Roof replacement is an unforeseen cost that most homeowners guard against by getting home insurance. Homeowners only realize how complicated the process truly is once they have to begin the claims process to get a new roof. That can be a real nightmare as the process can be lengthy, costly and can disrupt the day-to-day life of your family. At the end of the process, your insurance company could pay for less than anticipated, leaving your family in a financial rut. Getting your insurance company to pay for a roof replacement does not have to be this complicated.
Here is a three-step guide to getting your insurance to pay your roofing claim.
Step 1: Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Reading the fine print before disaster hits are the first step to getting your insurance claim covered. Knowing what you are paying for, how much coverage you have, and how the insurance company determines liability can simplify the claims process significantly. Knowledge is power and with a clear understanding of your insurance coverage, you can prevent getting caught up in the terms and conditions that prevent payout.
Repair coverage and replacement coverage are the two common types of roof insurance coverage available in the United States. Repair coverages consider the depreciation of the roof, materials it is made of and the roof’s age to calculate the percentage of the replacement cost. This means that only a percentage of the replacement cost will be covered and this can be as low as 15%. Replacement coverage, on the other hand, allows the roof to be returned to a new condition, provided that the event causing the damage is covered by the policy. The cover is more comprehensive but costs more than repair coverage policies. Speaking to an experienced roofer before entering insurance is ideal, but your roofer can provide a fair evaluation of your current policy as they understand roofing terminology.
Step 2: Claim From Your Home Insurance Company Within 30 Days
Homeowners are required to claim from their insurer within 30 to 60 days of the damage to their roof. Failure to do so can result in the denial of the claim, leaving you to fit the bill yourself. The key to a successful claims process is preparation. Start by contacting your insurance company and requesting a list of the documentation needed to submit your claim. The next step is to gather all the required documentation and to prepare it for submission. Your insurer can require additional data and documentation, so be prepared to be scrutinized.
One way to do this is to get an independent roof inspector to assess the damage before you submit the claim. Doing so can help you avoid the run-around some insurance companies cause and can result in a smoother claims process. The roofing inspector can assess the extent of the damage, take detailed pictures of the damage to the roof and advise on the repair required.
When submitting your claim to your insurance company include before and after pictures and if possible, the roofing inspector’s report.
Step 3: After The Payout
Once you receive payment from the insurance company you could be tempted to find the cheapest contractor to replace your damaged roof. Finding a qualified contractor near you can help you in the future if you have to claim from your insurer again. High-quality work is more likely to stand the test of time and having a professional roofer by your side can help you gather all the necessary documentation and evidence to make future claiming processes simpler.
Contact Aabco Roofing today to find out how we can help you during your roof replacement journey.
