Effective Roof Insurance Claims

At Top Team Roofing and Construction, we know that one of the factors that cause roofing damage is the weather. In June 2018, it was announced by the National Weather Service that in Baton Rouge, strong to severe storms were possible with winds of 25-30 mph.

As a homeowner, you cannot prevent the weather from wreaking havoc on your roof. However, you can do three things:

1. Choose a more durable roofing material from the start.
2. Invest in roofing maintenance.
3. File a roof replacement insurance claim if your roof got severely damaged.

In this post, we’ll discuss point #3. So, let’s find out how to get a new roof from insurance.

We outlined five simple steps to help you throughout the roof insurance claim process. If this is your first time, read through the points below.

Step 1: Document Pieces Of Storm Damage Evidence.

Whether there’s a hail storm in Baton Rouge, strong wind, or flash flood, you have a good reason to suspect roofing damage.

Don’t assume that just because your roof didn’t collapse doesn’t mean it needs no replacing. Documentation on your part is important in the insurance claim process.

What signs of roof damage should you look for?

• Missing roof shingles
• Chimney flashing missing or detached
• Leaks inside the house
• Dents on roofing items (gutters, flashing, roof vents) or other items
• A large pile of granules at the end of your downspouts
• Tree branches on the roof

Any sign that wasn’t there originally should be documented. This makes comparing the “before and after condition” of your roof possible. Take pictures and write down notes. These pieces of evidence will help you make a case when it’s time to file an insurance claim.

But remember: Never go up the roof to do an inspection. Leave this complex task to a professional roofing contractor.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

The next thing to do is to figure out whether the roof damage is covered or not.

Previously, we wrote a guide on whether insurance covers hail damage. Insurance providers will consider various factors prior to deciding. Examples of these factors that affect coverage are:

• Roofing age – Some insurance companies only cover the depreciated value of the roof. That’s if the roof is over 10-20 years old. The age of roof and insurance always go together.

Related: Roof Health: How Long Do Roofs Last on a House?

• Negligence – This refers to negligence in the sense that you failed to maintain the roof and get regular inspections.
• Cause of the roof damage – Acts of God such as bad weather are usually covered by insurance companies. So yes, you are likely to receive coverage.

It helps to review the current policy of your homeowner’s insurance to see what’s covered and what’s not. But when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your insurance provider. Report the roof damage as soon as possible!

Step 3: Call A Roofing Contractor For An Estimate

Figuring how to get a new roof from insurance entails that you contact a professional roofing company. What is the role of a roofing contractor?

A local roofing contractor will conduct a complete inspection (go up the roof) to confirm roofing damage. After documenting, they will give you a quote or estimate of the replacement to be done.

With the help of an expert roofing contractor, you get a clear picture of the roof damage. Choose a local roofing contractor – not a storm chaser or an out-of-town contractor. While there are many roofers to choose from, a local contractor is the best choice.

Below are three reasons:

• Local contractors comply with local codes and ordinances.
• They have gained a thorough understanding of the weather patterns in your area.
• Contractors in your area partner with top product brands to give you a new roof you can afford. For example, at Top Team Roofing & Construction, we use GAF, Owens Corning, and Atlas Roofing.

Step 4: Arrange An Insurance Adjuster Meeting

The insurance provider usually sends out an insurance claims adjuster to check the roof damage which you reported. The claims adjuster will also determine the cost of getting a new roofing material.

Make sure that you arrange a date for the insurance adjuster to come to your place. Take this time as an opportunity for the adjuster and roofing contractor to inspect your roof together. This allows them to compare notes. Your roofing contractor can also point out discrepancies in the claims adjuster’s assessments in case he missed some details.

There are also instances where the adjuster asks for the roofing contractor’s opinion regarding the roof damage. By working together, all the signs of damage are accounted for.

Step  5: Start the roof replacement process.

After you submit the needed documentation and the insurance provider approves the claim, the roofer can now start your roof replacement process.

Usually, the insurance company issues two checks. The first one is to cover the cost of the new roofing materials. The second check is handed over after the new roofing work is completed.

Don’t Delay Action

We’re done with the steps on how to get a new roof from insurance in 2018. We leave you with this final message: Act immediately. Delaying the roof insurance claim process only results in a bigger roof damage – and the likelihood for a denied roof insurance claim.

Let’s review the essential steps again…

• Note pieces of evidence of the damage.
• Report the damage to your insurance provider.
• Choose a local roofing contractor.
• Let the insurance claims adjuster and your roofer meet up and inspect the damage.
• Submit all the necessary documents and wait for the insurance company’s approval.

As a Louisiana based roofing company, we are here to help you file a storm damage insurance claim. Our service enlightens the homeowner who experiences a storm-damaged roof and doesn’t know what steps to take.

We cover the entire Baton Rouge LA area so wherever you reside, we’re a call away. Contact Top Team Roofing & Construction now at 225.571.1740.

Report your roof damage to us. We will do a complete inspection and offer a free quote.