How to File an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
If your roof is damaged by a major storm with hail or high winds, the process of filing a homeowners insurance claim may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. American Roofing & Construction is a Wichita KS roofing contractor with decades of experience dealing with homeowners insurance claims, insurance adjusters, and insurance companies. To help you understand the claims process, we’ve outlined how to file an insurance claim for roof damage and illustrate what to expect along the way.
Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Before Storm Season
Before we get into the claims process, let’s talk about preparation. Taking the time to understand your insurance policy is crucial. Hidden clauses or endorsements might limit your payouts after a covered event like a storm. Be sure to clarify with your insurance agent or carrier what type of policy you have: Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cost Value (ACV). This is important to know because if you have an RCV policy, depreciation will not be factored in so your insurance company would pay to replace your roof with a new roof of similar quality. With an ACV policy, you receive the replacement cost of the roof minus depreciation, so if your roof is older you may have to pay more out of pocket to get a new roof.
Types of Roof Damage Typically Covered by Insurance
- Fire
- Lightning
- Hail damage
- Falling objects
- Vandalism
- Wind damage
Roof Damage Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover
- Normal wear and tear
- Floods
- Earthquakes
- Animal
- Mold or rot
- Cosmetic damage
After a Storm: My Roof Has Storm Damage – Now What?
First and foremost, ensure your safety. Assess your surroundings and notify the authorities if you feel unsafe. Roofing companies exist to help with roof replacements and repairs, so don’t prioritize your roof over your own safety. When it’s safe to do so, you are responsible for taking steps to mitigate damage & prevent further property loss. If it is discovered that you did not prevent additional damages from happening, coverage may not be extended to you.
Steps for Filing a Roof Damage Claim
1. Documentation
As you go through the claims process, you will want to gather as much information about your situation as possible to clearly explain your event, so your claims process will go smoothly. Be sure you can speak to how the event occurred and how you prevented further roof damages. Take lots of photos and note the time and date of the storm or damaging event.
2. Damage Assessment
Your first instinct may be to call your homeowners insurance company to file a claim right away; however, this isn’t always the best idea. Unless there’s significant damage, you’ll first want to assess the damages to see if it is worth contacting your insurance carrier. If the damages do not appear to exceed your deductible, then you will not want to file an insurance claim. If you are unsure about the extent of damage to your roof, contact a local licensed and insured roofing contractor. Once the damage is assessed, you can discuss with your roofer whether repairs are needed or if you need to replace your roof. If a claim is filed, the roofing company will be able to coordinate directly with your insurance carrier to expedite the process.
3. Contacting Your Insurance Carrier And Filing A Claim
Time plays a considerable role when filing an insurance claim. If you wait too long, it could potentially affect coverage decisions. As soon as the damage assessment is complete, it’s time to contact your insurance carrier. To make the claims process as seamless as possible, be sure to have your documentation, photos, and dates handy. Your insurance carrier will want to know the severity of the roof damage and if said damage has displaced you and your family, what caused the damage, and the date/time. After a brief Q&A, they will let you know what the next step will be.
4. The Estimate & The Initial Payment
Once you’ve filed a home insurance claim, your insurance carrier may send out an adjuster to gather documentation and write an estimate for roof repairs or replacement. Once their inspection is complete, you can expect to receive an estimate and a check, usually within a few days. Then you can reach out to your roofing contractor and begin the repair process. First, let your contractor review your estimate to ensure they can complete the repairs or replacement with the given funds. If the estimate seems low, the roofing company can submit a ‘supplement’ to your insurance carrier for consideration.
5. Roof Repair Process
The roof repair process will look different for every homeowner based on their estimate, damage, and insurance coverage. However, most, if not all homeowners should expect strong communication from both your roofing contractor and your insurance company throughout the repair process. Just know that all parties involved are vested in completing your project as quickly and effectively as possible.
6. Project Completion & Final Payments
We are now at the last stage of the process. Before you sign the insurance check over to your contractor, request a final walkthrough. This will be the time to ask any remaining questions, observe the quality of work, and ensure your expectations have been met. Your roofer should provide all documentation required by your insurance carrier and will most often send your carrier a final invoice with replacement costs. Lastly, if you are satisfied with your roofing contractor’s work, by all means, proceed with your final payment. Congratulations, your home insurance claim is complete!
Need to File a Roof Damage Claim in Wichita, Kansas?
American Roofing & Construction is an experienced roofing company serving Wichita, KS and surrounding cities. Whether your roof has hail damage, wind damage, or storm damage, we offer free roof inspections and can guide you through the insurance claims process. To file an insurance claim for roof damage or schedule a roof inspection, call us today at 316-461-6565.