There are many roof replacement questions that homeowners should be asking themselves when it comes to insurance and roof replacement. For example, is my house covered? What does my policy cover? How do I know if the roof needs to be replaced? And more.
Arming yourself with knowledge about how the process works plus a list of questions to ask your insurance agent can help the entire process run smoothly and ensure you get the coverage you need.
What Does the Roof Replacement Process Look Like?
The roof replacement process can vary depending on the insurance company. Some companies will replace the entire roof while others may only replace specific sections of it, like one area that has sustained wind damage or a section with hail dents in it.
But in general, the entire roof replacement process hits a few critical areas before getting started—particularly when insurance is involved.
- Homeowners must first file a claim with their insurance company.
- After the insurance company has assessed the damage, they will send out an inspector to determine if the roof needs to be replaced and how much it will cost.
- Once the homeowner agrees to the work being done, the insurance company will then pay for the entire replacement process minus any deductible that may apply.
- That payment is then sent to the contractor of your choosing and they get the work done for you.
- Keep in mind, the cost of roof replacement can vary depending on the type of roofing material, size, and slope of your roof as well as where you live.
If you choose a reputable contractor during this time, you can also get an inspection from the roofers which can then be compared to the one done via the insurance adjuster.
Sometimes these can look different based on the expertise, and even the reputability of the insurance company. They may cut corners that a reputable contractor will not. It’s always good to get a second opinion.
Once everything is in place and the forms are signed, a contractor will tear down your existing damaged roof and replace it with a new one—usually within a day. Your brand new roof, minus your deductible, should be covered by insurance—barring some stipulations such as the age of the roof and if the damage was incurred by human error.
Tips for Getting Insurance to Cover Your Roof
Getting insurance to cover the cost of a new roof is not always as straightforward as you would hope. However, there are some things that homeowners can do to ensure coverage should they ever find themselves in this situation. Here are some handy tips for getting insurance to pay for a new roof.
1 – Get to Know Your Insurance Coverage
The best weapon you can have in getting insurance to cover your roof replacement is knowing your insurance policy front and back. Too many times homeowners enter an insurance claim without actually knowing what coverage they have and end up missing out on proper coverage.
Before you ever find yourself needing roof repairs, make sure you’ve read your homeowner’s insurance policy to know what is or isn’t covered, what your deductible is, and any other small print details that can be vital to getting proper coverage when you need it most.
2 – Contact Your Insurance Company ASAP
As soon as you notice any storm damage or issues with your roof, be sure to reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. The longer you wait to repair your roof, the worse damage can become, and the less likely insurance will cover your new roof. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing your insurance claim.
3 – Document the Damage on Your Own
Keeping a record of your entire roof replacement process on your own can help you ensure nothing is missed. Take photos of the damage when you first see it. Note any other issues or flaws you see in your roof before you get your inspection. This can help you have a backup plan should you find yourself in a scam situation or need to send photos before to get emergency roof maintenance. Plus, you’ll get a great before and after series of photos!
4 – Find a Reputable Contractor
Finding the right contractor for the job is essential to getting it done right. Read through reviews (good and bad), check out local roofing websites, and look for contractors who offer great roofing warranties.
You can tell a lot about a roofer by their website, their online presence, and their reputation via reviews and testimonials. Follow your gut when it comes to hiring a trustworthy contractor, but also consider things like cost, availability, experience, and location.
5 – Watch Out for Storm Chasers
In addition to finding a contractor, you will also want to avoid scammers and storm chasers. Sometimes called “fly-by-night” contractors, these storm chasers will go to towns that have been affected by a recent storm and knock on doors offering cheap, fast roofing work. This is a big red flag.
Storm chasers are not local, likely not licensed for the area, often ask for payment upfront, and do shoddy workmanship that leaves you with a worse, more expensive mess than you had before. Always be wary of any roofers coming to your door after a big storm to offer you their services.
Things NOT Covered by Homeowners Insurance
There are sadly some things that will not be covered by your insurance, including some roofing work. It’s very good to know what will not be covered before you file your claim so you don’t have any surprises. Roof coverage often not covered by homeowner’s insurance include:
- Damage due to earthquakes or floods
- Failed DIY repair
- Old damage
- Regular wear and tear
Common Roof Insurance Claims Questions
Insurance claims are complicated—so arming yourself with knowledge can help alleviate any stress or worry about getting your roof insurance claim filed appropriately. And knowing the right questions to ask can help ensure you get the coverage you need, and the roof you deserve. Here are some common questions homeowners ask or should ask when they’re working through a roof insurance claim.
- How much will the roof replacement cost? This can depend on the roofing material, location, and size of your roof. But in general, you should only need to pay your insurance deductible and any costs associated with upgrades not covered by insurance.
- What information does the insurance company need for my claim? You need the date of the damage, a list of the issues or symptoms of damage, and any photos.
- Do I need to tarp my damaged roof? And do contractors tarp for free? If damage is causing water leaks or other issues, tarping can help protect your home from further damage while you wait for repairs. Ask your contractor about free tarping services.
- Will filing an insurance claim raise my premium? Not necessarily. This can depend on many factors, but you can ask your insurance company before you file the claim.
- Should I get multiple estimates or inspections? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to get multiple estimates for the damage. However, if you get a different number from your insurance adjuster vs. the contractor, it will be worth looking into another opinion.
- What does a standard insurance policy cover? Your standard policy should cover any storm or accidental damage not caused by human error or purposeful damage.
- Can I file a claim for animal or fire damage? Yes! It’s not always covered, so look into your policy to ensure animal damage is something you can get paid for. Fire damage should always come standard.
- Will my deductible change after filing a claim? If it does, that means something went wrong. The price you pay for your deductible should be steadfast and unchanged. Pay attention to what you are quoted then what you are charged.
- Will my insurance cover damages due to wind or hail damage? Yes, most standard insurance policies will cover roof damage from both wind and hail.
- How long does it take for the insurance company to pay out roof replacement claims in full? This can depend on your insurance company and it’s important to stay in close contact with them and your contractor to ensure all payments go through in full.
These are just a few of the questions we often hear from homeowners and are good questions to answer before you navigate an insurance claim roof replacement. Lucky for you, the professional team at Impact Roofing can help you through the process of getting your roof replacement covered by insurance.
Not only are we knowledgeable in the insurance claim process, but we can help you get the coverage and the roof you deserve. For a high-qualityroof replacement you can count on, reach out to Impact Roofing today!
