The roof is one of the parts of the home that has an important role but tends to be forgotten about until something goes wrong. If you find that you have roof damage, you need to submit a homeowners insurance claim to your insurance company. This will help to manage the costs. However, it is essential that the paperwork is completed the right way, otherwise, the insurance company can deny your claim the reason for an administration error. So, you ask, how to get the insurance to pay for roof replacement? We have 4 steps for you to follow to ensure that your homeowner’s insurance will pay for your roof replacement.
From this article you will learn:
- All the steps in the roof replacement insurance claim.
- Differences between the most popular insurance coverage.
- How to document the roof damage and how to submit a claim.
- Why you should choose a reputable and licensed roofing company for your roof replacement.
- How long it will take to complete the roof replacement.
STEP 1: Know Your Roofing Insurance Coverage
Look at your homeowner’s insurance policy and see what roof coverage it covers. You may need to do some research if you haven’t looked at the policy before. The information will help you make financial decisions when it comes to roof repairs. If you don’t know where your policy is, you can request a copy from your insurance company. There are usually 2 types of roof insurance repair coverage and replacement coverage:
- Repair coverage will usually reimburse the homeowner for a percentage of the repair costs.
- Replacement coverage will provide the finance for the replacement of a roof that can’t be repaired.
These insurance policies are expensive and can be harder to get claims accepted and reimbursed. So it is a necessity to document any damage you find and submit an insurance claim ASAP.
Not all roof damage is covered by homeowners insurance. The coverage you have depends upon your specific policy, your location, and the source of the damage. If roof damage is caused by you or an unlicensed roofer, the damage will not be covered. If you have any questions, call your insurance agent, they will be able to answer any questions you have.
STEP 2: Document the Damage and Contact Your Insurance Company
When you know that your roof’s damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, you need to document the damage. Be sure to take lots of photos of the damage and any damage it has caused inside. If you can’t access the damage safely, you can call a professional roofing company and get them to do a professional inspection. Make sure you note the date of the damage. If the damage was caused by a tornado or hurricane and if you can find articles matching the date of your damage, these can be used to back up your claim.
When the damage has been documented check your insurance company’s website to find information about submitting a claim. Some companies have a time frame in which the claim has to be filed. You want to make sure exactly when the claim needs to be submitted and any other small print that may affect your claim being accepted.
STEP 3: Research Roofing Companies and Hire the Most Reputable
Once your insurance claim has been submitted, now it’s time to find reputable roofing contractors that are experienced in dealing with insurance claims. Hire them to perform a professional insurance inspection. They can determine exactly what damage there is and compile a professional report for your insurance company. It is important that you have professionals for the inspection or your insurance company may not accept their report. If you don’t hire a roofing company to assess the damage, your insurance company may send someone out to look on their behalf. This third-party inspector represents the insurance company and will try to find reasons to refuse your claim so it is to your benefit to hire your own roofing professional.
To find a reputable appropriate roofing company, look for a company that performs both roof replacement and roof installation services for all roofing materials. A reputable company will have a website, customer reviews, and a Google My Business page. Select a company that has experience in dealing with insurance claims, they will know what should be done and what questions to ask. Using a reputable roofing company will ensure that your roof is replaced professionally and correctly without causing more damage. They should also have affordable roofing fees.
Roofing contractors that don’t have a website or no reputation can be inexperienced and cause more damage. Also by using roofers that aren’t professional your claim may be refused and this could also affect any claims you make in the future.
STEP 4: Take the Appropriate Next Steps in Your Roof Replacement Claim
So, you’ve submitted your claim, with all the documented evidence and professional inspection. Your insurance company has to make a decision within an allotted amount of time. This is typically about 15 days. Your insurance agent will inform you if your claim has been denied or approved. If your claim was denied you can appeal the decision. If this is the case, make sure you know what this entails and the time frames, insurance companies may handle the appeal process differently. Once your claim is approved you can start work with your chosen roofing professionals. Once the roof has been replaced it needs regular inspection, to make sure it’s in good condition. Regular maintenance will help with any future insurance claims.
How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?
One of the most widely asked questions that professional roofers get asked is “How long does a roof replacement take? ” The time duration it takes for a roof replacement depends on several factors, like the weather, the size of your roof, how complex the installation is, and the accessibility of your roof. On average it can take from a single day to a few days. Here are some elements that affect the duration of your roof replacement.
The Weather On the Day of Your Roof Replacement
The roofing contractors can’t work safely in the rain, snow, freezing temperatures, or when it’s too hot. The roof itself has to be dry enough to walk upon.
The Complexity of Your Roof
The complexity of your roof comes down to the number of facets, angles, hips, valleys, and pitch. These factors will affect the price of the roof replacement as well as the time it takes. The more angles, valleys, and hips a roof has the more complex its installation is and the longer it takes. In addition to the physical factors of the roof, the height of the roof also has an impact. The higher the roof is, the more safety precautions need to be taken and the contractors need to move slower.
The Accessibility of Your Roof
How easy it is for the contractors to access your roof, has a role to play in how quickly the roof is replaced. The roofing contractors have to be able to tear off your old roof and get new materials for the roof. Common difficulties for access are landscaping, trees and bushes, and no paved area near the access point.
Time of Year You Get Your Roof Replaced
The time of the year also affects the speed at which your roof can be replaced. In the spring it is dry and also cool which are perfect working conditions and the days are longer so more work can be done. March is the start of the work year for many roofing contractors.
Choose Ridged Roofing to Help You With Your Insurance Claim
We provide our customers with expert roof repair and roof replacement services and also offer a comprehensive insurance claim process. We handle your entire insurance claim for you, so you get the full benefits you expect on your damaged roof repair.