If a storm has damaged your home, you’re probably already stressed. And now you need to file a claim and find a reputable contractor for repairs? That’s tough! But we hear you.
Many homeowners have no clue how to tell if they have roof damage, let alone where to begin when it comes to filing a roof damage claim. This can be incredibly confusing if you need to work with a roofing company or find a reliable roofing company, for that matter.
So, we’ve done the hard part and put together this guide for homeowners on how roofing companies work with insurance companies during the claims process.
When Might You Need to File a Roofing Insurance Claim?
There are a few scenarios where you might have to file an insurance claim for your roof:
- If severe weather damages your roof
- If your home is struck by lightning
- If falling trees or limbs damage your roof
- In the event of fire, wind, or hail damage
For most people, all of these scenarios are covered under a standard insurance policy. When you sign up for your homeowner’s insurance, it’s vital to read through the fine print. Some damages, or perils, are not covered under a standard policy and must be added, such as hurricane and flood insurance.
The best times to file an insurance claim for roof damage are if it’s extensive (more than a shingle or two is damaged), if your roof is older or out of warranty, and after hail or wind damage. There can be underlying issues that, if not dealt with properly, could cause even more significant issues down the road.
Paying Out of Pocket vs. Going Through Insurance
Yes, you could technically pay for roof repairs out of pocket, but the cost carries a wide range. While we could tell you the current average cost of roof repairs sits around $950, that number can vary greatly depending on these factors:
- Type of roofing material
- The size and slope of the roof
- The severity or extent of the damage
- Where you live
- If labor and permits are required
- The number of roofing elements (vents, chimneys, etc.)
But just because you’re going through insurance doesn’t necessarily mean you’re saving money. There are deductibles and premium costs to consider. Some issues that could come with filing an insurance claim or claims are:
- You might pay more for your deductible than you would for out-of-pocket costs. This is especially true for minor repairs.
- Filing too many claims can hurt you, and the company may raise your premiums or even drop your coverage.
- You might miss out on good rebates when buying materials to repair your roof.
- Insurance companies may choose a roofer for you that might cost more than other local reputable teams of your own choosing.
How Do Roof Insurance Claims Work?
Roofing insurance claims can be complex and involve many people, documents, and questions you may not know the answers to! But that’s ok— we’re going to help. Here’s a pretty standard checklist of what you might expect during the insurance claim process.
Step 1: Reach Out to Your Insurance Company to File
This is usually pretty straightforward. You’ll call your insurance company and let them know that you think you have roof damage and would like to file a claim. They will likely assign you an adjuster who will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Step 2: Roof Inspected By an Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster will come to your home, assess the damage, and determine how much your insurance company is willing to pay for the repairs. They’ll document everything at this stage, and it’s a great moment to ask any questions and get a better idea of what damage actually occurred.
Step 3: Your Claim Is Thoroughly Reviewed and Finalized
This stage of the process requires your insurance company and roofer to negotiate and discuss an estimate and how much it might cost to get the repairs done. This stage is vital to ensuring you get the coverage you need, the roofers get paid, and the insurance company can appropriately file your claim free of penalty.
Step 4: You Get an Estimate and Work Begins
At this point, you have an estimate of how much the repairs will cost and how much your insurance company is willing to cover. You can also ask how long it might take to complete the repairs and finally schedule your repair. Work begins on your roof!
As you can see, the process is simple but complex. Lucky for you, Tectum Roofing offers help navigating this confusing process of filing an insurance claim correctly.
Get Insurance Claims Support Now With Tectum Roofing
It’s not often you find a local roofing company that offers insurance claim assistance. But at Tectum Roofing, we know how inconvenient storm damage can be and how stressful it is to deal with a damaged roof. From avoiding storm chasers to trying to understand homeowners insurance policies simultaneously, the entire thing can be a pain.
But you have insurance for a reason: to help you in times like this. And while you should worry about the safety of your family and home, we can assist you with your claim. Tectum Roofing has the knowledge and process to handle these situations so that you don’t have to spend hours learning about the insurance claims process. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
So if you’re about to tackle a roof insurance claim, contact Tectum Roofing for help! Our professional team will ensure your claim is paid fairly and the maximum settlement is reached, so everyone gets paid, you save money, and your roof is returned to its original glory. Reach out today!