The roof’s direct exposure to the elements allows it to cushion us from the fury of foul weather. But it also makes it the very part of our homes most vulnerable to environmental damage.
If your roof has been destroyed, it’s imperative to file a home insurance claim immediately. That’s the surest way to avoid incurring any repair costs, which could run into thousands of dollars depending on the scope of damage.
This article shall unveil a step-by-step guide on how to file a home insurance claim following roof damage.
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1. Have a Home Insurance Cover
It’s impossible to file insurance claims on roof damage if your home isn’t insured in the first place.
Home insurance protects your property and valuables against loss, theft, and accidental damage. The cover falls into two broad categories – building insurance and contents insurance.
Building insurance protects your home’s overall structure. It’s the cover that typically comes into play when dealing with roof damage.
On the other hand, content insurance protects your valuable possessions. It cushions your assets from loss, theft, or damage.
2. Know What Your Home Insurance Covers
Home insurance policies aren’t made equal. Therefore, it’s important to understand what your insurer covers before initiating an insurance claim on roof damage.
Most home insurance companies cover the following risks;
- Theft and vandalism
- Falling objects, such as trees and installations (such as hanging water tanks)
- Fires
- Acts of God, such as hail damage, wind damage, water damage, and other events considered beyond the scope of human control
Most home insurers will not cover roof damage due to older roofs (typically 10 – 20 years older). Some companies also exclude coverage for damages from poor roof maintenance and for homeowners who live in a windstorm- or hail storm-prone states like Texas and Florida. The policy won’t apply if the damage is due to your fault. That’s regardless if it’s intentional or not.
3. Document the Damage
As with most insured risks, it’s imperative to document roof damage as soon as it occurs.
The conventional wisdom is to take as many pictures as possible, preferably from different dimensions. Ensure the photos are crystal clear but not unedited.
It’s also best to highlight the cause of damage where applicable.
Needless to say, only start capturing photos when the forces of destruction have abated. This gives your home insurer the most accurate picture of the situation while protecting you from harm.
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4. Contact Your Home Insurer
After taking photos of your roof’s damage, call your home insurance company as soon as possible to let them know your roof has been destroyed.
Be sure to inform them about the cause and extent of the damage.
You’ll know immediately if the cause is covered in your home insurance policy. Your insurer will also inform you of the duration for which you must file a roof damage claim.
If the damage was due to vandalism, it’s prudent to file a police report before contacting your home insurance company.
5. Expect an Insurance Adjuster
Most home insurance companies will not immediately take you at your word. They would need a second opinion from a licensed insurance adjuster.
Note that a home insurance adjuster serves the interest of their employer. That means they’re inclined to downplay the extent of damage.
So, it’s important to walk the adjuster around the damaged site so they can document the true picture. Their assessment will be invaluable in determining the cost of repairing or replacing your roof.
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6. Get Down To the Paperwork
This is the most crucial stage of filing a roof damage claim.
Ideally, your home insurance company will furnish you with all the paperwork required to file an official claim.
Keep every detail as accurate as possible, providing pictures or video footage where needed.
When done, submit the paperwork and evidence to initiate the claim process.
7. Save Receipts for Reimbursements
After documenting the damage, you may undertake minor repairs to secure the roof. Such repairs help to prevent further destruction and make the roof safe to shelter under.
It’s important to save all associated receipts. These include receipts from any material costs, labor expenses, and roofing professional charges.
However, do not engage a roofing contractor until your home insurer approves your claim. It’s also best to inquire if the company insists on having your roof repaired by certain approved contractors.
If the roof damage was so severe that you had to seek shelter in a hotel, be sure to also provide receipts.
8. Manage Your Expectations
Your home insurance company may deny your roof damage claim, depending on their assessment of the situation. They could also pay less than the actual repair cost.
So, keeping an open mind is essential even as you file a roof damage claim.
The good news is that most home insurers will only decline a roof damage claim caused by uncovered risks.
But if you believe you’re getting the shorter stick, you could hire a public adjuster to help appeal the outcome.
Bonus Point
The past few years have seen a significant rise in roof repair scams. These scams typically target homeowners whose roofs are destroyed following large-scale natural disasters.
A roof repair scammer would contact you with a suspiciously low offer. They may also create a sense of urgency, sometimes threatening unspecified consequences if you do not get your roof repaired immediately.
The surest way to avoid roof repair scams is to procure a home insurance policy from a renowned company.
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Summary
Roof repair claims can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. The actual duration depends on the cause and severity of damage and the number of similar claims being processed by your home insurer. So, patience is a virtue.