Roof Damage? Steps To File A Homeowners Insurance Claim!

Do You Want To Exclude Wind and Hail?

Homeowners usually want good and broad coverage for their homes. Insurers may offer you the opportunity to exclude wind and hail from coverage from your policy in the interest of saving money. But buyer beware! If your roof sustains storm damage this would be a significant item to pay for out of pocket! We never encourage homeowners to accept these type of exclusions! A better alternative would be to opt for a higher deductible hail or wind events if it resulted in a large saving on your annual premiums.  You need a good understanding of hail damage insurance claims before you exclude these from your policy! 

Average Home Insurance Payouts for Wind and Hail Damage

The average home insurance payout for a hail damage claim is an estimated $12,000!  But keep in mind that this would include other items damaged by hail such as wind wraps, windows, doors, gutters, siding and shutters!

 It is very important to work with an experienced roofing contractor. They can inspect your property carefully and look at window wraps, window screens, HVAC units and all of the items that are easily overlooked for storm damage. This ensures that all damaged items are documented for your insurance.

Understanding the Roof Damage Claim Process

The claims process for roof damage is similar to any other type of home damage. Generally, this is how roof damage claims work:

• Call a reputable roofing contractor to inspect your roof! 

Do not contact your insurance company and file a claim until you are certain that the damage justifies filing a claim! Make sure you call a roofer who holds a proper license as a General Contractor and represents an established local company! Go to verify.tn.gov and enter the contractor’s name exactly as it appears on their marketing material and website. Then check their license type and you can also see how long the license has been issued.

Many companies operate with a Home Improvement license which does not require any testing or experience. This type of license also only allows work to be completed up to $25,000.

• Call your insurance company and notify them of the damage.
• The insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the damage.
• Work with a reputable roofing contractor experienced in insurance claims. They can assist you in making sure that the claim is paid correctly and all code required items are included.
• Once the claim is approved, your contractor can schedule a time to make the repairs which will be paid for by the insurance company. 

What Goes Into the Roof Claims Process?

To file a claim, you contact the home insurance company claims department. You will provide information on the date of the storm and/or damage and what type of damage occurred – hail, wind, water, fallen trees. Take photos or video of the damage if you can do so safely. By working with a reputable roofing contractor, they will handle this portion of the claim for you.

After receiving the information, the insurance company will assign an adjuster, who will schedule a time to review the damage. They look for:

• Missing and damaged shingles.
• Water damage below the shingles.
• Signs of wear and tear.
• Amount of damage.
• Type of roof.

This information will help the adjuster decide whether to pay your claim as a repair or a full roof replacement. You should always have your own roofing contractor with you during the adjuster’s inspection. They can advocate for you and be your voice with your insurance company! An experienced contractor can ensure all damaged items are properly documented by the adjuster and point out items that they may overlook.

An Insurance Company Adjuster Can Deny Your Claim

A home insurance adjuster can deny your claim if the damage damage falls below their criteria for a roof replacement, or was caused by a problem that is not a covered peril.

That’s why we always recommend working with a local roofing contractor first! Let them help diagnose the problem and determine if your roof problem can be corrected with a minor roof repair.

Not all roof leaks need to be filed with your insurance company! We never recommend homeowners climb on their roof due to safety reasons! A reputable roofing contractor won’t repair what needs to be replaced and won’t replace what needs to be repaired!

Payout Depends on Your Insurance Policy

The insurance company will review your home insurance policy, including coverage amount and deductible. Dwelling coverage is the portion of homeowners insurance that covers the roof.

The insurance deductible will be subtracted from your claims payment and is your responsibility to pay. Higher deductible for hail and wind damage are becoming very common.  

Tips for a Roof Insurance Claim

UPGRADE AND GET A BETTER ROOF!

If your claim for a full roof replacement is approved, talk to your roofer about upgrades. This can help you get the best roofing system for your home!

Protect the House From Further Damage

If you have interior leak or damage caused by storms, you need to protect your home! Contact a local roofing contractor immediately so that they can secure your home with properly installed tarps. Failing to secure your home and prevent additional damage can result in those items not being covered by your insurance carrier. 

Avoid Major Repairs Until Claim Approval

Once the tarp is in place do not make any additional repairs until your insurance carrier has sent their own adjuster or company representative to your home! They will want to document the damage on their own and must approve the claim before you move forward with making any additional repairs. 

Make Sure To Have Your Own Representative

Insurance companies are businesses and their adjusters are looking out for the insurance company. They also handle a large amount of claims and can easily overlook items. Make sure to have someone with experience in insurance claims to meet with the adjuster that is looking out for your best interest and will serve as your voice with your insurance company! 

Don’t Get Multiple Estimates

There is no need to obtain multiple estimates. You have the right to use the contractor of your choice. Pick a local, reputable contractor experienced in insurance claims and allow them to work direct with your insurance company to resolve your claim. There is no need to get the lowest price for insurance – which may result in the lowest quality roofing system! 

Time if Of The Essence! 

Never let roof damage for without being addressed! Time is not on your side when your roofing system has sustained damaged! Secure necessary tarps and contact your insurance carrier immediately if you see interior water leaks, missing shingles, or can visibly see damage! And always have your roof inspected if strong storms have passed through your area. 

Consider Roof Material That Can Get You an Insurance Discount

Consider going back with Class 4 shingles which commonly result in discounts on your insurance premium. Check with your insurance agent to see what type of roofing materials may come with discounts due to their resistance to future storms and the damage that can occur. 

Keep a Log of Correspondence About Your Insurance Claim

What starts out as a seemingly simple claim could blow up into a nightmare. You’ll be glad if you kept records from the start, including photos, who you spoke to when and what they told you.

When Will I Receive My Claim Settlement?

You should receive your home insurance claim settlement promptly! Most carriers will issue payment within the first week and the final payment within 2 weeks of work being completed and a certificate of completion being filed. But, the exact timing can depend on your carrier and if there is a catastrophic event in your state. It is always wise to stay on top of payments owed to you and followup as needed with the adjuster. 

When is Filing a Roof Insurance Claim Not Worth It?

It’s generally not a good idea to file an insurance claim if the damage isn’t significant. Confirm your deductible and then have a contractor determine if the damage justifies filing a claim. It may be in your best interest to pay for a minor roof repair rather than file an insurance claim which will remain on your policy record.

 If you have a $2,000 deductible and your roof can be repaired for $2500, it is wise to simply pay for this repair out of pocket rather than file a claim. However, if your roof needs a full replacement, or even a partial replacement, it is generally best to move forward with filing a claim.

Factors That Affect Roof Damage Claims

Roof damage claims are influenced by multiple factors:

• Your claims history: An insurance adjuster will have access to prior claims you may have made for repairs. If those repairs were never completed, they will deduct that amount from your current claim.
• Roof damage: Minor damage like a few loose shingles might not be enough to file a home insurance claim. Always opt to pay out of pocket for minor repairs.
• Deductible. Your deductible is deducted from the claim amount and will be your responsibility to pay. Beware of unreputable contractors who offer to pay this fee! It is illegal to pay for a homeowners deductible and contractors who do this are more likely to cut corners on your roof as well.
• Roof’s worth and size: The size, pitch, complexity and type of roofing material you have determines the amount of your claim. A slate roofing system is much more costly to replace than an asphalt shingle roof. A large home with lots of hips, ridges and valleys is also most costly to replace due to the design of the roof.

Watch Out for Roof Repair Scams

Roof repair scams often increase in the aftermath of large storms. These scams have been a major problem in the Nashville area. We refer to these type of companies as “stormers” who set up temporary offices when bad weather strikes. Here are tips to help protect you from storm chasers!

• Insisting on payments upfront:

   If your roof is approved by insurance and you have signed a contingency agreement with a reputable local contractor, the only cost to you would be your deductible! The first ACV payment is due when materials drop or the day your roof is installed. Final payment will be released by insurance and paid to the contractor after all work is completed. 

• Check licensing:

   If your roof claim is $25,000 or more in the State of TN your roofer MUST have a General Contractors license! Beware of storm chasers who are unlicensed or hold a “home improvement” license! Check credentials at Verify.TN.org. 

•  COI –

  Make sure your roofing contractor has General Liability Insurance and Workers Comp Coverage! If they do not have BOTH of these lines of insurance they are not a reputable roofing company!

Home Insurance Roof Claims Frequently Asked Questions

Does my home insurance cover water damage from a leaky roof?

Typically, interior damage caused form a roof leak from an accident like fallen trees, hail or wind damage, is typically covered. This would extend to damage done to floors, ceilings, wall, and trim.  However, insurance won’t cover damaged caused by a roof leak that has been ongoing and not properly maintained. Wood rot demonstrates an existing leak that is rarely a covered period for sudden and accidental damage.  

How do you prove hail damage on a roof?

A reputable roofing can assist you with proper documentation. For hail damage, a test square is completed on each elevation. For wind damage, they will need to mark and count each damaged shingle and then determine if they are repairable. Lots of photographs are needed to support their claim.

What To Do if Your Roof Insurance Claim Is Denied or Underpaid

If the adjuster denies your claim and your roofing contractor feels that your damage is legitimate, you can ask for a second inspection. In the end, only your insurance company can approved your roof damage, but if you can document and demonstrate that your roof has sustained damage, you are much more likely to receive approval. 

Does My Insurance Premium Go Up After a Roof Damage Claim?

No! It is illegal for your insurance company to raise your insurance premiums due to an Act of Nature. If your carrier has sustained heavy losses in your zip code caused by hail or wind storms, they may raise rates for ALL policy holders in that zip code! This increase would apply to you even if you do NOT file an insurance claim! If you have sustained storm damage, make sure to file a claim! And let go of the fear that your premiums may be increased because of this!

Hail and Windstorm Deductibles and Roof Claims

More and more insurance carriers are moving to a deductible for hail and windstorms that is based on your home’s insured value that is equal to 1% – 5%. Other companies still have the traditional deductibles for $500, $1,000 or $2,000. Know what you will be expected to pay in your deductible!