After a major storm, your roof may have sustained damage worthy of filing an insurance claim. High winds, hail, and falling debris can pack a big punch, dealing significant damage to your roof that may be expensive to repair.
If you suspect damage to your roof, or any part of your home’s exterior, it’s important to determine if you should file an insurance claim as quickly as possible. Depending on your policy, you have a predetermined amount of time to file a claim before it’s too late. However, since this process can be challenging, let’s dive into the steps you should take to file a claim following a storm.
Immediately After the Storm
Assess and Document the Damage
If it was a small storm, you may have a few shingles missing or some loose granules around your home’s foundation. For more severe weather events, your property may have sustained more significant damage.
It is important to document as much of the damage as possible. Take pictures of the damage from multiple angles as soon as it is safe. If emergency repairs are needed to protect from further damage, try to take photos before those temporary repairs are made. Additionally, be sure to document any interior damage that might also have occurred because of damage to your roof.
Locate Insurance Information
Locate your insurance information. Gather your policy number, agent contact credentials, and identify any parameters on what your policy covers and timing for filing a claim and/or completing repairs. Having all of this information on hand will help expedite the process of filing your storm damage roof insurance claim.
Contact a Trusted Contractor
If you don’t have a roofing contractor in mind for your storm damage repair, find a trusted professional who is local and licensed. Referrals from friends and neighbors are often great options as they will have firsthand experience on the service level and quality of work. Choose a contractor who is patient and thorough. You want to find a roofer you trust and feel comfortable working with.
You might want to talk to several roofing companies to get multiple estimates and a better idea of how substantial your damage is, as well as different quotes for the costs associated with repairs or a replacement. The findings of these roofing companies can help you determine if you should in fact file an insurance claim for storm damage to your roof. If damage is minor and will cost little more than your deductible, it might not be in your best interest to file a claim.
If, however, there is evidence of substantial damage, it’s best to act quickly. In many cases, contractors with storm damage repair experience will work directly with your insurance company on your behalf.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have a firm understanding of the extent of your roof storm damage, you will need to contact your insurance provider. They will want you to report the damage as soon as possible and provide details.
Your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to your home to inspect the damage. The adjuster will inspect your home and the surrounding area. You can share the documentation you have gathered with them at this time. The adjuster will then work with the insurance company and your roof repair company to determine the amount of the damage and what your policy will cover for repairing or replacing the roof.
If you have already decided which roofing contractor you will be working with, they will likely want to be at your home when the adjuster completes the damage inspection. They will be able to discuss areas of damage and concern and any possible challenges the roofing professional has identified with repairs that could affect the estimate.
After the adjuster inspects your property, your insurance agent will make sure you have all the documentation needed to file a claim. Once the claim is reviewed and approved, you or your contractor will connect with the insurance company to be sure the scope of work is understood by all.
Your Roof Is Repaired/Replaced
After your claim for storm damage is approved, the insurance company will supply a detailed estimate and issue the funds to cover the repairs or roof replacement.
Your roofing contractor will set the schedule to complete your repair and will order the materials necessary. The contractor will be responsible for completing the work according to the contract signed by you and the claim agreed to by the insurance company.
Usually, the roofing contractor is paid once the work is completed. If you hold a mortgage on your home, the insurance check will usually be made out to you AND the mortgage lender to ensure the necessary repairs are made to the property. Your mortgage lender would need to co-sign the check from the insurance company.
Also note, in many cities there are ordinances that require you to have your roof inspected by a town-certified contractor before it can be replaced. A reputable local roofing contractor will be familiar with the local requirements and help with any required inspections.
Both your roofing company and your insurance company want your repairs or new roof to be the highest quality possible. The roofing contractor wants your referral business, and the insurance company does not want to pay another claim the next time a severe weather event hits your area. So hiring a trusted, quality roofing company is a must.
We’ll Help You File Your Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim!
At Action Roofing we are proud to be a BBB A+ roofing professional that has been serving the Austin and central Texas region since 2005. We will walk you through the insurance claim maze and deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf.
Contact us immediately after a storm for a free inspection. We promise to do everything possible to build a trusting relationship and provide quality roof repairs or a full roof replacement for your property. Let’s get started!
