Dealing with a damaged roof that requires extensive roof repairs or an entire replacement can be overwhelming for any homeowner. Aside from scheduling the actual construction, you also have to attempt to get the cost of the work covered by your insurance company.
Repair costs can often be considerable, so many homeowners worry about how to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement.
Roof damage can occur in several ways, such as:
- Storm damage (high winds, hail, rain, debris, etc.)
- Ice dam issues
- Shingle granule loss
- Discoloration
- Gaps or leaking roof
- Age/time
Although you might need a new roof after a big storm, not all homeowners insurance policies cover such repairs— which is why you always need to read the fine print closely. Getting your homeowners insurance company to pay for a new roof will ultimately depend on the extent and kind of roof damage as well as the stipulations of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
To learn more about making a claim, finding a trusted roofing company, and figuring out how to ensure insurance covers your roof replacement, read this informative guide and ensure you’re prepared next time there’s damage to your roof.
What to Do After Storm Damage Hits
Whether you’re missing shingles due to wind damage or a freak hail storm has hit your house, there are many reasons you might need your roof fixed.
Securing your home with tarps until roof repairs can be made is the easy part of all this. It’s trying to get your insurance agency to pay for a new roof that can get tricky.
Taking the following steps after such events can make the roof insurance claim process a much smoother (and less expensive) experience:
1.) Review Your Insurance Policy
Having a thorough understanding of your homeowner’s insurance coverage will be crucial when it comes time to make a roof insurance claim. Don’t let your insurance company drag their feet or keep you in the dark regarding coverage.
Your insurance agent should promptly provide either a paper or electronic copy of your roof coverage upon request. Read through your homeowners insurance policy to see if you’re eligible for a free roof.
States typically offer two primary types of roofing coverage: repair coverage or replacement coverage. Although the premiums are higher, replacement policies provide the best level of protection, ensuring you’re fully covered for a brand new roof in perfect working condition when an eligible event occurs.
Alternatively, repair policies only provide a percentage of financial compensation for the job, called the actual cash value or ACV. This kind of coverage takes into account your roof’s age and depreciated value before determining the amount you’ll receive to have your roof replaced.
Does this all seem confusing? Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions if the language in your policy is confusing. Your insurance agent or even an experienced roofing contractor can help explain the nuances of your policy.
2.) Consult a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Working with a reputable roofing company will give you the upper hand during the claims process. That’s because a seasoned, professional roofer will have considerable experience dealing with insurance claims already.
It’s wise to have at least two or even three different roofing contractors look over your homeowners policy prior to starting this project. A reputable roofing company will assess your homeowners insurance to ensure everything is entirely covered under your policy. This way, you won’t have to pay for your new roofing out of pocket.
3.) File an Insurance Claim
Once you know which kind of coverage you’re under, it’s time to make a roof insurance claim. Don’t wait to take this step since most roofing claims must be made within 30 days of the roof damage to receive any compensation, especially if your insurance agency requires an inspection by an insurance adjuster or its own estimators.
Most roofing companies will provide a professional statement or additional evidence of damage to your roof to support your insurance claim, and sometimes they can even help you through the roofing claim process.
4.) Start Your Roof Repair
After dealing with inspections or insurance adjusters and submitting a claim, you can hopefully start installing your new roof. Choose your roofing company carefully to guarantee you get high quality work at little to no cost.
How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement Projects
Homeowners insurance often has a lot of pesky loopholes, complicated contingency contracts, and frustrating fine print that can stop your roof repair in its tracks. Here are some helpful tips on getting insurance to pay for a roof replacement:
Document All the Damage 📸
After a storm hits your home, take time to document all of the damage you see so that you have genuine proof to provide with your insurance claim. The more detailed information you offer in a claim, the more likely you are to have your roof replaced for free.
Ask for an In-Depth Roofing Report 📋
Most roofers provide a professional report outlining the level of damage and repairs needed, in case your insurance company needs more evidence to support your claim.
Some policies include contingency contracts, which means certain kinds of damage or cosmetic issues might not be covered, so a roofing report can work to your benefit when finally filing an insurance claim. It will help back you up in the event your insurance company doesn’t want to offer adequate compensation.
Schedule a Roof Inspection 🔍
Your insurance agency may require an inspection from an adjuster in order to approve your claim. Insurance adjusters look at age, maintenance, materials, the extent of damage to your roof, and additional factors to determine if you’re actually covered according to your policy.
File With Your Insurance Company Quickly 🗄
As we mentioned above, you need to act quickly. Your insurance company likely requires a claim to be submitted within 30 days of the damage occurring.
Claim Denied: Why You Might Not Be Covered
Unfortunately, you’re not always eligible to receive a new roof for free. Reasons a claim was 🚫denied🚫 or your specific policy won’t cover a full replacement include:
- Improper installation
- Faulty roofing materials or manufacturer’s errors
- Poor roofing maintenance
- Incorrect attic ventilation
- Cosmetic damage
- General wear or age
- Specified weather events
- Strict contingency contracts
Ultimately, your insurance company will have the final word when it comes to coverage. If your roof is at the end of it’s life span or lacks visible damage, you could be on the hook for your own roof repair.
Need a New Roof?
Has hail damage or heavy wind left you with a damaged roof? Work with a reputable roofing company to quickly submit a roof insurance claim and get insurance to cover the cost of a new roof. Contact Best Exteriors and start your roof replacement with our trusted team today.
