Normally, your roof can withstand elements and keep your home protected. But this can quickly change if there's a big storm, fire, impact from falling objects, and hail. This type of damage can be expensive to repair, but fortunately, you don't have to cover all the out-of-pocket expenses alone if you have homeowners insurance. So, what does the process involve when you need to make a storm damage insurance claim? Here are a few things to know that will help you understand the insurance process for roof damage.

It's Important to First Review Your Insurance Policy

This is the first critical step to cover before you file a claim for roof damage. Reviewing your policy will help you understand the type of coverage you have. For instance, if you're making a storm damage insurance claim, you should also check to see if wind and hail damage is covered. In addition, your insurance policy will also give you valuable details, such as whether you're covered for replacement costs or the actual cash value of your roof. The payment you receive will depend on the terms and limits of your homeowner's policy. Therefore, knowing and understanding the details of your insurance policy means you can file your claim confidently.

You Have To Wait Until The Insurance Adjuster Makes An Inspection

Suppose your roof has suffered damage after a storm. Before you can get your storm damage insurance claim approved, you need to wait for your insurance company to send out an insurance adjuster. The insurance adjuster will inspect for storm damage and either approve or deny your claim based on their findings. However, you don't always have to rely on the adjuster to make an assessment and come up with the costs for repairing the roof. Instead, get a written estimate from a reliable roofing contractor. The good news is if your insurance claim is denied, you can always ask for a second insurance adjuster to perform another inspection and give a second opinion.

Don't Take Too Long To File Your Roof Claim

After your roof gets damaged, it means your home remains vulnerable in the time it takes to get your roof repaired or replaced. So always do things promptly when filing your roof claim. Keep in mind that even if you do things in a timely manner, there's still going to be some waiting involved. In that case, you should take steps to protect your home from further damage. For instance, you can hire your roofer to make temporary fixes. However, always make sure you retain all transactions records and receipts so you can get compensation from your insurance company later on.

The Payment Process May Involve Several Stages

Your insurance company may offer you payment not as a lump sum but as a series of checks. The different checks will cover different categories. For instance, one check will be for roof repairs or replacement. Other additional checks may cover damage to personal belongings or accommodation costs if your home is uninhabitable.

If you have to replace your roof, it's important to do your research to find roofing materials that are more durable than the existing roof. According to Herbert Roofing, durability was identified as the most important factor when deciding which new roof to buy (88%). The second most important factor was longevity (83%).

It's Important To Hire The Right Roofing Contractor For A Professional Inspection

One of the best tips for what to do after roof damage is to get an estimate from a reputable roofing contractor that has experience working with insurance claims. To avoid falling victim to unscrupulous contractors, you should do your research to find the best contractor for you. Don't work with unlicensed contractors that pressure you into signing paperwork before your claim is approved. The contractor you hire should assist you patiently throughout the insurance process. They will come to inspect your roof to assess the damage and obtain proof that repairs are needed.

This information should be able to provide some clarity about the insurance claim process for roof damage. If your roof has been left compromised after a storm, it can be stressful and confusing to file a storm damage Insurance claim without knowing the right tips and tricks. This checklist should make life easier, but there's always more information that you can use to streamline the process. In that case, we recommend that you give us a call to get the help you need. Contact us today, and we will be happy to help!