Accidents happen, even to our roofs, and having to repair or replace your roof out of pocket as a homeowner can be very expensive and drain your finances. However, once you figure out how to get homeowners insurance to pay for a new roof, it will save you from spending your money on accidental roof damage repairs.
Whether the damage is caused by harsh weather events like a recent major storm, wind, hail, snow, ice, or fallen trees and then leads to leaks and missing shingles, your insurance may cover it. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home from unexpected damage, and these policies often cover roof repairs or replacements.
However, getting your insurance claim approved can be difficult and exhausting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your homeowners insurance to cover a roof replacement and how to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
The first step to getting your insurance to pay for roof replacement is understanding what your policy covers. Your homeowners’ insurance covers losses and damages done to your home and everything in it or on it, which includes your roof.
If you’re wondering, “How much does insurance pay for roof replacement?” You should know that the coverage amount depends on your policy type, the value of the property, the age of the roof (older roofs may result in a lower payout due to depreciation), the deductible, and the liability limits.
Typically, the homeowners’ insurance covers roof damage caused by storms (such as hail or wind), fire damage, falling objects (like tree branches), and vandalism. But it does not cover losses from natural disasters like floods or earthquakes and also doesn’t cover your car. These things need to be covered by a separate policy that you can buy.
Your homeowners’ insurance usually covers the following:
- Items in your house and your personal belongings.
- Property damage to your home and detached buildings.
- It protects you from a claim or lawsuit if someone gets injured on your property.
- The costs of living in a hotel or somewhere when your house is uninhabitable.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Financial Hacks for New Homeowners
Steps to Filing a Roof Replacement Claim
Filing a claim is not as difficult as it seems if you have the right roofing contractor to help you negotiate with your insurer. However, it usually takes a while for your claim to be approved. Here’s how to file a claim for roof replacement.
1. Find the Right Roofing Contractor to Assess the Roof Damage
Before contacting your insurance company, getting a roofing contractor is essential. In states like Georgia, certification for roofing companies is required to accept your claim. So, to make your work easier, find a local, licensed roofing contractor to inspect how bad the damage is on your roof if it’s not safe for you to do so.
Many contractors offer free roof inspections and can give you a detailed report on the extent of the damage and what needs fixing. They’ll also use the findings (pictures of the damage and notes taken) to discuss your claim with your insurance provider.
2. Find Out What Your Homeowners Insurance Covers
Before filing a claim, it’s best to understand your rights under the insurance plan. Check the files to see whether your contract covers roof damage. If not, you’ll have to pay for roof replacement. So take note of details, including what your insurance covers. But if it does cover roof damage, go on to file a claim with your insurance provider.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Gather the evidence you put together from the roof damage or the report issued to you by your roofing contractor, and then go on to liaise with your insurance agent to file a claim.
Ensure all the vital information is included, showing the damage sustained on your roof. If your family has to move to a hotel while workers repair the damage, include that. The company will then assign an adjuster to assess the damage.
4. Schedule an Inspection With the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage on your roof. Make sure your roof contractor is there as well. The adjuster’s job is to determine the extent of the damage and estimate how much the insurance company will cover.
Ensure you provide the adjuster with the reports and photos you’ve gathered, as this can support your claim. Once your insurance company is discovered to be responsible for covering the cost of your roof damage, it will eventually take on repairs or replacement.
ALSO READ: Millennial Homebuyers: Challenges, Key Stats, and Expert Tips for Homeownership
Tips for Working With Your Insurance Company on a Roof Claim
When you suffer roof damage in your house, without hesitation, it will require a replacement. Making a roof claim will ensure you don’t pay much for your replacement. Here are some tips to help you work with your insurance company.
- Keep a Record of Everything: This is one of the most essential steps before filing a claim. You must keep detailed records of everything, including the date and time of the damage, photos, and any communications with your insurance company.
- Understand the Deductible: You must read your homeowners insurance policy contract to understand your deductible, which is the amount of money you’ll spend before the insurance company takes over.
- Maintain Your Roof: If the insurer discovers that you neglected the roof long before the damage occurred, they might deny your claim, forcing you to pursue a more complex legal route.
- File Your Claim on Time: Do your best to get a claim immediately. Delays tend to cause more damage; the insurer might consider this intentional.
- Maintain Contact With Your Insurer: Remember to communicate well with your insurance company and contractor and plan financially for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Roof damage can be stressful; getting homeowners insurance to replace a roof can seem overwhelming. But with the right approach and financial planning, you can get your insurance to pay for roof replacement, ensuring that your home remains protected and your finances stay intact.