If you have had storm damage to your roof and it’s time to file a claim, navigating the home insurance claim process can feel overwhelming. It is important to partner with a local, reputable, roofing company to ensure your insurance claim is approved and processed in a timely manner. In fact, working with a local company can even simplify the process for you as the homeowner.
The team at Sovereign Roofing has decades of combined experience in helping homeowners in the greater Greenville area with all facets of their roofing needs, including streamlining the insurance claim process. Here are some things we’ve learned along the way that can help you as you file for a roof replacement and work with the insurance company for reimbursement.
Step 1: Understand Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
It is crucial that you understand what your homeowners insurance policy covers – and doesn’t.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover damages from weather – think wind, hail, and fallen trees. However, it is common for your policy not to cover replacement for normal wear and tear.
Check Your Coverage Limits
The most reliable source of information for your coverage limits is your policy declaration page. This document will outline the specific coverage, exclusions, and limitations that apply to your roof.
Certain policies may not cover specific installation methods or roofing materials. Be sure to pay attention to your deductible amount, this is the amount you will be responsible for paying in the event of a claim.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost Valuation
Your policy declaration page will also document the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in the case of a claim and any additional costs you may be responsible for covering. The amount an insurance company will pay in the event of a claim is determined by one of two valuation methods:
Actual Cash Value (ACV) Method:
The Actual Cash Value Method considers the cost to replace your damaged roof, minus the depreciation in the value of your roof based on its age. This method of valuation often results in compensation that is lower than the original cost of the roof because it is based on the current market value of the roof vs. the actual cost to replace your roof today. As your roof ages, the actual cash value will decrease, resulting in smaller insurance payouts.
Replacement Cost Method:
The Replacement Cost Method considers the cost of replacing your damaged roof with a new roof that is of the same quality at today’s market rate. The replacement cost method does not account for depreciation and will allow for a higher potential payout. Additionally, if your roof is older, this method will allow for a higher payout.
Step 2: Document the Damage and Start the Claims Process
If you have damage to your roof, it is important that you act promptly to document the damage and reach out to your insurance adjuster to start the claims process.
Documentation should include photos and videos that provide evidence of the damage. Some tips for documentation include:
- Date and Time: Record the date and time when the damage occurred, especially if it was caused by a named weather event like a hurricane or snow storm.
- Multiple Images: Be sure to take photos and videos from multiple angles, including close-ups of the damage and wider shots to show the roof as a whole – the more the merrier!
- Close Ups: Capture close up images of damaged shingles, missing shingles, holes, and leaks.
- Collateral Damage: Damage to your roof may cause additional collateral damage to your property. Take photos of any damage to gutters, downspouts, siding, or landscaping caused by your roof damage.
Once you have collected your documentation, reach out to a trusted local roofing company and ask them to conduct an official damage inspection. The roofing company can help you determine if the damage to your home is significant enough to file an insurance claim.
If your deductible amount is higher than the total cost of the roof repair or a full roof replacement, it wouldn’t make sense to file an insurance claim. In fact, even if there is no payout on the claim, your insurance company could hold this against you when it is time to renew your policy. Additionally, roofing companies are familiar with the images and damage details insurance agents need to process your claim and can streamline the collection of this data.
Your insurance policy will document the timeframe in which you are required to report damage to qualify for coverage and you will want to pay special attention to this. You will provide your documentation and the roofing company’s official damage inspection to your insurance adjuster to provide evidence of your damaged roof. Failing to report your damages in a timely manner could jeopardize your claim.
Step 3: Work with a Reputable Roofing Company
Working with a reputable roofing company can help you avoid scams and support your insurance claim. Unfortunately, not every roofing company has your best interests in mind.
A reputable roofing company will:
- Have a proven track record including positive reviews from other customers
- Guide you through the claim process and have past insurance claim experience
- Provide detailed repair estimates that support your insurance claim
- Be knowledgeable about repair methods
Caution: Be Wary of Storm Chasers
Storm chasers are contractors who travel to areas affected by natural disasters, often targeting vulnerable homeowners that have had property damage. They are often not licensed in your state and do not have a local phone number or office address. To protect yourself from these unscrupulous individuals:
Be Suspicious of Door-to-Door Salesmen from Out of State
If a contractor approaches you at your home, take their information and research their company thoroughly before making any final decisions. It is important to verify that they are a local roofing company and not a storm chaser looking to take advantage of the situation. Consider asking questions such as:
- Where is your company headquartered?
- How long have you been operating in this area?
- Do you have any local references I can contact?
- Are you licensed to do business and work in this state?
Verify Licenses and Insurance Information
Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured in your state as many storm chasers types are not. You can use online resources to verify their credentials, the Better Business Bureau and the South Carolina Labor & Licensing Regulation (SCLLR) are excellent resources.
Get Everything in Writing
A detailed contract can protect you and your home. Take the time to read it. Ensure your contract includes a detailed scope of work, payment schedule, warranty information, and the contractors contact details. Any change orders should also be documented in writing.
Step 4: Communicate Effectively with Insurance Adjusters
After you have contacted your insurance adjuster, they will schedule a visit to come to your home and perform their own evaluation of the damage.
Be Present During The Inspection
To maximize your insurance claim, it’s crucial to be present during the adjuster’s inspection. Ask the roofing company who provided your damage inspection if they can also be present during the adjuster’s inspection.
Insurance adjusters aren’t always roofing specialists and may miss key details that a professional roofer wouldn’t; walk your property together as a team and work collaboratively to document all relevant information. Be sure to point out specific areas of damage, such as cracked shingles, missing tiles, or water stains.
Provide Evidence of the Damage
Information is power. To strengthen your case, include photos, repair estimates, and damage assessments you have gathered from your roofing contractors. Roofing contractors will know your roofing materials and their expected lifespan – this will inform your replacement cost information.
What If You Don't Agree?
If you feel the adjuster’s evaluation is inaccurate or undervalues the damage, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue to a supervisor or seek assistance from a public adjuster. It may be helpful to work with an independent agent to advocate on your behalf.
This is also where having a trusted roofing contractor can be helpful. They often can work with the insurance company to negotiate on your behalf.
Step 5: Address Common Reasons for Claim Denials
After having damage to your home, a denial for your roof repair is the last thing you want to receive from your insurance company. There are several common reasons a claim may be denied by your insurance agency.
Normal Wear and Tear
As time goes on it is normal for your roof to show signs of aging. This may include things like curling shingles, seeing signs of moss growing on your roof, or rusted flashing. Normal wear and tear is not something that an insurance company will typically cover.
Avoid Actions That May Look Suspicious
Insurance agencies and their employees know the red flags to look for when it comes to insurance fraud. Exaggerating your roofing claim is a surefire way to receive a denial. Do not provide false information to your insurance provider – in addition to a denial, this could also lead to legal action against you.
Missed Deadlines and Requests for Information
Another reason your claim may be denied is if you miss information request deadlines from your insurance provider. To stay organized, put important dates on your calendar or try setting reminders in your phone. The last thing you want is for your claim to be denied simply because you didn’t respond within the required timeframe.
Step 6: Maximize Your Payout with Professional Guidance
Replacing your roof is a costly expense of homeownership. To ensure your insurance pays you a fair amount for replacement, enlist the help of a local experienced roofing contractor.
Using a Roofing Contractor's Expertise
An experienced roofing contractor can negotiate on your behalf. They are aware of the claims process; and if they are truly experienced – know the necessary documentation to provide the insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum payout.
Routine Maintenance Pays Off In The Long Run
Owning a home comes with a laundry list of routine maintenance tasks – and your roof has it’s own list of suggested maintenance. Keeping detailed records of preventative measures you have taken can boost your claim credibility and show the insurance company that you have taken the steps to protect your roof’s longterm value.
Focus on Replacement Coverage
Replacement coverage is a term that means your policy will cover the cost to fully replace your entire roof, not just roof repairs.
Avoiding Pitfalls: Tips for a Smooth Claims Process
A smooth claims process hinges on your ability to provide accurate information to your insurance company, which may require working with a reliable roofer.
Be Honest and Transparent
Providing accurate information to your insurance company helps you maximize your claim payout. The information you provide is a key piece of how your replacement cost value is calculated.
Keep All Communication Organized
Consider creating a folder in your email inbox to file all emails and digital communications in regards to your claim. When you have a phone conversation, jot down the date and time and what was discussed so that you have documentation should you need to reference it in the future.
Know When to Hire an Independent Insurance Agent
In extremely complex situations or you feel like your insurance company is not offering a fair estimate of repair costs, it can benefit you to hire an expert to work on your behalf.
FAQs: Common Questions About Roof Insurance Claims
If you have questions about your roof replacement and working with your insurance company to pay for your roof replacement, you are not alone. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) when it comes to getting your insurance to pay for a roof replacement:
What types of roof damage are usually covered?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by severe weather or other unexpected events. This includes wind damage from hurricanes, hailstorms, or tornadoes. Damage from normal wear and tear or poor maintenance is not usually covered.
How long does it take for a claim to be approved?
This a great question to ask your insurance adjuster when you file your claim! This can vary greatly depending on the severity of the damage, the insurance company’s workload, and how many other natural disasters have recently occurred in your immediate area. On average, the process takes a few weeks from start to finish.
Can I file a claim if my roof is old?
If you have an old roof, you can absolutely file a claim if you have damage due to a covered event. It’s important to understand what your policy details include in regards to how the replacement cost is calculated and to know that normal wear and tear will typically not be covered.
Let Us Help You Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement
If you find yourself with roof damage, Sovereign Roofing is here to help! We can help you navigate the insurance claim process and work with you to get your insurance to pay for your roof replacement.
Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection performed by one of experienced team members. We’ll assess the damage, provide estimates for the work, and help your maximize your insurance payout.
Don’t let a denied claim stop you from protecting your home.
