When you make a roof damage insurance claim, your insurance agent needs to find out what the damage is and whether it fits within your homeowner’s insurance policy. Let’s go over how and why insurance agents use roof inspections before they approve or reject your insurance claim. Then we’re able to examine the limits of your insurance coverage and whether or not you need to file a claim for roof damage at all.
How the Insurance Claim Filing Process Works
When your roof sustains wind or hail damage, or any other significant weather damage, contact your insurance company to report the damage. If you decide to file a claim, your insurance agent sends a roof inspector to inspect the damage. After the inspection is complete, your agent turns your case over to an insurance adjuster, who determines whether the damage fits within your policy’s requirements and how much of the repair or replacement costs the insurance company will cover.
The claim filing process sounds simple, right? It sounds simple in theory, but it’s complicated in practice for several reasons. First, home insurance companies have to be wary of potential roof fraud. Why? Roof damage is the most commonly reported claim that home insurance companies receive. They get a lot of claims, and not all of them are legitimate. Some people will use deceptive methods to get their insurance company to pay for a brand-new roof. Second, roof insurance is a complicated part of homeowner’s insurance. Roof coverage has limits, and you could end up paying more for insurance when you file a claim than you would if you paid for the roof repairs or replacement out of your own pocket.
What Kind of Roof Damage Is Covered by Insurance?
Homeowner’s insurance covers roof damage caused by weather, such as severe storms. It does not cover damage caused by a lack of roof maintenance. For example, if you never maintain your roof, and it suddenly develops water damage 15 years after its installation, your insurance company most likely won’t cover it. However, if a severe thunderstorm occurs in your area and hail and lightning strike your roof, insurance will probably cover that damage.
If your roof sustains significant damage, contact your insurance agent and review your policy. A policy review helps you understand what types of roof damage your policy covers and whether or not the current damage falls into that category.
Will Your Insurance Company Cover All of Your Repair or Replacement Costs?
Whether your insurance company covers the costs of repairs or replacement depends on your policy and how much damage your roof sustains. In many cases, your insurance company will only cover part of your roof costs. Also, you have to pay your deductible amount before your insurance will cover any roof damage. For instance, if your deductible is $10,000, you have to incur $10,000 in roof repair or replacement costs before your insurance begins covering your costs. If you have a $10,000 deductible, but you only incur $5,000 in costs, you’re better off paying it out of pocket than filing a claim.
Should You Schedule Your Own Roof Damage Inspection?
Yes. Find a reputable roofing contractor to perform a residential roof inspection before your insurance company conducts their inspection. After all, the insurance company has your roof inspected to meet their own ends—namely, assessing whether the damage meets your insurance policy’s requirements for coverage.
Your roofing contractor performs an inspection to let you know where the roof damage is and how extensive it is. Your contractor is more invested in your roof’s health, particularly if you’re a regular customer of theirs. Even if you’re a new customer, the contractor you hire is more likely to focus on how the damage affects the roof and the rest of your home than whether it fits with an insurance policy. Overall, scheduling your own roof inspection allows you to receive a damage assessment from an independent third party that isn’t invested in your insurance policy.
Does the Type of Contractor You Choose Affect Your Inspection?
Yes, it does. When you select a roof contractor for your inspection, choose one that works with your type of roof. If your home has a slate roof, you should find a contractor that inspects, repairs, and replaces residential slate roofs. Slate roofs are highly specialized and require specific measures to maintain them. If you have a shingle roof, make sure you find a contractor that works with residential shingle roofs. Do your research when you choose a contractor to perform your roof inspection.
Does Kirberg Company Provide Residential Roof Inspections?
Yes, we do. We provide inspections for shingle roofs and slate and tile roofs. We have been in business for over a century, so we have the knowledge and experience to inspect your roof thoroughly. We are able to immediately tell the difference between typical wear and tear and significant weather damage if both appear on a residential roof. We help you assess your roof’s damage so you can decide whether or not to file a claim with your insurance company.
Prepare for Your Insurance Claim With Kirberg
If you want to schedule a roof inspection before you make an insurance claim, reach out to Kirberg today. We’ll also help you if you have a weather-damaged roof and you’re deciding whether or not to make a claim. Also, we specialize in residential slate and tile roof repairs and replacements, so we have the experience and knowledge to handle cracked tiles and other extensive damage. Let us inspect your roof before you file your claim and repair or replace your roof afterward—give our team a call today.