If you’ve experienced roofing damage, filing a claim with your insurance company can help cover the costs of repair or replacement. But before you start the process you need to understand your coverage. Homeowners insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides financial protection for your home and personal property in case of damage or loss. It’s important to understand what homeowners insurance covers and what it does not cover. The part of your policy we are concerned with here is dwelling coverage. It covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it’s damaged or destroyed by covered events, such as fire, wind, or hail. It typically covers the structure of your home, including the walls, roof, and foundation.
Most homeowner policies will not cover damage caused by earthquakes. You may need to purchase a separate earthquake insurance policy to protect against this type of damage. Also they won’t cover wear and tear on your home. It is not intended to cover the cost of normal wear and tear such as degraded shingles, rotted soffits, or sagging roofs due to age or poor construction. This type of damage is typically not covered by insurance. However, if your roof has been damaged by a storm, heavy wind or hail, then many policies will offer some or total coverage.
Here are the steps to follow when filing a roofing damage claim:
Assess The Roof Damage
- Before filing a claim, it’s important to assess the damage to your roof. Look for signs of missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or other damage that may have been caused by wind, hail, or other weather events.
Review your policy
- Also before filing a claim, review your insurance policy to understand what’s covered and what’s not. Some policies may have exclusions for certain types of damage or may require a higher deductible for roof damage.
Contact your insurance company
- Call your insurance company and let them know that you need to file a claim for roofing damage. Be prepared to provide information about the damage, including when it occurred, and any pictures or video you may have.
- Schedule an inspection: Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the cost of repairs or replacement. Be sure to ask for a copy of the inspection report.
Get estimates
- While you’re waiting for the adjuster to arrive, get estimates from at least three licensed and insured roofing contractors. Be sure to ask for detailed written estimates that include the cost of materials, labor, and any permits or fees.
File the claim
- Once you have all the necessary information and estimates, file the claim with your insurance company. Be prepared to provide all the necessary documentation, including the inspection report and estimates from contractors.
- Follow up: After filing the claim, follow up with your insurance company to ensure that the process is moving forward. Be sure to keep all documentation and communication in case you need to refer back to it.
Remember, you have been paying a sizable premium to the insurance company every year. When there is damage to any part of your home that is covered by the policy don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company. Filing a roofing damage claim can help cover the costs of repairs or replacement. Be sure to assess the damage, contact your insurance company, schedule an inspection, get estimates, review your policy, file the claim, and follow up to ensure the process is moving forward. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your roofing damage claim is handled smoothly and efficiently.