Resources

Step by Step guide on how to file a claim

If you think that your roof has been damaged or you have a leak then it’s important that you contact a reputable roofing company like 1761 Renovations to inspect and file a claim. We know it can seem like an overwhelming and tedious process at times, but that’s why we’re here to help!

The steps you need to take before contacting your insurance company or scheduling roof repairs or a replacement will ensure you get the most out of your insurance claim. Here are the steps you need to follow from beginning to end:

The first thing you need to do is check if you’re eligible for a roof insurance claim

It is important to understand how much protection an existing policy gives you, or in other words, you need to know what your insurance covers and what it does not.

Your insurance covers what?

Homeowners have many options when it comes to insurance policies. As long as the damage was caused by an event beyond your control, most insurance providers will cover roof repairs or replacements.

Here’s a list of events that most insurers will cover for you:

1
Fire Incident

2
Hail Damage

3
Strong Wind

4
Unexpected Vandalism

5
Lightning/Thunder strikes

6
Falling of Heavy objects

7
Acts of God

Before your insurance helps you pay for a roof repair or replacement, be aware that your roof insurance may require a deductible first. Read your policy to find out your deductibles and coverage limits. Also note that some home insurance policies may exclude wind, flood, and hail damage.

If you are unsure about your coverage but you know there is a problem with your roof, we can arrange a free inspection and once we know the extent of the damage, we can help you determine your coverage.

What’s not covered by the insurance company?

Almost all home insurance policies cover the repair or replacement of a naturally damaged roof, but there are quite a few instances in which you will have to pay for it using your own money. Depending on the policy or supplier, the roof that you have right now may not be covered given this specific situation or instances:

The roof on your property currently has already aged.
The reason why your roof is damaged is because of your poor maintenance.
An intentional/unintentional damage has occurred and was caused by the person living in the house.

Homeowners in high weather risk areas often have to pay a higher deductible before the policy will take effect. But there are quite a few cases where separate policies are required. Like hurricanes for example.

This is What You Need to Do Before You File a Roof Insurance Claim

If you’re concerned your roof might be damaged, there are a few things to consider before applying for property damage umbrella insurance.

Choose a Trusted Roofing Contractor to Do an Inspection

It’s useful to have a roofing contractor do an expert inspection of your roof prior to contacting your insurance company so that one step is already out of the way and you’ll be able to provide possible details needed to the agent.

As roofing contractors, we’re capable of reporting the amount and extent of the damages incurred and making certain all bases are included prior to a declaration being filed. Additionally, when you utilize a roofing company that’s dedicated to their customers like 1761 Renovations, you’ll have a professional representative by your side and ready to assist you all through the claims process.

Homeowners typically have better success going through the claims process without issues or headaches when they have a professional roofing company by their side to help out. We all know insurance claims of any kind can be confusing and frustrating, so we’re happy to be able to assist our customers in this way.

Find Out Your Deductible

Deductibles are the amount of cash you must pay in full for repairs before your insurance underwriter covers the remainder of the cost. In some states, insurers can charge a much higher deductible for hurricane-related wind and hail damages than they might otherwise.

Get a copy of your policy and scan through it. Once you find the section regarding deductibles, it should say specifically what your deductible is. Or, if you have got an insurance agent you can reach out to them to request the information over the phone instead. You can also reach out to customer service of your insurance company and provide them the details so that they could gain access to your policy.

Simply make sure you don’t file a claim until you’ve consulted together with your roofing contractor. 1761 Renovations is no stranger to insurance claims, so we know what to expect and will be able to help you.

Process to File a Roof Insurance Claim

The claims that you will do will greatly have an effect on your chances of being approved by the insurance company. This can be a bit of a complicated process and can also consume a lot of time that you could be spending on more important matters. This is why we decided to make it 100% easier for you by making a step by step process that will help you.

1. If you know or have recently noticed that you might have damage on your roof after a natural disaster, you must assess it immediately.

The most ideal time to do something about the damage after a natural disaster is as soon as possible! The more you wait, the bigger the damage could become due to the current condition. Also if you prolong taking care of the issues for a very long time, the chances of you getting approved for roof repairs or replacement will be greatly reduced.

It is also not advisable to do the roof inspection by yourself. The best thing you could do for your property is to get a no cost or obligation roof inspection with us. We can expertly assess any damage that might have taken place and create a plan on how to remedy the problems.

2. Make sure that the proper documentation is ready

A large percentage of homeowners getting approved are mainly based on how well they documented the damages that had occurred on their roof. That is why we highly recommend that you get an expert to help you.

Upon inspection, we will create a detailed report to explain the amount of damages and the extent of that damage. We can provide all necessary documentation that the insurance company will request of us. Unfortunately, if you choose to go with a less experienced or professional roofing company, they could not take documentation as seriously which will certainly leave you at a disadvantage with the insurance company and your claim.

3. File Your Claim with the Insurance Company

When everything is set, all you need to do is file your claim with your insurance company. We will be with you through the whole process to make things easy for you and so that you’ll have a higher chance of your desired outcome.

4. Preparation is Required Before Meeting the Insurance Adjuster

The insurance company that you’re with will send an adjuster to check all the damages on your roof. No matter how much documentation is provided, at the end of the day, they are most definitely going to want to check out your roof to ensure everything is accounted for and nothing that should not be. When you choose 1761 Renovations, we will be more than happy to be there when you meet with the adjuster if you so wish. If you don’t understand something or if the adjuster makes an objection, we will be there to step in for you. Furthermore, make sure you record the name of the adjuster, the claim number, time, and date of the visit.

When Did You File Your Roof Insurance Claim?

The speed of your claim process will greatly depend on how fast you file a claim and how bad the damage is. Also, if an adjuster will be available to make the assessment. When you settle the claim it usually takes anywhere from 30 – 60 days before you will be receiving the claim check.

My Roof Claim Has Been Filed. Now What?

After the adjuster has inspected your property is the only time the insurance company will approve repairs or replacement. To make sure everyone is on the same page, 1761 Renovations will communicate and work with the insurance company to ensure everything goes smoothly and according to plan.
The roofing contractor will schedule the work and order the materials. Pre-project materials will soon be delivered to your home.
If you have a home mortgage, your insurance company usually pays you and your lender. The mortgage company typically needs to sign off on the check as well to make sure that the property has been properly repaired and the check is being used as it should. After all, the owner of your home is the mortgage company. You should verify the check with your mortgage lender or bank. Lenders usually deposit money and pay when repairs are completed.
Inform your insurance company of any additional funds that may arise from work performed on your behalf. You will receive these funds from the insurance company and pay them to your contractor.

Last Thing to Think About…

To maximize the potential and benefits of your claim, you need a reliable partner who you can trust and rely on in your best interests. In short, you need someone to represent and help you. This is why we are here.

We will be there for you every step of the way to hold your hand through the whole process from point A to point Z, helping you navigate the complicated process of ensuring that you recover from roof damage. We have a great, respectable reputation and we guarantee to be involved as much as possible. Book a no cost or obligation roof inspection today to explore your options and get back to your life!