The aftermath of a storm can be devastating for homeowners, especially when it comes to roof damage. Not only can a damaged roof be a health and safety hazard, but it can also be a financial burden. That’s why it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to file a claim. An insurance claim for roof damage can alleviate the burden of paying for expensive roof repairs. That’s why, in this article, Quality Roofing Pro will explain how to successfully file a claim with your insurance agency.
Key Takeaways:
There are several steps homeowners must take to file a successful claim for roof damage with their insurance agency.
- The first step is to assess the damage done to the roof. This means inspecting it for missing shingles, damaged gutters, or other signs of damage that may appear.
- Once you locate the damage, you should document all of it. You can do this by taking photos or videos of the damage.
- The next step is contacting your insurance agency. This is when you begin the process of filing a claim by providing relevant information.
- You should contact a roofing company to get a quote on the repairs that will need to be done to the roof.
- Now you can file a claim with your insurance agency. You must include all of the information that you have gathered about your roof’s damages.
- Finally, once your claim has been approved you will be able to repair your roof.
Assess Roof Damage
The first step to filing an insurance claim is to assess the damage that has been done to your roof. You should schedule a roof inspection anytime you suspect damage to your roof, especially after severe weather events such as heavy rains, high winds, hail, or a natural disaster. These events can be scary and if they have left any destruction behind your damage can frightening as well. After severe weather, here are a few signs homeowners should be on the lookout for:
- Missing shingles,
- Shingle granule loss,
- Damaged gutters and downspouts,
- Debris or fallen tree limbs,
- And water damage.
If you notice any of these problems, it is a clear indication that you need to contact a reputable residential roofing company like Quality Roofing Pro.
Document Roof Damage
Have you noticed any damage after a severe weather event? If you suspect you can see signs that your roof has been damaged by hail, strong winds, or even falling debris, get out your camera because it is important that you document all of it. As safely as you can, you should take either photographs or videos of the damage to your roof. Never put yourself in danger and use extreme caution when documenting any damage done to your property. Keep everything you collect safe for when it is time to file your claim. Your insurance company may ask you for any documented damage when you file a claim.
Contact Insurance Agency
Now that you have identified and, if possible, documented the damage done to your roof, you are ready to contact your insurance agency. When you speak to your insurance agent, let them know you wish to file a claim. During this process, your insurance agency may ask you for several different pieces of information, including your policy number, when the damage occurred, a description of the damage, and any documentation of the damage. You should have this information readily available to help the process run smoothly.
Your insurance agency will most likely send over an insurance adjuster after speaking with you and beginning your claim. This is an essential part of the process. The insurance company has a responsibility to look over the damage on your roof, evaluate how extensive the damage is, and how much it will cost to repair. This step protects the agency against false claims and can sometimes make homeowners nervous. Don’t sweat it. Your insurance company needs to understand the scope of the damage to best honor their policy with you.
Contact Roofing Company
When the adjuster files his report with your insurance company you will be notified of their findings. If damage has been confirmed and your homeowner’s policy covers all or a portion of the repair, the next step is to contact a reliable roofing company for a roof replacement quote. You can expect to make an appointment for a representative from the roofing company to inspect your roof as well. This may seem redundant however the roofer will inspect your roof to estimate costs to quote you a price for the roof replacement. You can read more about the benefits of a roof inspection and what to expect from one here. When you receive a quote from the roofing company, you can file it as part of your claim. Perhaps the quote will correspond to what the adjuster expected in his inspection. It is not uncommon to contact multiple roofing companies to find one that provides the best value to you.
File A Claim
Now you are finally able to file your claim. It is important that you file the claim promptly because most insurance agencies have a time limit for how long you will be able to file a claim. While some insurance companies will provide a check to the homeowner to cover costs, others may pay the insurance company directly. The finalization for payment of the claim may vary so homeowners should be informed how the payment process will work depending on their scenario. If you would like to know more about how insurance companies cover homeowners’ claims for roof damage check out this article on insurance claims.
Get Roof Repairs
You will need your adjuster to approve your claim before you begin permanent repairs on your roof. But you should know, that you are responsible for the temporary repairs that will be needed until permanent ones can be put in. Temporary repairs can be as simple as tarping your roof to protect it from any further damage. If you do not put in temporary repairs, then you can be financially responsible for any additional damages that occur.
Once your claim has been approved, you can begin permanent repairs on your roof. Your insurance agency may provide a list of qualified roofing companies, or you may be expected to find one on your own. You should be sure to keep hold of all documents and receipts related to the repairs because your insurance agency may request them. They may ask to see these documents to verify the repairs or see if you are eligible for reimbursement. While getting roof repairs is the last step in the process, it is still necessary to properly document what is happening as a precaution.
The integrity of your roof is critical to the integrity of your home, that’s why at Quality Roofing Pro we work to provide you with the best repairs and roof replacements. We’re focused on providing our customers with great customer service and remarkable workmanship. So call us now for a free quote! Our number is (309)371-4436.
