New to Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim for Roof Damage? Here’s What to Do
If it’s your first time filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage, it’s easy to be intimidated by the process. We often hear worries from homeowners, including questions such as “What if I do something wrong?” or “What if my claim is denied?”
Action Roofing & Construction is Central Texas’s premier expert when it comes to all things storm damage repair and restoration. We’ve helped numerous homeowners navigate the insurance claim process successfully, and we’re always available to help! Here’s a quick guide for how to go about filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage.
Assess and Document Damage Immediately
Immediately following a major storm, it’s important to establish whether your home was damaged. If there were reports of large hail in your area, you should look for clear signs of damage—after the storms have passed, of course.
Signs of hail damage you may be able to spot include dark spots or visible dents and divots on your roof, missing shingles or broken roof tiles, and excess asphalt granules around your roof line. Dents in your gutters, siding, deck, and other portions of your home’s exterior as well as vehicles left in your driveway are also a sign your roof may have been damaged as well.
Take note of any signs of damage you find, along with photos if possible. While we don’t recommend climbing onto your roof, any evidence you can compile from the ground will help get the ball rolling.
Get Your Information Ready and File a Claim Promptly
Now that you’ve established that your roof was likely damaged, it’s time to contact your insurance provider. First, make sure you have all your information ready. Locate your policy number, agent contact credentials, and read up on the details of your policy, including what your policy covers and timelines for when you must file a claim or complete repairs.
With this information in hand, you can contact your provider and get the claims process started officially. It’s important to file a claim promptly if your roof and home exterior has been damaged. Not only does existing damage leave your home vulnerable, but insurance policies will have a specific window of time within which you must file a claim.
Contact a Roofer for the Adjustment
There are many reasons why you should have a roofer present during your insurance adjustment. While insurance adjusters have experience in evaluating damage, they’re simply not as adept as roofers when it comes to spotting roof damage. A roofer can help ensure nothing is missed during your adjustment.
In addition, roofers are familiar with building codes and regulations. While damage is the most common reason for a roof replacement, in some cases a roofer may be privy to building codes or other information that may necessitate a roof replacement. For instance, during a previous project, our roofing contractors found that a homeowner’s roof used a discontinued shingle that would not be compatible with new products, meaning a replacement would be necessary.
Complete Your Roof Repair!
Now that you’ve finished filing a homeowners insurance claim for your roof, it’s time to repair the damage! By partnering with a roofing expert during the adjustment, you can also expedite the roof repair process, as that contractor will already know exactly what damage your home sustained and how to address the issue. They’ll be readily available to discuss your options for a new roof, and your roof will be repaired or replaced that much sooner.
Don’t File Your Claim Alone! Action Roofing Can Help
At Action Roofing, we’re renowned as the roofers who just don’t give up. As roofing and storm damage repair experts, we’re experienced professionals when it comes to navigating the insurance claims process. Our contractors are adept at identifying storm damage and helping homeowners substantiate their insurance claims, even when their claim was previously denied.
If your home was in the path of one of the many severe storms we face here in Central Texas, Action Roofing is the expert to call. Contact us today to schedule a storm damage inspection!
