If you own property in Central Texas, there is an excellent chance that at some point during your life, your roof will suffer storm damage. The exact procedures to file a claim for a damaged roof vary a bit by insurance company, but the following checklist covers the most common requirements.
• Review your policy to determine your coverage. Most policies include a deductible (which is the amount that you must pay out of your own pocket). As an example, suppose your policy calls for a deductible of $1,000 and you suffer a loss that will cost $17,000 to repair. Your insurance company will only pay $16,000 toward the repairs. If you cannot locate your policy or are unsure of your coverage, call your insurance agent for assistance.
• Document your loss. Take pictures of the damages, keeping in mind that there may be more damage to your property than just your roof. For example, if your property in the Austin area has been damaged by hail, siding, windows, screens and trim may have also been damaged.
• Your insurance card or policy should have the phone number you are to call to report a claim. Call this number and follow your insurance company’s directions. They may want pictures of your damages at this point, or they may prefer to wait until an adjuster inspects your property. (Normally, your insurance company will arrange for an adjuster.)
• If you have already decided on a roofing contractor before the adjuster visits, try to arrange to have your contractor present when the adjuster makes his inspection. A roofing contractor may spot damages that the adjuster misses, improving the accuracy of the adjuster’s report.
• The adjuster will prepare a report that details all of the damages and how much the insurance company will pay for the repair. Make sure that you receive a copy of this report.
• Obtain quotes from more than one roofing contractor. When you decide on a roofing company, you will be asked to sign a contract. Read the contract carefully. Compare the roofer’s quote to the adjuster’s report to make sure that all repairs are included. Keep a copy of all paperwork you are asked to sign.
• Most insurance companies will ask for a copy of the signed contract at this point. They may also want you to send them pictures of the damages if you have not already done so.
• Your insurance company may send a check to cover the first part of the repairs. If you have a mortgage, the check will normally be made payable to both you and your lender. In most cases, you will need to endorse the check and send it to your lender. Your lender will then issue payment to your contractor. The typical procedure is to issue a check made payable to both you and your contractor for a down payment on the work to be done.
• Once the work has been completed, your insurance company will likely want pictures of the repaired area (and possible a form signed by your contractor) before it issues a check for the balance due to your contractor.
Having a roofing contractor who understands how insurance companies handle claims can be helpful if you are anxious about your damaged roof. At Alpha Roofing, we have helped many customers navigate the maze of insurance paperwork. We have more than 35 years of experience in all areas of roofing-related services. We offer superior work at affordable prices. To request a free quote, simple submit our online form, or call us at 512.777.1086.