Youre Waiting To File Your Claim
You should contact the claims department of your insurance company as soon as possible and find out how long you have to file a claim. If you dont file a claim within the allowable time, usually one year, you may end up footing the bill yourself.
And waiting for spring to file your claim could be a costly mistake. .
Find The Right Roof Insurance Coverage For Your Home
Now that you know how your homeowners insurance helps cover your roof from unexpected damages,connect with your agentto find the best coverage for your home. Remember, the age of your roof and its condition affect how youre covered by your policy, so consider the advantages and overall cost savings ofrepairing and maintaining your roofnow before damage occurs and youre potentially left to pay out of pocket to fix it.
This coverage is not available in MN at this time.
Some coverages may not be available in your state or on your specific policy form. Please speak with your agent to learn more about your coverage options.
How Much Is Your Roof Worth
Just like a car, a roof will depreciate with age. A 15-year-old roof that was rated for 20 years isnt worth as much as it was when it was new.
When reviewing your policy, check to see if youre covered for the Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value .
Lots of people opt for the Actual Cash Value coverage because the monthly premiums are lower. But that coverage will only pay for what the roofs worth at the time of the loss. The savings might not be worth it if a bad storm leaves you needing a new roof.
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What Is Actual Cash Value
The ACV of your roof is what your roof is worth today, taking into consideration things such as its age, condition and type of roofing material. Before your insurance kicks in to help cover the cost, youll be required to pay a deductible.
Lets say your roof is ten years old and you originally paid $12,000 to have it installed. Unfortunately, a tree fell on your roof during a windstorm and caused serious damage. Since your roof has been exposed to the elements for ten years, it has depreciated and may only be worth $7,200 today. If you have actual cash value coverage, well pay $7,200 and you would pay the remaining cost to replace your roof.
Learn More About Filing An Insurance Claim
If your roof has been damaged, know that your homeowners insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs or replacement. However, you must first go through a series of steps and file a roof replacement insurance claim with your insurance provider. The insurance claim process may be fast and simple or may take several weeks or even months to complete. No matter how long it takes, it is important to have trusted roof replacement contractors on your side throughout the process. For more information about the roof replacement claim process or to schedule a free roof replacement evaluation, contact the professional roof replacement contractors at Beyond Exteriors.
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If You Suspect Roof Damage You Need To Act Fast
Dealing with a hailstorm or other weather-related calamity is upsetting. You not only have to worry about standard property damage, but you also run the risk of being forced to file a roof replacement insurance claim.
Roof claims can be complicated and involve a lot of back and forth between insurance adjusters and your roofing contractor. Concord Roofing & Construction has the years of experience to help you and your family negotiate with insurance companies and get a new roof over your heads, fast.
Heres how we suggest you approach a roof replacement insurance claim after that next big Texas storm.
Heres How A Wind/hail Claim Can Work:
PEOPLE INVOLVED IN A ROOF CLAIM
STEPS IN A ROOF CLAIM
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How Do Insurance Adjusters Determine Roof Damage
Before looking through the damages, an experienced Florida public adjuster will look for these different elements to factor in with your claims process:
- Age of the roof
- Proper roof installation
- Clear signs of damage inside and outside
Once they have considered the situation of your roofs, the insurance adjuster will look for damages to your roof. They will most likely look for:
- Lifted or sunken shingles
- Missing screws on vents
- Fastened gutters
These are only some of the considerations public adjusters look for when inspecting your roof damage.
Review Your Insurance Policy
If your roof replacement contractors say that you should file a claim, contact your insurance provider to learn the specifics of your policy. Depending on where you live, the age of your roof, and the type of policy you have, your roof damage may or may not be covered. If you determine the damage is covered, you will want to compare the cost of replacement to your deductible. If damage is more than your deductible, file a roof replacement insurance claim with your provider.
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How Do I Get Insurance To Pay For A New Roof
If the damage to your roof is extensive and structural, your insurer should cover the cost of replacing the roof. Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, older roofs are often covered at actual cash value. This means homeowners with 20+ year old roofs get caught paying for some of their roof replacement out-of-pocket, since the cost of the new roof exceeds what the insurance company gives them for their old roof.
There are a few ways you can push back against actual cash value insurance compensation. The first is scheduling annual roofing checkups or inspections. If a reputable roofing company provides you with a written assessment of your roofs condition, that could be used to prove there were no pre-existing conditions that detract from the roofs value.
Along with this written inspection, take dated pictures of your roof. You can send these pictures to your insurer to definitively prove that there was no roof damage prior to the recent incident.
Finally, if youre thinking ahead, shop around for different policies and look through the fine print. Many home insurance policies have severe limits on what kinds of claims can be made, what kinds of roofs are covered, and how much the insurer will pitch in for replacement. Be selective when looking through insurance policiestheyre not necessarily all the same.
File The Necessary Paperwork
Your insurer will provide you with any paperwork necessary to complete the claim. Most of the time, these documents can be signed and filed electronically to speed up claim resolution. The process varies depending on which insurance company you use, but your claim is not formally filed until the paperwork has been completed and accepted by the company. Youll receive a claim or case number for easy tracking.
You can use this claim or case number when following up with the insurance company on the status of the claim. The length of time it takes to process the claim will depend on a number of factors, such as: the nature of the storm that caused the damage, the number of other claims being filed as a result of the storm, the caseload of the insurance company, etc.
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When To File A Roof Replacement Claim
Most homeowners insurance policies provide some level of coverage for roof damage caused by unpreventable factors, such as fire or vandalism. In most situations, damage caused by weather-related disasters such as hurricanes and other major storms are usually covered. However, there may be some exceptions based on how the damage occurred and what components were damaged. Generally, the roof itself as well as all exterior structures, such as gutters and siding, is covered by homeowners insurance.
Understanding Insurance: When To File A Roof Claim
When should you file a roof claim for roof damage and when should you take care of it yourself? Heres what you need to know about working with insurance.
Homeowners insurance is one of those things you have to have if you own a home. Knowing how and when to use it thats the challenge.
Because its so confusing, you may be afraid to use the services youve been paying for. You may have heard things like, You might lose your discount if you file a claim. Or, You may lose coverage entirely if you file a large claim or file too many claims.
As scary as that may sound, you wont be punished for making an insurance claim for roof damage. Keep reading to learn when its safe to file a roof claim and five factors that affect your claim.
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You Dont Think You Have Enough Damage To File A Claim
Even minor damage can cause serious, expensive leaks in the future. An inspection will confirm how much damage you have and whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
You should file a claim not matter how little damage you think you have. If it requires only minor repairs , you dont have to proceed with your claim.
Figure Out The Damage That Has Been Done And How Much It Will Cost
The first step is figuring out how much money youre going to need to get your whole roof fixed. This includes getting an estimate from a contractor of how many days they will be working on it and what materials theyll need. This should give you enough information about whether or not this project can be considered worth filing a claim for.
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Hire Your Preferred Contractor To Repair Roof Damage
Once your claim has been approved, and you have reached a settlement for the cost of repairs, begin working with your preferred, licensed contractor to repair your roof. Your insurance provider will typically send an advance for half of the payment to allow you to begin repairs. The last half will be sent upon completion, minus your deductible.
Already know you have home storm damage? We can help. Receive up to four quotes from reliable roofing contractors in your area.
Find today’s best prices for your home improvement project.
Examination From An Insurance Adjuster
When an insurance adjuster visits your home, he will thoroughly examine the condition of your roof and estimate the extent of the damage. The adjuster will report his findings to the insurance company and your claim will be processed. If your roof replacement claim is approved, you will be notified and you can begin the roof replacement process. You should have no out-of-pocket expenses aside from the deductible on your insurance unless your policy states that it will only cover a certain portion of the costs.
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Clarify How Payments Will Be Handled
The insurance claims payment process may seem convoluted, so make sure you understand it. The Insurance Information Institute can be a good resource to learn more.
For example, if you have a mortgage, your mortgage company will be listed on your insurance policy. The check will be made out to both you and the mortgage company, and youll both need to endorse it.
This protects the mortgage companys interest in your home by guaranteeing that the repairs are made.
If you dont have a mortgage company, you can have checks made directly to you.
Its also normal for the insurance company to send two or more checks over the course of the project. The first check should be enough to get the project started. The last check will cover the balance and may be subject to verification that the work was completed.
Make sure you are satisfied with the work before authorizing the insurance company to cut the final check.
In some cases, a roofer may ask you to sign a direction to pay form that authorizes the insurance company to pay the roofer directly.
Be careful here though. Assigning your roof claim to a third party takes you out of the picture and surrenders your control of the claim.
Work With Your Adjuster
Your insurance company will have an adjuster assess the damage and help settle the claim. This person has extensive experience in evaluating damage.
The adjuster will look at the damage to determine the extent and determine what work needs to be completed to repair it. Adjusters also determine the cause of the roof damage to verify that its covered by your policy.
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Types Of Roof Damage Covered
Simply put, your insurance is likely going to cover any damage that is sudden and unexpected, that damage that occurs from fire, wind, hail, or heavy snow and ice. More specifically, your insurances dwelling portion covers this type of damage to any part of your dwelling, including the roofother, more detailed aspects of this coverage, such as partial damage and material matching.
Partial damage coverage means the damage you incurred was only on one area of the roof, but insurance will cover the entire roof replacement. For example, if your roof is damaged by hail, but not severely enough to cause an immediate leak, that partial damage still compromised the integrity and lifespan of your roof. Small damages like that overtime can drastically reduce your roofs lifespan and make it eligible for a full replacement.
Now, say you are not getting a full roof replacement but simply getting a portion of your roof repaired, and your roofing materials are no longer available. Thats where material matching coverage comes in. Its not uncommon for certain materials or brands to be discontinued after a certain amount of years. When it comes time to repair your roof, and the contractor finds your material is no longer available, it would require a full replacement. That material matching coverage can ensure that happens.
Mishandling The Insurance Adjuster
While your insurance agent is the one who gets the claim filed, the insurance adjuster is who you really need to be on the lookout for. They are the ones responsible for adjusting the claim and essentially getting you your money.
Some mistakes to avoid with your adjuster include:
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Using apologetic language while discussing your claim. Even in a storm situation, hinting you could have been at fault in any way could seal the deal
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Speculating about the incident. Always approach your adjuster with the facts.
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Accepting the first offer you get
Dealing with a hailstorm or other weather-related calamity is upsetting. You not only have to worry about standard property damage, but you also run the risk of being forced to file a roof replacement insurance claim.
Roof claims can be complicated and involve a lot of back and forth between insurance adjusters and your roofing contractor. Concord Roofing & Construction has years of experience to help you and your family negotiate with insurance companies and get a new roof over your heads, fast.
Heres how we suggest you approach a roof replacement insurance claim after that next big North Texas storm.
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Are There Insurance Coverage Limitations On My Roof
Home insurance policies can include coverage limitations for roofs.
Scott deLuise, president of Matrix Business Consulting in Broomfield, CO, suggests that homeowners read the existing or proposed policy carefully to look for that information.
“Coverage scope and exclusions are a big deal. Ask another insurance company for a policy bid at renewal if it contains a wood shake endorsement or an exclusion for roofs over 20 years old,” says deLuise.
He also suggests getting a qualify roofer to inspect the roof and provide a written report, so you know the condition before theres damage.
“That way, if wind or hail strike your house, you can show the insurance company that there was no pre-existing damage. You can also request a cost estimate for replacing the roof so that you can decide if the cost of a new roof outweighs the risk of being denied home insurance coverage, deLuise says.
deLuise says many insurers on the West Coast are adding new endorsements at renewal for the area’s popular wooden shingle roofs. A wood shake or shingle endorsement is a written document attached to an insurance policy that excludes or restricts coverage of wooden shingle or shake roofs.
deLuise has also seen many companies limit appraisal for wind and hail roof damage during the claims process.
If the policyholder demands an appraisal, some insurance companies try to limit the appraisals scope to damages that they’ve agreed to instead of all of the damage that the insured might find.
Dont Waitto Get An Estimate From A Contractor Once There Has Been Damage To Your Roof
Contact them immediately so that they can observe the damage as soon as possible to get an estimate on the full extent of the damaged.
Knowing the value of the damaged area and the estimated costs of materials repair is critical information that can be shared with your insurance carrier.
Have Your Information Ready
Your insurance company will expect you to provide all necessary information when filing a claim for storm damage. That is why documenting the damage is an important step to make sure they can accurately process your claim and get you the settlement you deserve to repair or replace your roof.
Knowing the value of the damaged area and the estimated costs of materials for repair are important in making a well-informed insurance claim. It is always better to be well-informed and prepared especially when dealing with insurance claims and home damage.
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