How to Submit a Roofing Claim to Your Insurance Company
Posted on Monday, November 1st, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Unfortunately for Texans, the state is ranked number one in the country for hail loss claims, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute. In 2020, Texas auto and home insurers paid out $474.6 million in losses for the year due to hail damage claims alone. Although hail damage claims don’t make up the entire insurance claim picture, they are one of the most common types of roofing claims submitted to insurers.
As any homeowner or business who has submitted a claim can tell you, the process isn’t always easy. The claims process can be complicated and time-consuming. Some insurers will even force you to jump through numerous hoops just to get the money you deserve.
At Kidd Roofing, we want to demystify the process of filing a roofing claim and help you get the money you need to repair your damaged roof. Before you file, consider these helpful tips:
Contact a Reputable Roofer for an Inspection
The first step you need to take before filing a claim is to have a reputable roofer inspect your home. Searching for the damage yourself can be dangerous if you do not have the right equipment. In addition, sometimes damage, such as hail damage, can be hard to spot if you don’t have a trained eye.
Do your homework and choose a roofer with a good reputation and a long work history. After a storm or natural disaster, you may have roofers knocking on your door looking for your business. Proceed with caution. Some of these roofers have less than stellar reputations or are out looking for a quick buck. They may use poor-quality materials and deliver unacceptable results.
Read Your Insurance Policy
Before making a claim, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your policy’s coverage. Read over your policy carefully and find out what it will and won’t cover.
Carefully Document the Damage
As best you can, document the damage to your home. If the gutters or siding have dents from hail, take pictures. If shingles have been blown off your roof, take pictures, and try to note the areas where you see the damage. During the roofing inspection, ask the roofing company to document the damage they see as well. Photos are powerful evidence to support your claim.
Talk with Your Insurer
Speak with your insurance company as soon as you are able. Some policies give homeowners a time limit to notify the company about filing a potential claim. Ask your insurance company what their process is for filing a claim.
If your roof was severely damaged and it makes living in your home difficult, ask if they will allow temporary repairs to be made to the structure. Your insurer may also have a list of approved roofers that they will allow you to work with. Ask plenty of questions and do not get off the phone until your insurer has given you a clear picture of the process and what is expected on your end and theirs.
Hire a Reputable Company to Make Repairs
When you get the okay from the insurance company, hire a trusted and reputable company to handle your roofing repairs. You want to work with a roofer who has extensive experience and a good reputation in your community. You also want to be able to trust that the project will be done right the first time. If you have questions or concerns, be sure your calls go to a local office.
Unfortunately, there are “storm chasers” who will set up a type of “pop-up” roofing business after natural disasters or storms. They solicit business from homeowners, quote outrageous prices, promise to work with insurers, and deliver shoddy work before disappearing with your money. Don’t fall victim to roofing scams. Sign on with an experienced and professional team of roofers.
You will also want a written estimate to provide to the insurance company. Let the roofers know that you are filing an insurance claim. Many reputable companies will even help you with the claims process.
File a Claim
Following your insurers’ guidelines, file your insurance claim. Be sure to include photos, estimates, damage reports, and other pertinent evidence to support your claim. If you have receipts for furniture or damaged items, include those as well.
Meet with an Adjuster
Insurance companies will typically schedule an adjuster to come and visit your property. During this visit, the adjuster will assess the damage to your home and validate your claim. Walk with the adjuster and ask questions during their inspection. It is also a good idea to let your contractor know when the meeting will take place so they can be there.
Let the Work Begin
It feels like you have been through multiple steps to get to this point, but now the real work begins. Once your claim has been approved, permanent repairs to your roof can finally take place. Once the work has been completed, the insurance company will generally send an adjuster out to inspect the work.
If your roof needs repairs, and you need help filing an insurance claim, talk to the roofing professionals at Kidd Roofing. We have a long track record of successful projects. Our team is even willing to help you with your insurance claim. Call our office today at (866) 671-7791 to request a roof repair.
