Getting a new roof can be stressful, but getting your claim fulfilled doesn’t have to be
Each year, severe weather, natural disasters, and hailstorms cost insurance companies millions in roof repairs and replacements. If your home was affected by inclement weather, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get your claim processed, given the average roof replacement cost. Unfortunately, navigating the insurance roof replacement process can be tricky. But with the right strategies and tips, you can learn how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement.
“A good indicator that the roof needs to be replaced and done by a professional is evidence of missing shingles or other materials. If the roof is beginning to lose shingles during major storms, then it is likely time to have it replaced rather than making repairs.”
– Korey Gregory, Construction Supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC in Tempe, AZ
There are subsets of homeowners insurance policies. For example, the part of your policy that covers property damage often also handles the costs of accidents and natural disasters. Comb through the policy to determine if it covers roof replacement.
Also, if built into your policy, personal belonging coverage and replacement costs should cover the expenses incurred if your possessions get destroyed due to the roof damage.
However, most homeowner insurance policies come with a deductible— $1,000 is typical. You’ll need to meet this before insurance will pay for the cost of roof repairs.
The roof insurance claim process is different for every policy. Certain policies require timely reporting. If you report roof damage outside of a designated time frame, you can no longer claim it. Other policies have a 10-year mark or depreciated value clause, meaning a roof that’s more than 10 years old or one that’s depreciated in value is no longer worth the full price you paid for it. This could significantly lower the amount insurance is willing to pay.
Whether from fire or a storm, it can be extremely stressful if your roof is damaged. Review your insurance policy to learn what is normally covered to see if you have a potential claim. For example, determine whether your home insurance covers leaks or natural disasters. Every policy is different, but roof damage covered under homeowner’s insurance policies usually includes:
Recent or immediate damage caused by storms
Natural disasters (tornado, hurricane, etc.)
Leaks
Fire damage
Hail damage
Keep in mind that not all roof damage will be covered by homeowners insurance. From repairs to replacement, there are instances when roof coverage won’t be provided.
Insurance roof replacement does not typically cover the following:
Regular wear and tear
Damage or dysfunction due to negligence
Improper installation by you or an unlicensed contractor
Sewer backup
Mold or mildew damage
Earthquakes and flooding
Damage caused by animals
In essence, a roof that hasn’t been maintained, standard erosion, extreme weather, and faulty work done by a contractor could leave you liable for the costs of your roof repairs—even if serious damage also occurs due to a storm.
That’s definitely frustrating, but it reinforces why documentation and roof maintenance are so important. Without written proof, your insurance company could try to prove that your negligence is the reason for the damage, leaving you with the expenses.
Once you know what your policy includes, you’ll need to assess the damage. Only inspect a roof when it’s safe to do so, or hire a local roof repair pro to do it for you. Wait until storms or severe weather patterns subside before checking out your roof.
Take pictures of the damage and make a list of all the parts of your roof that will need to be repaired or replaced to attempt to get insurance to pay for roof replacement. Secure your roof and home from further damage to the best of your ability. Remember, safety first. Climbing on your roof can be dangerous regardless, let alone after a storm. When in doubt, hire a pro who can safely inspect your roof for you.
If you own (or can borrow) a drone with a camera, this may be a safer way to inspect damage and take pictures.
Many insurance companies won’t pay for your repairs if they don’t have to. That’s why you need to document everything through the insurance roof replacement process.
Keep a detailed record of things like:
Immediate damage after the storm
Ongoing issues in your home (leaks, compromised areas)
Safety hazards
Weather patterns in your area
A written record of these events can help bolster your claim when you talk to an inspector.
It’s also a good idea to find all regular roof maintenance records and proof of roof inspections for this purpose. Even providing information about the type of roof you have can be helpful.
Before contacting insurance, make sure you’ve thoroughly inspected the damage. When you call, be very specific about the nature of the roof damage and repairs needed, especially if the integrity of your home is compromised due to weather damage.
This could prompt them to send an agent out sooner to assess the damage and may help push your claim up the list.
The insurance company will send an inspector, but getting a second opinion from a roofing professional is a good idea. In fact, many insurance companies require it to fulfill your claim.
Look for a roofing specialist in your area who has experience working with insurance companies. Also, make sure they are licensed, give you a detailed written estimate, and describe the damage as they see it on paper.
You’ll need all this information when you finally submit your insurance claim. It’s also not a terrible idea to get multiple roofing estimates if you feel the first one is low. But be wary of this strategy, as some insurance companies will ask to see all of them and immediately go with the lowest one.
Be patient after you submit your claim. Insurance companies are notorious for providing hoops to jump through to finalize your claim.
Your insurance might:
Request additional paperwork
Ask for clarification on detailed aspects of your claim
Ask about your roof’s warranty
In many cases, the worst part of a homeowners insurance claim is simply waiting for the phone call saying your claim was accepted. This sometimes takes several days, if not weeks. Take a deep breath—you’re almost there.
After any big storm, it’s common to see storm chasers or out-of-state roofing companies that blow through the area trying to win business away from the local, more established roofing companies.
While their prices may seem unbeatable, look beyond the cost. Storm chasers typically don’t have a local office. This means they aren’t around years down the road when something goes wrong with your roof. They aren’t even available immediately after installation when you realize the workmanship was less than stellar.
Out-of-state roofing companies don’t know or care about local codes and do the work quickly to get in and out of the area to make a quick buck.
The process of getting a new roof through insurance is complex. You’ll feel like you’re jumping through many hoops, and sometimes, you may even feel like it won’t happen.
The key is to stay in touch with your agent. They are your contact person throughout the process and can quickly get in touch with important people, such as the adjustor and even the roofing contractor.
Your agent can keep you up-to-date, help you solve problems, and ensure you get the coverage you’re entitled to based on your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Ben Kissam contributed to this piece.
If your claim for roof replacement is denied, you can appeal the decision. Call your insurance company and ask to schedule a re-inspection. The company will then send out an adjuster to inspect your roof again. This time, make sure to have an experienced roofing contractor or public adjuster on-site during the inspection.
There isn’t a set number of shingles that need to be missing for your insurance company to cover repairs. If you notice even a couple of shingles missing, however, it could be time for a roof inspection, as these missing shingles could signal a larger issue. The roof inspection will inform you whether you need to get your insurance company involved.
Most insurance companies allow you to file a roof replacement claim anywhere from 30 days to a year after the incident. Check with your home insurance company to understand their specific policy and any other relevant rules.
Generally, you should wait for your insurance company to inspect the damage before making any repairs. However, if your roof is leaking, then it’s acceptable to hire a local roof repair company to make temporary repairs to limit any further damage.
