Roof Insurance claims are most common after a hail storm in your area. Discovering damage to your roof, be it your home or commercial property, can be a stressful time.
While filing a claim may seem like the first step, navigating the roof insurance claim process can require many follow-ups and considerable time commitments.
There may be time needed for in-person meetings with insurance adjusters, roofing contractors, and sometimes your mortgage company.
We recommend working with an experienced contractor that has a proven track record of dealing with roofing claims.
Most homeowner insurance and business insurance policies will provide coverage for roof damage caused by unpreventable reasons. It is imperative to begin this process when you first suspect roof damage. To handle the roof insurance claim process from start to finish, Gold Star Contracting recommends you do the following:
Step 1 – Look for Damage Immediately After a Storm
After experiencing particularly rough weather, take a walk around your property. Take note of anything you see out of the ordinary, especially something that could affect the structure of your property. Look especially for anything that could be affecting your roof.
If there appears to be damage, begin documenting the details surrounding the damage.
Step 2 – Document Details Related to the Damage
To simplify your property claim, it is recommended to take “before” photos of your roof and the exterior of your property. After the suspected damage occurs, a set of “after” photos will show the change in your roof’s condition.
You should also keep records of all work that is done on or near the roof itself. Examples include a contractor entering the ceiling/attic to operate on a faulty water heater. Even a landscaper who used the roof as their home base while cutting trees.
The purpose is to show the amount of the damage to your roof caused by relevant perils.
Step 3 – Contact Your Insurance Company to Check your Policy Coverage
Prior to the official damage assessment by the roofing company, you need to fully understand your policy. The easiest way to know what your policy covers is to contact your insurance provider.
The policy may cover the full cost or a portion of the cost, depending on a variety of factors. Insurance coverage varies from policy to policy. Your insurance agent will let you know the cost of repairing your roof after insurance payments are provided.
What the insurance company will pay for your roof will also vary depending on the cost of the roof repair. This is why it’s important to have assistance from an expert if you suspect a roof repair or replacement is necessary.
A typical property insurance policy will include coverage that protects your roof from certain perils. Common perils include fire, wind, and hail damage.
Step 4 – Choose a Roofing Contractor with Insurance Expertise
At this time, contact a roofing company to receive your professional evaluation. This should be done prior to completing your insurance application.
You want to select a roofing contractor with roof insurance claim expertise because they have special knowledge of the process. These include specific issues that should be highlighted for the insurance company. Typically, the roofing contractor will work with the adjuster to help increase what the insurance covers.
The Gold Star Contracting team has years of experience assisting customers with roof insurance claims. We have completed dozens of successful insurance applications for both residential and commercial property.
Step 5 – Keep an Eye Out for Contingency Contracts
Most roofing companies will offer a free evaluation of your roof’s condition. However, you should be aware of something known as contingency agreements. These contracts are often disguised as inspection reports.
A contingency agreement can place you in an uncomfortable situation as you shop around for your ideal roofing company. See our BBB Rating to read what our clients have to say about us!
When the roofing company has completed the assessment, you will know whether or not a claim should be filed.
Step 6 – Contact Your Insurance Company
Schedule an appointment for an adjuster to come out and assess any damages. This is very similar to the assessment carried out by your roofing company. However, the insurance company always needs to assess it themselves to confirm the extent of the damage.
After the insurance company confirms the amount of damage, work can begin on the roof immediately.
Sometimes, it can take months to realize storm damage has occurred to your roof. In most cases, your insurance company might cover damage up to a year after the storm. Get an expert’s opinion on the extent of the damages as soon as possible to get the process started.
At Gold Star Contracting, we stand by our roofs. Solid and reputable roofing contractors will provide a free roof inspection and a roof replacement estimate at no obligation.
We have a team of talented, meticulous roofing professionals who will treat your roof with care. If you suspect damage has occurred to your roof, contact us today to set up a professional evaluation.