Dealing with roof damage due to wind, a severe storm, or other natural disasters can be extremely stressful. Most homeowner insurance policies cover roof repairs and roof replacement if the damage is caused due to an accidental event, or an act of nature like a fallen tree, hailstorm, or any natural calamities. A lot of questions surrounding the insurance claim process arise out of speculation and from the different procedures followed by different insurance agencies. Lifetime Quality Roofing works closely with your insurance agent to help navigate your insurance claim as easily as possible.
When making a claim, everything needs to be properly accounted for. Taking pictures is a big help when assessing roof damage for a claim. These photos will serve as proof your roof was damaged by an extreme weather event, not due to any neglect on the homeowner’s part. Take the necessary measures to prevent roof damage from affecting other parts of your home. For instance, if there’s a hole in your roof, cover it with a plastic tarp to prevent water from getting inside. But don’t attempt to fix roof damage no matter how minor it may seem as this can lower your insurance payout. Remember it’s best to let qualified professionals handle the roof repair work.
A lot of essential factors are considered before determining the amount of coverage that needs to be claimed. Filing and settlement of claims can be a daunting and complicated task, but it doesn’t need to be with a professional roofing company. Let’s dig deeper to understand the roof insurance estimates according to some of the top-rated roofing contractors.
Initial Evaluation/ Inspection
Getting an in-depth roof assessment can help you know exactly whether your roof needs replacement or repair. An analysis of the roof is made to determine the extent of damages made. This includes determining the materials and labor required to restore the roof to its pre-storm condition. Even if you believe no damage was done to your roof due to a storm, your roof needs to be physically inspected by a professional roofing agent who can determine if there is actual roof damage. Damage isn’t always easy to see to the untrained eye. It’s important to get an inspection and claim started right away after a storm because most insurance companies only allow a claim up to six months after the storm hits. You might not notice a leak from hail damage for years, but by that point it is too late. Insurance companies generally have highly trained adjusters that can determine if your roof has damage and needs repaired. You should have this done after any storm, even if damage may not be immediately evident. A professional roof inspector can help you determine these factors.
The Statement Of Loss
The Statement of Loss is an official document that itemizes the cost of damages to your roof that need repair or replacement after a disaster involving your home or business. You submit this to the insurance company when you file a claim. The document also covers the actual cash value and the depreciation amount, which will be withheld till the repairs are done. It is a one-page document and covers the summary of critical information required under the insurance policy. Make sure to document every little bit of damage to your roof as possible. It might not be a problem right now, but in a couple years when it turns disastrous, it’ll be too late to make an insurance claim. When in doubt on what your insurance provider will cover, call them.
Negotiation With The Insurer
When you file a claim, the estimates drawn by the inspectors are sent to the insurer. The statement of loss that you write is also sent along with the estimates. Once the claim is approved, the insurer can make adjustments on the depreciation column to show the Additional Cash Reserve. Don’t worry, though, your contractor will help justify all of your roofing costs to your insurance provider.
Working With Roofers
The Insurance Claim process can be a complicated one, especially since different insurance companies follow different procedures. A reputed roofing company will ensure that every little detail is considered to get the right amount of claim. That is why we recommend choosing the right contractor by going through reviews, asking for referrals, and researching different local roofing companies. You can even ask your friends or relatives who have previously got their claims worked out with contractors. If you’re getting a repair due to a storm, chances are your neighbors have also been in contact with roofing companies and will have signs indicating which company they are working with.
Keep in mind, though, that insurance generally will not pay for wear and tear that comes with age. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to take care of your home. To that end, insurance policies do not cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance. This means that needed repairs due to wear and tear or a full-on replacement resulting from your roof reaching the end of its serviceable life will not be covered by your insurance.
Your insurance company may also refuse to cover further damage caused by an attempt to perform a repair on your own, which is why it is important to schedule roof inspections by professionals.
“WILL MY INSURANCE RATES INCREASE IF I FILE A CLAIM?”
Filing a claim will not increase your insurance rates. Your insurance rates should still stay the same even if you file a claim due to weather related damage. But if an entire neighborhood has been affected by severe weather damage, an insurance company may raise their rates. This should never stop you from filing a claim for your roof damage, though.
Why Lifetime Quality Roofing?
Do you need any kind of help with roof insurance? We at Lifetime Quality Roofing can assist you with the insurance claim process. You can leave the burden of claim settlement on us. At Lifetime Quality Roofing, we believe family comes first. That’s why we treat you like family. We understand your concerns and provide solutions according to your needs and requirements. Our expert team strives to deliver the desired outcome to our clients.