Roofing Insurance Claims
Discovering storm-related damage to your roof is devastating for most homeowners. Juggling the insurance company, the mortgage lender, and the roofing contractor requires several phone calls, meetings, and follow-ups. And do we need to remind you about the paperwork?
The storm damage experts at, TX, Inc., have helped hundreds of homeowners with storm and hail damage through the years. Below are our bedrock recommendations to help you make the transition from roof destruction to roof restoration run smoother.
Look for Damage Immediately After a Storm
If you suspect your roof is damaged, contact a reputable and licensed residential roofing contractor to inspect your roof as soon as possible. Remember that even if your roof looks intact from the outside, there could be significant internal damage that only a trained roofing specialist can identify. The reason you want a contractor to arrive at the scene first is so that you have credibility and leverage when going over the roof with an insurance adjuster.
Document! Document! Document!
An experienced roofer will know where to look for damage and will thoroughly document the damage and how extensive it is. They will often take pictures of damaged areas and submit a written explanation of what needs to be repaired and the estimated cost to repair. In some cases, you may have roof damage that is not significant enough to justify a claim.
It is always wise to take pictures of your roof, especially after completed repairs. Be sure the images are clear and well-labeled with the date and time. If possible, take several pictures from various angles to accurately show the entirety of your roof and the state of your shingles.
Get The Details About Your Insurance Policy
To save yourself the shock of being surprised by your insurance policy, find out what it covers ASAP. Knowing before a storm hits can help you either adjust your insurance coverage or take other preventive measures.
When dealing with extensive roof damage, contact your insurance company immediately. Always have a current policy of your homeowner’s insurance handy to review what types of roof damage are covered and are not covered. Remember that some homeowners’ policies have additional guidelines detailing the amount of damage that will be covered and under what conditions.
When you submit your roof insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will be sent to inspect the damaged areas and determine the cost the insurance company will pay to repair or replace your roof.
Hiring The Right Residential Roofing Contractor
When hiring residential roofing contractors, ask for references and only use licensed and insured roofing professionals certified in roof repair. It is okay to ask for multiple estimates to replace your roof. This protects you from paying more than you should for materials and labor. Not every roofing contractor will provide insurance claim assistance while others may have insurance adjusters on staff to help you with every detail of your roof damage claim.
Beware of Contingency Contracts
Most roofing contractors will provide a free roof inspection and replacement estimate. However, watch out for contingency contracts that may commit you to a contractor without even knowing it. By mistakenly signing one of these contracts you agree to give the job to that roofing company if your insurance claim is approved. You should not have to sign anything when getting quotes from different companies.
Getting roof damage covered by your insurance company can be a tedious and lengthy. By partnering with a certified and well-known roofing contractor, they can work with you to ensure your roof damage is submitted correctly to your insurance company and the roof replacement is done quickly and accurately.
Your Complete Insurance Claim Guide
Gordy Roofing can help our clients file roof damage insurance claims. From the roof inspection to correspondence with your insurance company and completing your roof replacement, our team of qualified roofers will do everything possible to ensure the entire process is as hassle-free as possible.
Everything Begins with Inspection
A proper roof inspection will reveal all damage to your roof after the storm has passed. The evaluation must be performed thoroughly with nothing left out. All components must be assessed to ensure your roof is restored to a stable condition. At the end of our inspection, you will have a detailed report on the status of the roof and a consultation on how to proceed.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
We can guide you through the entire insurance claims process step by step. Once you know how to contact your insurance company, ensure your policy number is ready. An agent will request a date and approximate time the damage occurred, which we will provide you. Your insurance company will ask you questions to determine what areas of the home are affected. Our inspection will include a detailed report on the condition of the roof and a recommendation on how to proceed that you can share with your insurance company.