Are you seeking answers to your roof insurance claim questions? With three decades of experience in the field, our team has come together to address the top 7 questions we frequently receive. In this informative blog post, we break down the common questions surrounding roof insurance claims, providing you with valuable insights to navigate the process confidently.
Understanding roof insurance claims is crucial for a smooth experience. Our goal is to assist homeowners like you by addressing key concerns and sharing our expertise.
Dealing with roof insurance claims can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. By demystifying the intricacies and providing practical insights, we aim to save you time and guide you through the process successfully. Explore this resource to find expert advice and detailed explanations, enabling you to take control of your roof insurance claim journey.
Your knowledge and confidence as a homeowner matter when it comes to roof insurance claims. Join us as we unravel the mysteries, protect your investment, and secure the compensation you deserve. Let’s dive in and gain the insights needed to navigate roof insurance claims effectively.
Table of Contents
Do I need to tarp up my roof?
Yes!
If you have storm damage to your roof system, tarping it up will prevent further damage until the claim can be approved to complete the necessary repairs. Insurance companies recommend tarping your roof for this reason, prevent further damage. You as a homeowner are liable for minimizing the damage.
Call a local roofing company that has experience with identifying storm damage to tarp your roof!
Be aware of roofing companies that tarp every single roof. If you don’t have any storm damage the insurance company will not approve the claim and you will be liable paying out of pocket to remove the tarp/nails.
Will my rates go up if I file an insurance claim?
No your rates will not go up if you file a roof insurance claim.
The reason is due to hail, high winds, hurricanes, tornadoes are storm damages created by an act of god or nature. It is simply out of your control and there is no way for you to prevent it. This is why it is covered under homeowner’s insurance and your rates will not go up.
If you have storm damage, don’t be afraid to file an insurance claim.
What is the insurance payment process like?
99% of the time the process will run smoothly like this, but first there are a couple of terms you will need to know.
RCV = Replacement Cost Value
ACV = Actual Cash Value
Depreciation
Deductible: This is the only payment that a homeowner is responsible for.
If you want a more detailed breakdown on these terms read How to Read An Insurance Estimate.
The deductible (in an insurance policy) a specified amount of money that the insured must pay before an insurance company will pay a claim.
Once approved, this is the payment process:
- 1st check (Insurance Company)
- Deductible (Out of pocket)
- 2nd check (Insurance Company)
The insurance company will send you a 1st check. You will give that 1st check + Deductible to your roofing company. Once the work has been completed, the roofing company will send over invoices, completed pictures & anything else your specified insurance company asks for to release the 2nd check. Once you receive the 2nd check you will give that to your roofing company completing the process.
Do I need to get several estimates?
No, you don’t need to get several estimates.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter which roofing company you choose to go with, you are still only responsible for the deductible payment.
If contractor B has a cheaper roof price than contractor A you will only be saving the insurance company money because your deductible with them doesn’t change. I always recommend to homeowner’s to choose the most professional roofing company that you prefer.
Do I need to pay my deductible?
Yes, you do need to pay your deductible in full.
If you don’t pay your deductible it is classified as insurance fraud and will lead to felony charges.
Why will my claim not get approved?
These are the most common reasons why your roof insurance claim does not get approved:
- No storm damage to your roof
- Not enough damage costs that exceed your deductible
- Storm damage actually happened before you switched insurance companies
Usually, as a homeowner you will get worried about your roof because you are starting to see your neighbors get roof replacements and roof inspections. There might be another case where you see the news is telling you that your city got hit with hail damage/high winds. Our advice to homeowners is always we have to find physical damage to your own roof and just because your neighbor got approved doesn’t mean you will automatically.
It’s important to call a professional roofing company first to assess if there is actual storm damage to file an insurance claim. They will save you the headache of filing an insurance claim and going through the process just to get denied because you didn’t really have storm damage.
Sometimes you might have only several blown off shingles and the insurance adjuster will agree that there is damage but it is repairable. When the roof repair costs less than your deductible, your claim will be denied.
Another reason we have seen claims denied is due to the actual storm happening before you were insured with your current insurance company. If there was a hailstorm in Spring 2021 but you changed insurance companies in Fall 2021, your claim will be denied because the storm happened before you were covered with your current insurance company and you will not be able to file a claim with your previous insurance company.
The typical time frame you have to file an insurance claim is 1-2 years depending on your insurance policy and if you don’t file within that time you will no longer be able to claim damage from that storm.
Should I sign a contingency agreement?
Contingency agreement: An official agreement that the contractor will provide necessary information for roof insurance claim in exchange for the awarded job on the approved claim.
There are different opinions when it comes to contingency agreements. This is our opinion: This agreement protects both the roofing company and the homeowner.
Here is an example: A roofing company went out and did a full inspection report on the roof, chalked, took all the photos and got the satellite measurements to submit to the insurance company. The roofing company went another time to meet with the insurance adjuster. The claim gets approved and then the homeowner chooses another roofing company that says they can pay your “deductible”. Do you think the roofing company should be compensated for the work?
It’s important to do your research and find a professional roofing company that you can trust. If you trust the roofing company then I see no problem in signing a contingency agreement that is only there to protect you both.
