You’ve done everything right. You invested in quality roofing material and kept your roof well-maintained. Yet here you are with a damaged roof.
Now, you’ll have to spend anywhere between $200 to $3,000 fixing the most important part of your home!
Unless you have insurance, that is.
Roof insurance is a brilliant investment that can pay off in dividends. When it comes time to file a claim, knowing what to do can speed up the process and help you get the most out of your coverage.
Here are five tips to keep in mind as you file your roof insurance claim.
1. Look into Your Policy
First thing’s first: wait to call a roofing repair expert. Don’t worry, we’ll be here when you’re ready!
While calling us might be your first instinct, your attention needs to go to your insurance policy.
Start by looking up the exact details of your coverage. If you don’t have a hard copy of your proof of insurance around, you should be able to procure a copy from your provider’s website.
Looking into your coverage will tell you what is — and isn’t — covered. In most cases, damage caused by things like weather, vandalism, and fire are all covered.
However, some insurance companies account for depreciation. So if your roof is more than a few years old, your coverage may not pay for the entire repair.
2. Document the Damage
A picture is worth 1,000 words, so get ready to snap some photos of the damage.
Get photos from multiple angles and make sure they’re well lit.
Don’t stop at photos, either. Jot down notes, like when the damage occurred, what caused it, and which specific areas of your roof got damaged.
This is an important step of the process, as documentation serves as evidence. So much so that most agencies will require some form of documentation before your coverage takes effect.
3. File Your Claim as Soon as Possible
Time is of the essence. Once you have your documentation ready to go, it’s time to file your claim.
The sooner you file, the sooner you can schedule a repair.
4. Take Notes
Keep a pad and a pen near you when speaking with your agency. Jot down names, the time of your call, and the details of your discussion.
You may not need your notes, but it’s always good to keep a paper trail of info in case a conflict arises.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Fight Back
Insurance agencies make it intentionally difficult to file a claim. After all, that’s how they lose money.
But that doesn’t mean that you need to pay out of pocket because of their greed. Don’t be afraid to fight back.
Often, it’s best to speak directly with a supervisor as they’re less likely to lowball you and can approve certain authorizations that customer service reps can’t.
And when in doubt, refer to your notes — especially if they’re trying to get out of paying. Be reasonable (and kind, for that matter) but stand firm.
Raise The Roof: Tips for Filing a Roof Insurance Claim
Filing a roof insurance claim is a frustrating and time-consuming process, but these tips should help you make it a relatively painless experience. So keep these tips in mind when you file your claim.
And when you’re ready to repair your roof, be sure to get in touch!
