No one wants to wake up one morning and find water dripping from the ceiling because of a roof leak. However, accidents happen, and homeowners should be prepared for anything. That’s where homeowners’ insurance comes in.
Discover the ins and outs of filing a roofing insurance claim in this helpful guide. When the unexpected happens and your roof needs immediate repair, the tips below will simplify the process.
Discuss Your Policy Coverage With an Insurance Agent
Homeowners’ insurance differs for everyone, so make sure you understand your policy coverage limits before filing a claim. An agent can answer all of your questions about your policy, including:
- What type of damage is covered?
- How long does it take to approve a claim?
- How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
Reviewing your coverage limits can help you prepare for costs that insurance won’t pay for. For example, some providers agree to pay only 80% of a roof repair estimate and leave the remaining expenses for the homeowner.
Never File a Claim Without Documenting the Damag
Insurers need to know the extent of the damage before they can move forward. When filing a roofing insurance claim, make sure you provide plenty of photo evidence detailing the destruction. This may include:
- A large tree or branch atop your home
- Visible roofline sagging
- Interior water damage due to leaks
- Holes in the attic ceiling
- Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
Document as much as you can from both the ground and above your home. Contact a professional if you’re unable to safely access your rooftop to snap photos.
Research Local Roofing Companies
One of the most important parts of filing a roofing insurance claim is having a trustworthy contractor on your side. How do you find a roofer you can count on?
- Ask for personal recommendations: Check with loved ones first to see whether they know any reliable roofers who can help.
- Read a company’s reviews: Your customer experience matters. Companies with positive online reviews are more likely to provide quality service.
- Focus on credentials: Get estimates from contractors who have years of industry experience and relevant certifications or licensing.
Meet With an Insurance Adjuster and Roofing Contractor
Insurance adjusters have to verify your claims with a formal roof damage assessment. They’ll perform a storm damage inspection and review your photos, receipts, and other claim documentation to determine the scope of repairs. Adjusters may not offer estimates that cover the full scope of the damage, so have a qualified roofing contractor present.
Roofers will confirm the repairs they must perform and negotiate with the adjuster to maximize your coverage. For a second opinion on pricing, consider meeting with an independent adjuster after filing a roofing insurance claim.
Sign a Contract With Roofers and Let the Repair Process Begin
Once the adjuster agrees on a coverage amount with your contractor, you can officially move forward with repairs. Roofers will review all the work that needs to be done and the total amount of insurance funding you’ll receive. You’ll agree to this information by signing an official contract.
With all of the paperwork complete, contractors can start fixing your damaged structure.
Choose Gotcha Covered Contracting When Storm Damage Strikes
Filing a roofing insurance claim doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you follow the steps above. When Mother Nature or accidents damage your rooftop, look no further than Gotcha Covered Contracting. We proudly serve residents throughout the Pittsburgh region and offer top-notch roof repair services.
Schedule a free inspection today to see how we can improve your structure. Submit our online contact form or call 724-581-8147 to get started!
