When you experience the very worst that life and the outdoor elements can throw at your house, you’ll need help picking up the pieces and putting everything back together.
Whether a tree has fallen on your home or a severe storm has left you with leaks and water damage, you’ll need the help of homeowners insurance and a good roof replacement team so that you can get your home back. We’re here to provide the tips you need to get your insurance to help pay for the roof.
How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement
The first step is always to know what you’re working with. Before you get too far into the process of calling your insurance company and trying to make a claim, you should know what can be covered and what won’t be covered. Things like homeowner mistakes, earthquakes, and other acts of God likely won’t be covered in your policy.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
Most insurance policies can be broken down into two different plans, actual cash value and replacement cost.
Actual cash value will provide you with the depreciated value of the roof. In other words, what the roof is worth today minus how much it has aged since it was first installed.
The second option is replacement cost, which will reimburse you for what it would cost to replace your roof with a new one that is similar in quality and size.
This distinction is important because it makes a big difference when it comes time to pay for a roof. If you’re trying to get your insurance company to reimburse you for the roof, they will most likely use the actual cash value unless you’re paying extra for replacement cost coverage.
Steps to Getting Your Roof Replaced
If you’ve got real roof damage, then you’ll need to get it replaced ASAP, and in some cases, you won’t be able to wait for your insurance company to respond and approve your claim. In those instances, it’s best to get in contact with a roofer and get started on the project.
1) Find a Contractor You Can Trust
When you’re looking for the right roofing contractor to help you with your roof damage, there are several boxes that you’ll want the contractor to check off. Here are a few of the questions that we recommend you ask:
- Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Can they provide you with proof of those things?
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have any reviews or testimonials that you can read?
Provided you have trust in the business after answering these questions, getting an estimate in writing is a great next step.
You should never sign anything without reading and understanding everything that you agree to. If the contractor is pressuring you to do so, it might be best to walk away from the deal.
2) Document the Damage to Your Home + Get a Detailed Report
The next step is to start documenting the damage that was done to your home. This includes taking pictures and videos of the damage and getting a detailed report from the contractor.
This report should include an estimate of how much it will cost to fix the roof and how long it will take to do so. The more information you can provide your insurance company, the better because it’s going to help you get that claim approved.
3) File a Claim Through Your Insurance Company
After you’ve gathered all of the information that you need, it’s time to file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to give them a call at the time of damage and then work to get all your ducks in a row for filing a formal claim.
You’ll want to have all of the documentation and information on hand so that you can answer any questions that the insurance company has.
It’s also important to be aware that the insurance company will probably send out an adjuster to assess the damage, and they will be the ones to determine how much your claim is worth. This can sometimes take a week or two, which is why it’s important to document the damage if you need the roof repaired prior to them coming.
4) Be Prepared for Future Insurance Claims
After you’ve gone through the process of getting your roof replaced with insurance, it’s a good idea to take some steps to make sure that you’re prepared for future claims.
One way to do this is by taking pictures and videos of your home on an annual basis, especially before and after severe weather hits. This will give you a baseline to compare any future damage to and make it easier to file a claim.
It’s also important to keep up with maintenance on your home so that you can avoid any preventable damage. This means things like cleaning your gutters, trimming trees, and making sure that your home is in good repair.
5) Get Your Roof Inspected Regularly
Another way to be prepared for future roof damage is by getting your roof inspected on a regular basis. This will help you identify any potential problems so that they can be fixed before they turn into bigger issues.
Most roofing contractors offer this service, and it’s a good idea to get it done at least once a year or after any severe weather. You’ll also have these reports to prove that your roof was in good condition before big storms wreak havoc.
Hire Roof Troopers for Your Next Roof Replacement
At Roof Troopers, we offer full roof renovation services. Whether you’re looking for a full roof replacement or simple roof repairs, we can get the job done with excellence. Our team can help you work through the headache of filing an insurance claim or give you the estimates you need to get your claim started.
Contact our local team today for a free inspection, and we’ll be quick to provide you with the service you deserve.
