Has your roof been damaged by a recent hailstorm, tornado, or another natural disaster? Are you stressed about what your next steps should be? Well, don't worry. We're here to help.
This blog will assist you in understanding the necessary steps to file an insurance claim and will provide valuable information for handling storm damage.
The very first thing you should do if you suspect your roof has storm damage is to contact your homeowners' insurance company. After initiating the claim process by calling your insurance company, they will either:
- Send an adjuster to your home to inspect your roof for damage.
- Instruct you to arrange an inspection with a roofing company to evaluate your roof for damage before sending an adjuster.
If an adjuster is dispatched to inspect for storm damage, they will determine whether your damage is claimable and then advise you to obtain a quote from a roofing contractor if the claim is approved under your insurance.
If your insurance instructs you to have a roofer evaluate your roof you would then schedule an appointment with a roofing contractor for the evaluation. They will take photos and provide you with an assessment and estimate for your insurance. However, this does not guarantee automatic approval by your insurance. The photos, estimate, and evaluation will be submitted by the roofer, but it is ultimately up to your insurance company to decide whether the claim will be approved when the adjuster inspects the roof.
It is crucial to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and the extent of coverage for your roof. When reviewing your policy, look for "Actual Cash Value" or "Replacement Cost Value." These two policies offer different payouts.
An Actual Cash Value policy covers the depreciated cost to repair or replace your damaged roof, meaning they will provide a one-time payment for the roof's value at the time of the claim. While this policy is often less expensive than Replacement Cost Value policies because they factor in depreciation, they ultimately pay less when a claim is made.
A Replacement Cost Value policy will cover the cost to repair or replace your damaged roof without deducting for depreciation or wear and tear. After approval, you will initially receive a check for the actual cost value of the roof, followed by a second check for the depreciated value once the roof has been replaced and verified. This disparity between policies leaves room for a payout gap.
If your claim is approved, you will also be responsible for covering your deductible. Each claim has different deductible values, so it is essential to review your policy requirements. Any upgrades for your roof outside the claim will also need to be covered by the homeowner.
Storm Chasers
A common occurrence in this industry is storm chasers. Some companies may send representatives to your door to sell you a roof after a storm. It is advisable not to panic and to call a reputable roofing company (after contacting your insurance) to provide an evaluation before making any decisions. While it's crucial to promptly evaluate your roof for storm damage, it's equally important to take your time and choose a company you trust. Contact your homeowners' insurance first, then decide the best course of action for your situation.
What Will a Roofer do to Evaluate Storm Damage and Assist With the Claim Process?
Your roofer can identify areas where they suspect there is storm damage, take photographs, and assist with the process with your adjuster if they believe you have a valid claim. While the final decision always rests with your insurance company, the Renaissance Roofing, Inc. team will always strive to advocate for customers affected by storm damage. Additionally, Renaissance Roofing, Inc. can assist once you have an approved claim with your insurance by reviewing the claim to ensure there are no discrepancies between what is required to properly fix your roof and what your insurance has provided for the repair/replacement. With nearly three decades of experience, we have dealt with a wide variety of claims and insurance companies and would be happy to offer our advice and assistance.
Trust our dedicated team to guide you through the insurance claim process!
