The Complete Roof Insurance Claim Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Experiencing unexpected roof damage can be a daunting and stressful ordeal for homeowners. Roof damage from severe weather, fallen trees, or debris can greatly affect your mental and financial well-being. However, there is hope! Learn the roof insurance claim process and get help from a roofer to secure the repairs or roof replacements you deserve.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process, highlighting key details for the best results.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. Inspect The Damage and Contact Your Insurance Company
2. Contact an Independent Roofer for Inspection
3. Submit The Initial Claim and Required Materials
4. Your Insurance Company’s Initial Response
5. Potential Additional Negotiation and Testing
6. Handling Your Deductible
7. Complete the Repair or Replacement of Your Roof
8. Top Tips for A Smooth Roof Insurance Claim Process

Inspect the Damage and Contact Your Insurance Company

If you spot any signs of roof damage let your insurance company know and snap photos yourself for documentation. An adjuster will come by to see if it’s eligible for compensation. Don’t forget to look over your insurance policy to get a handle on your coverage and how the claims process works.

Contact an Independent Roofer for Inspection

It’s important to also get an independent roofer’s estimate for necessary roof repairs or replacements. This ensures you get an unbiased opinion from someone not tied to your adjuster or insurance company. Here’s why this is important:

1. It offers an alternative assessment compared to that provided by your insurance company.
2. Insurance companies lack the motivation to deliver the highest quality repairs or replacements.
3. Frequently, adjusters are unaware of local and state building standards, resulting in overlooked details that require attention.
4. Moreover, they often provide quotes that only meet the minimum requirements in terms of material quality and techniques.
5. Having a professional roofer ensures effective communication with the adjuster.
6. An independent quote holds the company accountable for its actions.
7. The independent roofer can also scrutinize the claim quote, offering their expertise.
8. They can also assist in appealing inadequate coverage and provide additional supporting evidence for your claim.

By involving an independent roofer, you can ensure a comprehensive evaluation and advocate for your best interests.

Submit the Initial Claim and Required Materials

After the inspection, you and your independent roofer should collaborate to submit an initial claim to your insurance company. When filing an insurance claim, include a detailed report of water leaks, water damage, structural damage, and proposed solutions. Include a detailed materials list with your roof specifications, materials, and shingle color for the repair or replacement claim. This attention to detail will help prevent any discrepancies during the roof insurance claims process. 

Most home insurance companies use Xactimate for quotes, so it’s important your roofer knows this program. If they are not, it may raise concerns about their expertise, which we will address later.

Your Insurance Company’s Initial Response

Once you submit the claim, your insurance company will promptly provide an initial response within a few days. This response summarizes the roof insurance claim, detailing the insurer’s initial quote, the inspector’s assessment, and your policy coverage.

It is crucial to establish clear communication between the insurance company and your independent roofer. Your roofer can review the initial claim to ensure a fair assessment and a long-term protective solution for your home. If the homeowners insurance company denies or undervalues your claim, don’t worry—the process isn’t finished.

Potential Additional Negotiation and Testing

If the insurance company’s first offer doesn’t fully cover your roof damage, you can negotiate a fair settlement. Request extra testing or inspection to support your claim and confirm the solution aligns with your home’s structural integrity. Persistence is key during this step, as it can greatly impact the outcome of your insurance coverage.

An independent roofer is essential as they can mediate between you and your insurance company. Unlike the insurance company, a reputable roofer isn’t motivated to reduce the payout or skimp on the repair.

If your roofer suggests a full replacement but insurance only covers minor repairs, consider your options. Many reputable roofers conduct a brittle test to assess the age and brittleness of the shingles. This test helps determine the likelihood that attempting to repair the damaged section will cause further harm to the roof. If the asphalt shingles are too old and fragile, a replacement is the recommended course of action.

Many insurance companies don’t meet the standards for roof compliance with local regulations. Consequently, crucial elements may be missing from your roof, leaving it vulnerable. An independent roofer can thoroughly assess these elements and ensure they are included in your quote.

Handling Your Deductible

Your roofing insurance deductible is the out-of-pocket amount you pay before insurance covers a claim. It’s a key factor in your policy’s cost; a higher deductible lowers premiums but increases expenses when needed.

Conversely, a lower deductible results in a higher premium but reduces the financial burden during a claim. The key is finding a balance that aligns with your financial security and risk tolerance.

Some policies have a flat fee like $1000. Other policies have moved to a percentage (%) model. These percentage models can be misleading and expensive as the amount owed goes up as the value of your home does. 

A 2% deductible requires you to pay 2% of your home’s value when filing a claim. If your house is valued at $500,000, your deductible would be $10,000!

To proceed with your claim, pay your deductible, as a contractor cannot waive or include it in repair costs due to insurance fraud. After settling the deductible and completing negotiations, you can move on to repairs.

Complete the Repair or Replacement of your Roof

After your claim is approved, your insurance company will promptly notify both you and your chosen roofer. They will then proceed to issue a check or directly deposit the funds into your account. After receiving the funds, you can hire any independent roofer for repairs or replacements.

Your insurance company cannot legally force you to hire a specific roofing company. If pressured, step back and seek guidance from your independent roofer. Consistent communication with your roofer is crucial to ensure the work matches your insurance agreement.

After repairs, ensure your roofer performs a final inspection to confirm your roof’s structural integrity. The roofer must provide proof of repair or replacement as required by the insurance company.

Top Tips for a Smooth Roof Insurance Claim Process

1. Choose an independent roofer with experience in working with insurance companies.
2. Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company and roofer.
3. Thoroughly review the initial claim response and don’t hesitate to negotiate for a fair settlement.
4. Consider consulting with your roofer for additional testing or inspection to support your claim.
5. Be persistent if you encounter challenges during the roof insurance claim process.
6. Have a thorough understanding of your insurance policy and coverage.
7. Watch for red flags from your insurance company, like pressure to use their preferred roofing company.
8. Stay in communication with your roofer throughout the entire process. Effective communication and a solid working relationship with your roofer are crucial for a successful roof insurance claim.

UNDERSTAND THE ROOF INSURANCE CLAIM PROCESS? CONTACT A ROOFER TODAY!

Consider a homeowners roof insurance claim if you face hail damage, wind damage, or fallen trees. If you’re uncertain, the wisest course of action is to reach out to a professional roofer. Many offer free inspections, including assessments after storms, and can assess the likelihood of your insurance covering the situation. They can then guide you through the necessary steps.

If you reside in Tennessee or Georgia, Roof MD is the company for you. We provide free roof inspections and estimates. Plus, we specialize in assisting clients with home insurance claims with storm damage. We always fight for our clients’ rights to a fair claim. 

For more information and to schedule your free inspection, please visit our roof inspection page today.