If your roof is damaged, you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your roof. The most common cause of roof damage is wind or hail; these two types of damage account for approximately 40 percent of all claims filed by homeowners. Filing a claim for roof damage can be confusing, especially if you have never been through the process. Here are some tips to help you navigate a roof claim.
Review Your Insurance Policy
The first thing you need to do is read your policy to determine whether your roof is covered. Look for a section entitled “Wind/Hail Damage” or a similar term. If your policy does not include wind and hail damage, you will be responsible for paying the full amount to repair or replace your roof. However, it would be prudent to call your insurance agent to verify that you are not covered.
If you are covered, check the amount of your deductible. The deductible is the amount that you must contribute toward the cost of repairing or restoring your roof. To illustrate, if your claim is for $10,000 and your deductible is $1,000, your insurance company will only pay $9,000.
Next, determine the type of coverage. In Texas, most homeowners who have a mortgage choose replacement coverage. This means that the insurance company will pay what they believe to be the appropriate cost of restoring your roof. If your coverage is for the actual cash value of your roof, also known as ACV coverage, the insurance company will depreciate your roof before determining the amount to pay. For example, if you have 30-year shingles that are 15 years old, the insurance company may calculate that your roof has an ACV equivalent to 50 percent of the cost of a new roof. This value is the maximum that the insurance company will pay toward replacing your roof.
Ask a Reputable Roofing Contractor to Inspect Your Roof
In the state of Texas, it is the insurance company that decides the appropriate amount rather than the roofer. However, a professional, reliable roofer can tell you whether you have hail or wind damage and whether your roof can be repaired or must be replaced.
Contact Your Insurance Company or Agent to File a Claim
Your policy should have a number to call to file a claim. If you prefer, most agents are happy to accept your claim. When you are assigned a claim number, be sure that you write it down and keep it handy until the final check has been received.
Obtain Estimates
Your insurance company will advise how many estimates they want you to submit. Keep in mind that the insurance company cannot require you to choose a specific contractor. However, you should obtain estimates from local companies with excellent reputations. Be wary of out-of-town roofers who knock on your door, especially if there has been a significant storm in your area.
Select a Roofing Contractor
You are under no obligation to select the contractor submitting the lowest estimate. Base your decision on more than just price. Check references, ask questions and ensure that you are comfortable with the roofer. Since the insurance company will probably send an adjuster to inspect your roof, ask your contractor to be present when the adjuster arrives. An experienced roofer may be able to point out damage that the adjuster missed.
Ask Your Insurance Company About Payments
In all probability, your insurance company will issue two checks to cover your claim. The first check will normally be issued as soon as your claim is approved. The balance due will not be paid until your roofer submits an invoice showing that all work has been performed; the insurance company may also require that an adjuster verify the completion and quality of the work. If you have a mortgage, the checks will likely show both you and your mortgage company as the payees. You will need your mortgage company to sign the checks.
If You Have Roof Damage, Contact Alpha Roofing
Alpha Roofing Industries is an Austin roofing contractor and has been recognized for its award-winning recognition of wind and hail damage. Furthermore, many of our roof installations are subject to inspection by insurance companies or city inspectors. We have earned an outstanding reputation in the industry. If you have roof damage, we would be happy to conduct an inspection and advise you of the appropriate actions.
Alpha Roofing installs asphalt shingles, metal roofing systems, skylights, and siding. We also handle roof repairs, flashing and chimney repairs. Our employees are professionals who only work for us and have been intensively screened. We offer exceptional quality at reasonable rates. If you have more questions about Roofing Insurance Claim Tips, or would like to obtain a free estimate, complete the online form or call our office at (512) 777-1086.