Roofing Insurance Claims: Process, Tips, & What to Expect

When your roof suffers damage due to a storm, hail, or other unexpected events, navigating the roofing insurance claims process can feel daunting. Many homeowners find themselves wondering where to start and what steps to take next. From understanding what your insurance covers to ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation, the roofing insurance claim process may seem overwhelming. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, the entire process becomes much more manageable.

 

Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Before filing any roofing insurance claim, it’s crucial to understand the details of your homeowners insurance policy.

• Coverage Types: The coverage provided for your roof will depend on the type of policy you have. There are two main types:

Actual Cash Value (ACV): With an ACV policy, the insurance company pays out based on the depreciated value of your roof at the time of damage. This means the older your roof is, the less coverage you will receive. This often leaves homeowners paying the remaining costs out of pocket if the insurance payout doesn’t cover the entire replacement cost.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV): RCV policies are more comprehensive, covering the total cost to replace the roof with a brand-new one of similar type and quality. You’ll receive an initial payment covering the depreciated value, followed by a second payment after the repairs, covering the remainder once the work is complete.

• Deductibles: Familiarize yourself with your deductible—the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Knowing this figure helps you budget for repairs and understand the financial impact of your claim.
• Exclusions: Every policy has exclusions. Common ones include damage from neglect, wear and tear, or certain weather-related incidents. Review these exclusions to avoid surprises down the line.

Understanding whether your policy is ACV or RCV is key to managing your expectations about how much coverage you will receive. Additionally, confirm what perils are covered by your policy—typically, damage caused by storms, hail, and wind is included, but wear and tear or negligence is usually excluded.

Documenting the Damage and Starting the Claims Process

Your first instinct after a storm or accident may be to rush out and check your roof. Before you do, take a breath and prioritize safety. Roof damage can be tricky to spot, and getting on top of the roof yourself isn’t always a good idea. Instead, assess from the ground.

Here are a few signs of potential roof damage you can look for without risking a fall:

• Missing or broken shingles
• Debris or branches on the roof
• Dented or cracked shingles (especially after hail)
• Water stains on your ceilings or walls inside your home (indicating leaks)
• Granules from shingles in your gutters or downspouts

Once you notice roof damage, it’s essential to document everything before filing a claim. Begin by taking photos of the damaged areas, and, if possible, collect additional evidence such as hailstones, fallen branches, or signs of a lightning strike. This documentation will be crucial in backing up your claim.

Next, contact a reputable roofing contractor to perform a thorough inspection of your roof. Having an expert on your side is crucial, not only to ensure that the damage is properly assessed but also because they can help provide detailed documentation for your insurance claim. Most contractors experienced in working with insurance companies can also provide you with an estimate that can be used during the claims process.

Tip: Avoid roofers who promise to pay your deductible—these are red flags for potential scams.

 

The Role of the Roofing Contractor

A reputable contractor will:

• Conduct a thorough inspection: This includes climbing onto the roof to evaluate its structural integrity and determining whether the damage is cosmetic or more severe. This assessment also covers issues like tree impact damage or burns and cracks from lightning strikes.
• Document findings: Providing photographs, reports, and estimates will be crucial in substantiating your claim. Be sure to document any tree debris or evidence of a lightning strike, as these can be key in justifying certain claims.
• Offer a cost estimate: This will give you a clear understanding of the financial implications and help ensure that your insurance payout adequately covers repairs or replacement.

After your claim is approved, the contractor will provide an estimate for the necessary repairs. At this point, the insurer may issue an initial check based on the actual cash value of the roof. If there are any discrepancies or items missing from the insurance estimate, your contractor may need to file a supplement to ensure all the necessary work is covered.

Scheduling Repairs: After approval, you and your contractor can begin scheduling the roof replacement or repairs. Standard roofing materials are often available quickly, but custom materials may take longer to arrive, delaying the repair schedule.

Having a reliable contractor on your side can prevent common pitfalls like being underpaid or having your claim denied due to insufficient documentation.

The Claim Filing Process: Pre- and Post-Approval

Once you have documentation and an estimate from a roofing contractor, it’s time to file your claim with your insurance company. Some insurers may ask you to contact a roofer first, while others will send an adjuster to assess the damage.

Pre-Approval Steps

1. Review Your Policy: Make sure your damage is covered under a “covered peril” (e.g., storm damage, hail, wind, etc.). Damage from negligence or lack of maintenance is typically not covered.
2. Submit a Claim: After reviewing your policy and collecting all documentation, submit your claim to the insurance company. Your contractor can also help with this step.
3. Inspection by an Adjuster: The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. If possible, have your contractor present during the inspection to advocate on your behalf and ensure nothing is overlooked.

Post-Approval Steps

1. Estimate Submission: Once the claim is approved, your contractor will submit an estimate to the insurance company detailing the work and costs involved.
2. Receive Payment: Most insurers provide two payments: an initial payment to cover immediate repairs and a second payment after the work is completed.
3. Repairs and Final Payment: Once repairs are underway, any additional issues or costs discovered during the work can be documented and submitted to your insurer for supplemental coverage. After the work is done, the insurance company will issue the final payment, covering the remainder of the costs.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Unfortunately, not every insurance claim gets approved. Your claim may be denied if the damage doesn’t meet your policy’s criteria (e.g., general wear and tear), or if the repair costs don’t exceed your deductible. However, if you believe your claim was unjustly denied or underpaid, you have the right to appeal. If your claim is denied:

• Verify that the damage falls under a covered peril.
• Double-check that the repair costs exceed your deductible.
• Work with your contractor to provide additional evidence or request a reinspection.
• You have the right to appeal the decision, following the insurer’s procedures.

To appeal a denied claim:

• Review the adjuster’s report to understand the reasoning behind the denial.
• Request a re-inspection, potentially with the assistance of a roofing contractor who can provide additional documentation to support your claim.

Sometimes, supplementing your claim is necessary to cover costs that the insurance initially left off, such as certain labor or material expenses. This can be a back-and-forth process, but an experienced contractor can assist with getting these supplements approved.

 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in the Roofing Insurance Claims Process

The roofing insurance claims process is not without its challenges. Homeowners frequently encounter roadblocks that can delay repairs or reduce the amount of coverage they receive. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not Paying the Deductible: Some roofing companies may offer to “cover” your deductible as a way to entice your business. However, this is illegal and considered insurance fraud. Always ensure you pay your deductible as required by your policy.
• Filing Unnecessary Claims: Be cautious about filing claims for minor repairs that may not exceed your deductible. Frequent claims can lead to increased premiums or even the cancellation of your policy.
• Ignoring Regular Roof Maintenance: Insurers may deny your claim if the damage is caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. Regular roof inspections and upkeep can ensure your claim is valid and protect you from costly denials.
• Signing Contracts Too Early: Some roofers may try to get you to sign a contract before your claim has been approved. Avoid committing to any company until your insurance provider gives the green light for repairs.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: Low prices often indicate poor workmanship and low-quality materials. Always prioritize reputation and quality when selecting a contractor.

Final Considerations and Best Practices

Filing a roofing insurance claim is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail. Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:

• Act Quickly: As soon as you notice roof damage, contact your insurance company. Most policies have time limits on when you can file a claim after the damage occurs.
• Avoid Multiple Claims: If the cost of repairs doesn’t meet your deductible, it’s better to pay out of pocket. Frequent claims can raise your premiums and, in extreme cases, result in policy cancellation.
• Be Persistent: If you feel your claim was undervalued or unfairly denied, don’t hesitate to ask for a reinspection or file an appeal. With the right evidence and persistence, you can get the coverage you’re entitled to.

Once the roofing work is complete, you’ll receive the final payment from your insurance company, which should cover the remaining costs, barring any upgrades you’ve opted for. Always ensure the work is done to your satisfaction, and keep all documentation in case further issues arise down the road.

Conclusion

Navigating a roofing insurance claim may seem intimidating at first, but by understanding your policy, documenting damage, and working with reputable contractors, you can successfully manage the process and get the coverage you need. Remember to stay vigilant, avoid common pitfalls, and advocate for yourself throughout the entire journey.

By following these steps, you’ll not only protect your home but also ensure that you’re maximizing the benefits of your insurance coverage.

If you have questions about your roofing insurance claims or need a professional inspection, contact us today! Let’s ensure your home is protected and restored to its best condition.