ROOF DAMAGE INSURANCE CLAIMS
Roof Damage Insurance Claims Experts
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. If you suspect that your roof has sustained damage, the first question you may be asking is whether or not to contact your insurance. It may seem daunting if you’ve never gone through filing an insurance claim and the necessary paperwork, but A-1 Contractors, Inc. is here to help you get through the roof insurance claim process and restore your home back to normal. Please visit this page for your insurance claim information and document submittals.
A Step-By-Step Guide to the Insurance Process
Step One: Assess and Document the Damage
Following a major weather event, after making sure that everyone is safe, you’ll likely want to document the damage. If you can’t see the damage to your roof, contact us to complete the assessment. If it’s safe, check your roof, siding, gutters, and windows, and make a note of any areas where coverage is disrupted, like a tear or missing siding and shingles. Then, check for roof leaks that may be noticeable inside your home. This could be obvious water dripping onto your belongings or look like small water stains around the ceiling. Both of these steps are important to complete as soon as possible. Even minor damage can turn into something more significant if not addressed quickly.
Roof damage and other damage to your home can change, so documenting what you see right away is essential. Go to the areas you noticed and write down details of what you see. The insurance claims adjuster will typically request information about the damage before they come out, so having a list for when you call is helpful. If possible, take pictures of all the areas you confirmed or suspect may be damaged. Hail damage, wind damage, missing roof tiles or shingles, etc. are all things to share with your roofing company and insurance claims adjuster. Specific home insurance policies and companies may also allow you to upload your photos to a portal and expedite the claim.
Step Two: Making Important Calls
After you’ve assessed your roof damage, call A-1 Contractors to confirm what you recorded and uncover any hidden damage. We can also meet with your insurance company to assist with the insurance claims process and complete any labor necessary for quality roof repairs or replacement quickly.
If possible, have a copy of your insurance policy handy before you start your homeowner’s insurance claim. Reviewing your coverage will help you understand your coverage for a storm or natural disaster and your deductible for a new roof, repair, and more. Mortgage companies require homeowners insurance policies, so if you’re not sure where to look, contact your mortgage company. They typically have the name of your insurance company on file.
It’s your responsibility to save the receipts for supplies so that you can turn them in for reimbursement by your insurance company later. We may submit paperwork to your insurance provider on your behalf, but if not, you can and should submit it during the next step.
Step Three: File a Claim
Once your roofing contractor confirms the damage, the next step is to file a claim. Your insurance provider will let you know what’s necessary to get started. They will typically ask for the details you collected in step one and let you know what may be covered. They’ll also likely set up a time for an insurance adjuster to come and assess the damage in person. Let us know when the adjuster is scheduled to visit your property to do the inspection, as we may wish to meet you and the adjuster at that time. It is very important that we are present to point out areas of damage and concern.
While the adjuster is with you, take down a few notes, including the adjuster’s name, the date and time of the visit, and the claim number. This makes it more convenient and faster for you and the insurance company to communicate details about your claim moving forward. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a few questions:
- “Is the damage described covered under the terms of my policy?”
- “How long do I have to file a claim?”
- “How long will it take to process the claim?”
- “Do I need to obtain estimates for repairs?”
The information they collect will help determine the coverage and the replacement cost. After the adjuster inspects your property, the insurance company will approve whatever roof work is needed while we work with your insurance company to be sure the scope of work is understood by all. The insurance company will issue a repair estimate and the funds which will be needed to cover the repairs or roof replacement.
Step Four: Repairs and Repayment
This is the step you have been waiting for! During this step, we’ll be able to get to work and put your home back in operating order. Materials will arrive at your property prior to the start of the project, and we’ll be responsible for completing the work according to the agreed-upon schedule we set with you and the insurance company. Usually, we’ll be paid once the work is completed. We’ll invoice your insurer for any additional supplemental funds owed for the work they completed on your behalf. You will receive these funds from your insurance company and they will be paid to us by you.
Insurance FAQs
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Should you start repairs before talking to your insurance?
No, and here’s why: We want to make sure that your insurance company covers as much as possible, and that requires following your insurance policy guidelines. Some insurance companies require that you work with a designated contractor so paying someone directly before you know that could result in a lack of reimbursement. You could also replace your roof only to find out later that you were only approved for repairs.
Lastly, you may get a direct insurance check from some companies, while others may pay the roofer directly. Getting your money back could be a hassle if you’ve already paid in full. It’s best to wait until you know exactly how your insurance company works and how they’ll cover the cost before you start repairs.
How Do you Protect Your Home Before Repairs?
If you’re waiting to get approval from your insurance company or meet with your adjuster, you may be wondering what to do in the meantime to protect your home and belongings from damage. Often the best solution is to cover your roof with a tarp. A local roofer, like A-1 Contractors Inc., can help you protect your home from roof damage, while you wait for repairs.
Don’t Delay, Contact Us Today
When damage occurs and you need to file a claim with your insurer, do it as soon as possible, especially if the damage was caused by a catastrophic storm, in which case potentially thousands of other people will be filing claims, so you’ll want to get yours in ahead of others. Call us today or contact us online to get assistance with your roof insurance claims process and a free roof inspection on the repair services you need!
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