As one of your greatest assets, it is only natural that you want your home to remain in optimal condition. Unfortunately, fire, theft, pests, and the elements can all take a toll on your home’s most important component – the Roof. If your roof has succumbed to extensive damage, it could be pass the point of saving. A Roof Replacement insurance claim could help you get your roof replaced with little to no out-of-pocket expenses. However, it is important to understand that the insurance claim process can be long and tedious. Learn more about the steps needed to file a roof replacement claim and why you should speak with roof replacement contractors.

Step 1: Get an Estimate from a Reputable Roofer

It can be tempting to immediately call your insurance provider after finding out your roof is damaged. However, this is not always the best course of action. Before making that call, contact professional roof replacement contractors and schedule a free evaluation. An experienced roofer will inspect the damage and provide an estimate. A contractor can also tell you if the damage to your roof actually warrants filing an insurance claim.

Step 2: Take ‘Before’ Photos as Evidence

You can streamline the Roof Replacement Insurance claim process by providing your insurance company with as much information and evidence as possible. Directly after the damage takes place, be sure to snap a few photos to share with your insurance provider. However, remember that not all roofing damage is visible to the naked eye. That is why it is important to hire reputable roof replacement contractors who can tell you if the damage is more serious than it appears. Your contractor should also provide a detailed report of the damage that can be used as evidence.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Meet With an Insurance Adjuster

Once you file a roof replacement insurance claim, your insurance company will send out an adjuster to your home. The adjuster is there to determine the extent of the damage on behalf of the insurance company. You do not necessarily need to be home when the adjuster arrives. However, it is a good idea to be available to ask questions and point out the damaged areas. Try to be as active as possible in the process and remain an advocate for maximizing your claim. It can be helpful to take notes on what the adjuster says so that you can refer to them later if needed.

Step 5: Be Willing to Negotiate

If your roof replacement insurance claim is approved, the insurance company may provide full or partial payment to cover the cost of the damage. However, the cost of the roof replacement may exceed your policy’s limit which means you will need to pay a portion of the cost. In some instances, your insurance company may present a low offer. If they do, be willing to negotiate. If you believe that the offer is too low, negotiating can help get you more money to pay for the damages.

Step 6: Have the Roof Damage Fixed

After your roof replacement insurance claim is approved, go forward with the replacement. You will likely be notified promptly after approval so that you can schedule a replacement with reputable roof replacement contractors. It is important that you go ahead and get the replacement performed right away to prevent leaks and other types of roof damage from affecting the interior of your home. Remember that most homeowners’ policies will not cover the cost of damage to personal belongings found in your home. Ideally, the roof replacement process should take between two to three weeks from start to finish.

What to Know About Insurance Claims

If your roof becomes damaged, you expect your insurance company to send out a check immediately to pay for repairs or replacement. However, this is not always the case. When determining whether or not your roof qualifies for a claim, the insurance company will look at a number of factors, such as the age of your roof. If your roof has surpassed the 20 year mark, you may only receive reimbursement for the depreciated value of the roof, which means the value after 20-plus years of depreciation.

It is also important to know that most insurance companies require you to make a claim within a certain amount of time after the damage occurs. If you fail to make a claim within that timeframe, your claim could be denied. You will also want to consider if the damage is severe or just cosmetic. If the insurance adjuster finds that the damage is just cosmetic or normal wear and tear, your claim could be denied and you will have the option to pay for the repairs yourself or live with the cosmetic defects.

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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