Accidents happen, even to our roofs. All too often, homeowners pay for roof repair out of their pockets. However, once they learn how to get homeowners insurance to pay for a new roof, they can save money after accidental roof damage caused by storms, fallen trees, and other unexpected events.
Getting your insurance company to pay for a full roof replacement isn’t as easy as it sounds. Most homeowners insurance companies require their clients to follow a set of steps that begin with roof insurance claims. Unfortunately, the process can be complicated, cumbersome, and hard to navigate without prior knowledge of your policy or how homeowner’s insurance works. Luckily, we’re here to help.
1. Read Your Policy
Before placing a claim, be sure that you have coverage for roofing damage. Not every policy includes roof repairs. If you need a copy of your policy, your agent can send you one through your email or the postal service.
Policies with roof coverage usually provide payments for repairs or replacements. If your policy has repair coverage, it might be for only a percentage of the costs. Replacement coverage allows homeowners to use their insurance to pay for a new roof. To get this coverage, you must have a roof that is damaged so severely that it cannot be repaired.
2. Prove Your Roof Is Damaged
Before you can file a roofing claim, take pictures of the damage. Your photos should be of the exterior damage to the roof and any damage you have on the inside of your home. If you can, use a ladder to get the closest photos of the roof damage. Also, consider using a drone camera to get the best views of the roof.
A local roofing company can help you with the photos. They can also give you estimates about repairing or replacing your roof.
Along with taking photos of the roof, document the date and time of the damage. Explain what happened, so your insurance company knows that you aren’t just trying to replace an old roof. If a damaging storm moved through your neighborhood, find newspaper articles that document the event.
If your roof damage is from a tree, take several photos of the tree from the ground to show where it fell. Show the damage to the tree, as well as to your roof.
3. Get a Roof Inspection
Before your insurance company approves your claim, they will want to see an inspection report and an estimate for the repair or replacement. A professional roofing company can inspect the roof and provide details for the insurance company.
Your homeowner’s insurance company might not pay for your roof insurance claim without an inspection from a roofing contractor. So, the out-of-pocket expense for the inspection might actually save money in the long run.
4. Hire a Respected and Affordable Local Roofing Contractor
Your homeowner’s insurance company will want to see estimates from local roofing contractors. The roofers will need to provide estimates for replacements and repairs with several different materials, including the original and other options.
The company should have a positive reputation for price and work. If the company charges too much or does poor-quality work, the insurance company might deny the claim. Your insurance company might have roofing companies that have performed outstanding work in the past.
5. Avoid the Scammers
When communities have storms, insurance scammers find plenty of people who want quick repairs for low prices. Unfortunately, the scammers make big promises, take large sums of money, and run away as fast as they can. These scammers know how to look legitimate, which is why homeowners need to do due diligence before they hire anyone and promise any money.
They go from door to door, looking for homeowners with significant damage. They talk a good talk, but they do not deliver on their repair promises. Before you sign a contract, research the company to see if they are licensed and ask them for reviews and previous clients you can contact.
6. Stay in Contact With Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent should help you through the process of filing a claim. As you move through the process, send photos, estimates, and other paperwork to your agent. Then, your agent should tell you what else the insurance company needs to approve the claim.
Each insurance agency has different steps, especially considering the location of your home. Once your insurance claim is approved, your agent will help you get the project started. Often, the agent works with the roofing expert, scheduling the repairs and releasing the payment.
When you follow the steps regarding how to get homeowners insurance to pay for a new roof, you save money out of your pocket.
When the time comes for you to get a professional roofing inspection, call the experts at Gouge Quality Roofing. Our seamless process ensures we cover every single step along the way, from our initial storm damage assessment to meeting with the insurance adjuster to getting your roof replaced without any hassle to you. So contact us today to get started!
FAQ
Does insurance cover shingles blown off?
In most cases, if the damage is caused by severe weather or an act of nature, blown-off shingles would be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, if the damage is caused by poor maintenance or wear and tear, it may not be covered.
What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?
Insurance adjusters inspect roofs for damage by evaluating their age and condition, looking for damage caused by severe weather, falling debris, poor installation or maintenance, or water infiltration, and will also check the roofing material and installation comply with the local building codes, and industry standards.
Should I call my insurance company if my roof is leaking?
Yes, you should contact your insurance company if your roof is leaking. Your insurance policy may provide coverage for roof damage due to storms, hail, wind, or other natural disasters. Your insurance company will be able to provide information on what type of coverage you have and the process for filing a claim.
