How to Get Insurance to Pay for Your Roof Replacement

When you need a roof replacement or a roof repair, you may think you have to call your insurance company right away. But will insurance really pay for a new roof or a roof repair, or could you be penalized by your insurance company instead? Here’s what you need to know about involving your insurance company in your roof replacement.

Is a Roof Replacement Covered by Insurance?

If your roof gets damaged and you need roof repairs or a roof replacement, you can choose to file a claim with your insurance company. Depending on your plan, insurance companies will usually cover damage due to sudden acts of nature involving hail and fallen trees if the damage affects your roof’s structural safety and function.

Insurance Companies Will Not Cover:

• Cosmetic damage
• Damage due to lack of proper maintenance
• Damage due to age or poor conditions pre-existing in or on the roof
• Wear and tear not directly due to weather or falling trees/power lines

What to Send to Insurance for a Roof Replacement Claim

In the event your roof becomes damaged, check your policy to confirm whether you’re eligible to submit a claim for the type of damage your roof incurred. If your plan allows you to submit a claim for your damaged roof, maintaining diligence and organization will give you the best chance of getting coverage. Keep records of who you speak to at the insurance company and notes on the information they provide you with.

Contact your insurance agent promptly with details of the damage including pictures of the roof damage, date and time the damage occurred, and any supporting documents including weather reports and news articles showing damage in your neighborhood. Be clear and thorough in your communications, and keep copies of everything you send to your insurance for yourself.

What to Expect from Your Insurance Company During a Roof Replacement Claim

If your insurance company is considering your roof replacement claim, they’ll send an adjuster out to assess the damage. If the adjuster finds your roof eligible for coverage, he or she will approve the claim. Getting claims approved is slow, so follow up politely and have patience in the process.

When you get a quote from a roofer, the roofing company representative will be able to tell you what supplemental costs you can expect to pay out-of-pocket based on the coverage details given to you by the adjuster. Remember: do not sign anything with a roofing company until your insurance company tells you to!

Note:

Some insurance companies require a quote from a roofer and may want to know if the company has a history of quality workmanship and/or working with insurance claims before agreeing to provide coverage.

There is no need to get quotes from several different roofing companies. Getting multiple quotes can work against you, as your insurance may only approve the lowest quote from a company you’d prefer not to work with. If your roof is installed poorly or incorrectly, you may be denied for future claims, so it’s critical you choose a reputable roofing company for the job. Check that the roofing company you choose is licensed, bonded and insured. A trustworthy roofing company won’t pressure you to sign anything or to pay a significant amount of money down.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Insurance to Pay for Your Roof Replacement

You can increase your chances of getting insurance coverage for a roof replacement by keeping up with regular roof maintenance. Keep your trees pruned and your gutters clean, and get periodic inspections to avoid potential issues from arising or worsening. You can also increase your chances of coverage after a natural disaster or sudden weather event by shielding your roof and home from further damage using a tarp. Some roofing companies will help you cover your roof in emergency situations.

Potential Money Savers:

• Ask your insurance company if you’re eligible for a FORTIFIED roof endorsement. FORTIFIED roofs are designed to protect against weather and water damage.
• You may also be eligible for a discount from your insurance company if you choose impact-resistant roofing materials.
• If you have a mortgage, consider running the payments from your insurance company through your lender to create documentation of using the insurance money for the roof as intended. This can help create favorable standing with your insurance company should you require coverage for future unexpected events.

Do I Have to Call My Insurance Company First?

No. In fact, if you haven’t been keeping up with roof maintenance, your insurance company could even penalize you. Calling a roofer first allows you to get a professional assessment of acute damages and an honest assessment of pre-existing structural problems before the adjuster sees your roof. If you want to involve insurance, however, just make sure you call your provider as soon as you can after the weather event, or you may miss out on your opportunity for coverage.

Call Overhead Solutions for a FREE Estimate on Roof Replacements and Repairs

At Overhead Solutions, we have extensive professional experience working with insurance companies. We’ve delivered quality craftsmanship to thousands of homes, and we would be honored to bring our services to you. Contact us today for your roof repair and replacement needs.