Roofing systems, whether residential or commercial, are one of the integral components of a building. While preventative steps can be taken by installing weather-resistant roofs and a host of other measures, roofs do get damaged from hail, high winds, and storms. It is, therefore, important to get roof insurance cover to mitigate any losses resulting from roof damage. Filing a roof damage insurance claim is not a walk in the park, and property owners often lack comprehensive understanding of how everything works. In this blog, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the roof insurance claim process.

1. What does your roof insurance policy cover?

The easiest way to find out what’s covered in your roof insurance policy is to contact your insurer. Insurance claim processes consider the age of your roof and you may be covered for all the damage, if your roof is less than 10 years old. If it is more than a decade old, you may be reimbursed a depreciated value of the damaged roof. The insurance company sends an inspector to investigate and verify your claim.

2. How to get a new roof from insurance?

A lot of people wonder whether insurance will pay for a new roof. It’s obvious that when your roof is completely damaged it needs replacement with a new roof. Your insurer may delay or even refuse payment, if you don’t follow the established roof insurance claim procedure. Your roofer can help you with the paperwork and ensuring that all damage is accounted to get optimum compensation.

3.  When can an insurer withhold depreciation?

This is one of the common questions asked by property owners and managers. There are two reasons an insurance companies may hold back the money. The most important reason is to ensure that the work on your roof is completed. History has taught insurers that if customers are given all the cash at once, most tend to spend it on other things. The second reason is that insurance company want to make sure that you pay your deductible, as people often hire a contractor who completes the job for the exact dollar amount in hand. By withholding the retainage amount, the insurer can easily adjust the amount of the final payment.

4. Contractor’s estimate is higher than adjuster’s estimate. What should I do?

This scenario occurs when the insurance adjuster misses out on some of the damage to the roofing system. It can easily be resolved if you provide evidence of the damage in the form of paperwork, measurements and pictures. The insurance company reviews the supplements, and upon approval, sends a check for all the additional work needed to carry out comprehensive repairs.

5. Will my insurer increase the rate if I file a roof insurance claim?

No, unlike Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance does not penalize you for filing a claim. The increase in rates is based on your geographical location. If you reside in an area that has sustained immense storm damage, the rates may increase, even if you don’t file a claim.

Way Forward

If hail, high winds or storm have damaged your residential or commercial roof, it is advisable to have a professional inspect its condition. Do not rely only on your adjuster’s inspection, as they work for the insurance company. Triumph Roofing and Construction is well-placed to help you with all your roofing insurance claim requirements and roofer repairs or installation. To discuss your requirement or get answers to your questions, fill out our contact form, or speak to our experts at 972-332-1766.