Category: Insurance

Step 1:  Contact a reputable insurance restoration contractor to inspect and document the damage to your property.

Step 2: Sign a service agreement with the contractor to allow them to negotiate the scope of loss and estimate with the adjuster.

Step 3: File your claim online, clearly outlining the damage and its cause. The adjuster will contact you within 48 hours to schedule an inspection of your property.

Step 4: The contractor will accompany the adjuster during the inspection, documenting the process through photos and video.

Step 5: The contractor and adjuster will create an estimate using the same software to compare and agree on the necessary steps and cost to restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

Step 6: Once a price agreement is reached between the contractor and the insurance company, the contractor will schedule a time to collect the deductible and the ACV check, and discuss any upgrades to our preferred warranty.

Step 7: The contractor will schedule the work to be done promptly and file any additional supplements needed during the completion of the job.

Step 8: Once the work is completed, the homeowner will sign a completion form to release the remaining funds and any additional supplements.

Step 9: The contractor will schedule a time to collect the final payment.

Step 10: The homeowner is encouraged to leave a review of the contractor on Google to help other homeowners choose the right roofer.

You won’t go to court without a lawyer, so why would you go to your insurance company without one?

As heavy rain and windstorms roll across the country, many properties will sustain storm damage, including roof damage. Your initial inclination may be to contact your insurance company, but since insurance companies often reject these claims, they also suggest contacting a local roofing specialist.

You should be working with a roofing contractor to make an insurance claim for many reasons.

Inspect for Damage

Having a professional evaluate your roof can guarantee that the damage does not cause more problems in your house. A roof leak may quickly cause rotted rafters and decking, mold development, and sheetrock damage to your roof system. A roofer may inspect all the damage and take precautionary steps to prevent leaks from causing more damage.

Examine Storm Damage

A roofer will also be able to detect problems that you may be unable to see. Most storm damage to your roof will be invisible from the ground. Even if you climb a ladder to your roof (which is not advisable), you may not know where or what to look for. A professional roof inspection will enable someone with a trained eye to check the roof for storm damage.

When it comes to storm damage, a skilled roofer will know what to check for. In situations of wind damage, they will search for wrinkled shingles and dents from hail storm damage.

Record Storm Damage

A roofing firm will document each house inspection by posting images and damage details to our online project report portal. They may use the program to arrange high-quality photographs and create a timetable for each project for each homeowner. An inspection will also enable your roofer to chalk mark the areas of roof damage, which will help your insurance company record the damage.

Assist with Insurance Claims

The incredible thing about having a roofer on your side when filing an insurance claim is how much they simplify the process. Insurance companies demand photographs and thorough documentation of the damage. When you hire a roofing contractor, you can be confident that their reports are officially certified, and your insurance company will not be able to disregard them.

Consult Your Insurance Adjuster

The meeting with the insurance adjuster is the most critical moment to have a competent roofer working on your insurance claim. A roofing company will meet with your adjuster and present them with the storm damage evidence.

While insurance adjusters may have dealt with claims in the past, they are not qualified roofing specialists. As a homeowner, you want someone with building experience who understands what they’re looking at to represent you to your insurance carrier.

When to Hire Professionals

A severe storm might harm the condition of your roof. Therefore, it is essential to have a professional assessment performed to evaluate any damage. Hiring a skilled roofing contractor can simplify and expedite the insurance procedure while saving you money.

Final Thoughts

When filing an insurance claim, having a roofer on your side may be helpful. A skilled roofer can evaluate, assess, and record the damage for the insurance company. They will also assist you with the insurance procedure, meeting with adjusters, and ensuring that your claim is approved. Do not attempt to file an insurance claim on your own; instead, seek the aid of a professional roofing contractor.

Everyone takes their roof for granted until a storm, a fallen tree, or even those pesky neighborhood squirrels cause havoc. If your roof is damaged, you may want to file a homeowners insurance claim to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. However, it may be challenging to know where to begin.

Unfortunately, if you fail to follow the correct procedures while making a roof claim, your insurance carrier may refuse your claim due to an administrative error. This article will outline the four steps to obtaining homeowners insurance to cover the cost of roof replacement.

1. Understand your roofing insurance policy.

Check your homeowners’ policy for roof coverage when you discover damage to your roof. If you do not pay much attention to your policy, this may need some investigation, but the information will also guide your financial considerations about roof repairs. You can also ask your insurance agent for a copy of your policy.

Most insurance companies provide two types of roof insurance: repair coverage and replacement coverage. Repair coverage often reimburses the homeowner for a percentage of the cost of repairs. Replacement coverage, on the other hand, pays for replacing a damaged roof. These plans are more expensive and make filing a claim difficult. That is why it is critical to document the damage and file a claim as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, homeowners insurance will not cover all roof damage. Your insurance, location, and the cause of the damage determine your coverage. A hail storm, for example, that damages a roof may qualify for coverage because it is an exceptional and unpreventable event. However, due to the frequency of such catastrophes, or because the homeowner lacks hurricane-related coverage or did not make appropriate preparations, a hurricane that damages a roof may not be covered. If you or an untrained (or unlicensed!) the roofer caused the damage, your roof replacement will most likely not be compensated.

If you have questions about roof coverage, contact your insurance agent and ask for more information.

2. Photograph the damage and notify your insurance company.

Once you’ve determined that the damage to your roof is covered by your homeowners’ insurance (or it should be), the next step is to document the damage. Take numerous photographs, not only of the exterior damage but also of the interior of your home. If you have a tall enough ladder and feel safe climbing it, you can shoot shots from there or use a drone with a camera, which is an even safer option. If you can’t properly assess all of the damage, call an experienced roofing firm for an inspection—better it’s to be safe than sorry.

Take note of the date of the damage as well. If your roof was destroyed by a storm, such as a tornado or a hurricane, look for articles online that correspond to the dates of these destructive events to support your claim.

Then, go to your insurance company’s website to find out how to file a claim. Many policies demand the homeowner to file their claim within a specific time frame following the occurrence. You should be aware of your insurance company’s protocol, as your claim may be refused if you wait too long.

3. Conduct roofing company research and hire the most reputable.

After submitting your roof insurance claim, contact a reliable roofing firm with insurance claims experience to do a roofing inspection. They can inspect the damage and produce a report for your insurance company. If you do not engage professionals to inspect the roof, your insurance company may pay someone to do it on their behalf. Because this third-party inspector works for the insurance company, they may seek any justification to deny your claim. However, by taking action and hiring your inspectors, you increase your chances of getting your insurance to pay for roof repairs.

But how do you pick a roofing company?

To begin, seek a firm that offers roof replacement and installation for the most typical roofing materials, such as shingles, tile, and metal roofing. A reliable roofing company should also have a website and a Google My Business page with customer reviews.

Make sure the roofers you hire have experience dealing with insurance claims since this will allow them to interact with your insurance company and provide proof that your claim is valid.

A reputable roofing firm will replace your roof effectively without causing more damage or costing you an exorbitant fee. If you choose roofers with a bad (or no) reputation, your insurance claims may be denied in the future due to incorrect previous installations.

4. Watch out for insurance scams and storm chasers.

Scammers have the potential to take advantage of you when insurance is involved. Scammers will find canvas areas after a significant storm with the promise of a free roof; be warned that this is most likely not a reputable enterprise. The people coming door to door are trained salespeople who will do everything they can to persuade you to sign on the dotted line.

Some sources of roof damage are covered by insurance, but not all. A worn-out roof does not warrant an insurance claim, but something is wrong if the salesperson claims it does. They may also argue that the damage is so severe that you must act immediately. Another strategy is to imply that they will give you a good deal because they are in the neighborhood, but you must move quickly. These aggressive sales closing practices are red flags that the company is not authentic.

There are a few precautions you may take to identify fraudsters. For one thing, you should request a copy of their liability insurance and any other credentials that a trustworthy roofing company should have. It’s also preferable if they have a physical presence in the neighborhood. Inquire for an address and a business license. Finally, look for online reviews to determine if there are any concerns about this company.

5. Follow the next steps in your roof replacement claim.

Your insurance company can decide once you submit your claim and hire a roofing business to provide supporting documentation. The insurance agent would notify you if your claim were approved or refused after their allotted time limit (typically about 15 days). If they decline your claim, you can appeal the judgment. These procedures vary depending on the insurance company, so visit your insurance representative for help.

If your roofing claim is approved, you can begin working with the contractors you have chosen to execute your new roof installation. You should have your roof regularly inspected once it has been replaced. Routine maintenance keeps your roof in good condition. It will make future roofing claims easier to process because you will have written reports and images documenting the roof’s previous state.

Conclusion

Having a reliable roofing contractor is essential for getting insurance claims approved and having your roof replaced most cost-effectively. By doing research, checking credentials, and avoiding storm chasers and scam artists, you can ensure that you pick a trustworthy roofing firm and get the best results from your insurance claim.  

Contact Us for Your Repair and Replacement Needs

Have a damaged roof in the Dayton, OH, area? Need to file an insurance claim? WIW Roofing is here to assist you with all your roof repair and replacement needs. Just give us a call so we can help!

This article contains the following information.

• Will filing a roof insurance claim raise my premium?
• What does the insurer want?
• What is the payment procedure of the insurer?
• What if my insurance company does not pay the whole cost indicated by the roofer?
• Why do insurance companies refuse to pay depreciation?
• What are the most common forms of home insurance policies?
• How do you calculate Recoverable Depreciation and Actual Cash Value?
• How will you bill me?
• Do you take payments?
• Is there a warranty on my new roof?
• Is my roof going to be replaced or repaired?
• Do insurers provide a discount for an impact-resistant roof?
• How does the mortgage firm operate?

 

If a hail storm just went through your area, you’re probably wondering if your roof was damaged and/or if you should submit an insurance claim for your roof.

This article addresses frequently asked questions & concerns about roofing insurance claims, such as “What is the roof replacement process?” and “When will my first roofing insurance claim check arrive?”

We also describe popular roof insurance terminology so that you are better prepared when you call your insurance company.

Will filing a roof insurance claim raise my premium?

If you were not negligent, then most likely not.

Because hail damage is not the result of your negligence, most insurance companies will not increase your premium if you file a claim. I mean think about it – it’s not like you moved your residence in the middle of a hailstorm. In comparison, if you backed your car into your garage door, you were negligent because you didn’t open the door or double-check that it was open before backing up. In such a case of negligence, your premium will almost certainly rise.

What does the insurer want?

When an insurance company inspector comes to check your roof, they are usually looking for apparent hail damage or other weather-related damage to your roof. The inspector looks for bruising or black spots on your shingles where granules have been removed, exposing the underlayment or fiberglass. New hail damage is usually bright. However, older damage can appear duller owing to weather exposure.

Although hail damage may not immediately threaten the roof’s structural integrity, it will cause problems in the future. Furthermore, many insurance companies have a statute of limitations on how long a hail claim can be pursued. As a result, it is always a good idea to contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible following a large hail storm.

When your roof sustains hail damage, numerous things happen.

• Accelerated granule loss
• Accelerated shingle aging
• Voids manufacturer’s warranties
• Leads to other associated problems

What is the payment procedure of the insurer?

First, double-check

The insurance company should send the policyholder the first insurance check for your roof replacement as soon as the insurance adjuster has completed their roof damage evaluation.

The second check (recoverable depreciation)

The second check is withheld until the roof repairs are done. This second check is generally 10% to 40% of the entire settlement and is usually referred to as “recoverable depreciation” or “withheld depreciation.” When the insurance company gets an invoice for the final payment, it sends it to the homeowner.

When you receive the invoice, send it right away to your insurance carrier. This will expedite the payment of depreciation. Please remember that most settlement checks are only for 180 days. If the homeowner lets this check expire, the bank will not honor it, and a lengthy process to get this check reissued begins.

Furthermore, remember that the settlement is based on the cost of repairing the roof with “similar kind and quality” materials. However, there are situations when the homeowner and their insurance adjuster disagree on the cost, size of the roof, or scope of the damage. In this instance, your sales representative has the requisite skills to address these disputes with your insurance adjuster immediately. Everyone wants to make this process as simple as possible for you.

What if my insurance company does not pay the whole cost indicated by the roofer?

If you choose a trustworthy roofing company, they should be able to verify your insurance documents and notify you if anything is missing from your insurance’s estimate. At that time, and with your agreement, your roofing contractor should be allowed to contact your adjuster and inform them of any differences, as well as any code requirements that may have been overlooked in their initial adjustment. These code standards will necessitate documentation from your municipality, which your contractor should be able to give.

Why do insurance companies refuse to pay depreciation?

Insurance companies are not uncommon in withholding depreciation – the second check or balance for the roof replacement or repair. They do this because of con artists. The insurance provider wants to ensure you’re just spending the money on replacing or repairing your roof. They can avoid overpaying by withholding funds until they receive the final invoice from the roofing firm.

What are the most common forms of home insurance policies?

Residential insurance plans are classified into two types:

• Replacement Cost
• Actual Cash Value (ACV) (RC)

Actual monetary value

With ACV coverage, the value of your roof will depreciate each year for ten years. As a result, if your roof has been damaged, you will only receive a check for the roof’s depreciated worth.

Cost of Replacement

If you have an RC policy, your insurance provider will pay for replacing your roof, less your deductible. Furthermore, “replacement cost” home insurance coverage will typically pay for a new roof in two installments.

How do you Calculate Recoverable Depreciation and Actual Cash Value?

Assume you installed a new $10,000 roof on your house five years ago, and a hail storm recently wrecked it. Assume your 5-year-old roof was made of ordinary asphalt roofing shingles, which endure roughly 20 years. The Actual Cash Value would be $7,500 because your roof was only five years old when the hail storm happened. As a result, the recoverable depreciation is $2,500. This is the difference between the replacement cost of $10,000 and the actual cash value.

Here’s how it works:

R = ACV x (E – C) / E

10,000 x (20 – 5) / 20 = 7,500

R = $10,000 (Replacement cost or purchase price of the roof) (Replacement cost or purchase price of the roof)

E is equal to 20 years (Expected life of the roof)

Five years = C (Current life of the roof)

Actual Cash Value is calculated by subtracting the current age of your roof from the expected life of the roof (e.g., 20 – 5, which equals 15), multiplying by the replacement cost or purchase price of the roof (15 x $10,000, which equals 150,000), and dividing by the expected life of the roof (150,000 / 20, which equals 7,500).

How will you bill me?

Once your new roof is completed, they will send you an invoice for the entire amount owed. Please deliver this invoice to your insurance company immediately, as they will begin processing your second check.

Do you take payments?

Yes. Upon completion of your roof, they will receive a partial payment or your first check. When you receive the second check, the balance is expected. Please make arrangements with your insurance company, bank, and mortgage company so that you have monies available at this time.

If payment in full is not made within 30 days of completion, a 1.5% penalty per month will be applied until the balance is entirely paid. Furthermore, a lien may be imposed on your property to shield us from liability for the services completed.

 

Is there a warranty on my new roof?

Yes. Two warranties will protect your new roof:

It only covers workmanship and labor, not materials. This warranty is good for five years.

Manufacturer – The shingle manufacturer provides this warranty covering the materials used. Depending on the product you install, these warranties range from 25, 30, 40, 50, and lifetime years.

Please keep in mind, however, that these warranties are only good until your bill is paid in full.

Is my roof going to be replaced or repaired?

It is up to the insurance company to choose whether your roof should be repaired or replaced. It all boils down to which option is less expensive: a complete roof replacement or mending a tiny section of your roof. The majority of hailstorms are large. They are large enough to cause damage to several dwellings, if not entire villages. As a result, hail storms frequently cause total roof damage. As a result, most insurance companies will cover the whole roof replacement.

Do insurers provide a discount for an impact-resistant roof?

Every year, the number of roofing products available grows. As roofing technology advances, so searches for the ideal roof:

One that is visually appealing, has a high property value, is cost-effective, is resistant to hail, and, most importantly, is maintenance-free.

Some insurance companies can offer discounts if you have a hail-resistant roof installed. This is typically characterized as roofing material that has passed an Underwriters Laboratory test known as UL 2218. In this test, steel balls of varying sizes and weights are dropped from varying heights onto roofing material, and the resulting damage is analyzed. Each material is assigned a rating based on the damage caused by the steel balls, which the material maker must agree to for the insurance company to participate in their discount program.

Unfortunately, most manufacturers have declined to participate in these rebate programs.

However, deal with several manufacturers who create the following Impact Resistant tiles and may give these reductions.

How does the mortgage firm operate?

On the first, and sometimes second, check, most insurance providers will include both the homeowner’s and the mortgage company’s names. Mortgage firms ask the homeowner to sign and send this check to them. Each mortgage firm, however, has its protocols for returning monies to the homeowner. Usually, this occurs only after repairs have been completed. The best thing to do is to inquire with your mortgage provider about the papers required to release this money.

Please remember that most settlement checks are only for 180 days. The mortgage company will not recognize this check if the homeowner permits it to expire. As a result, please ensure that the mortgage firm receives this check before it expires.

Conclusion

There are several important factors to keep in mind regarding roofing and insurance. The most important thing is understanding your policies and what they cover. Also, ensure you know the warranties offered by your roofing product and if any discounts are available for impact-resistant roofs. Additionally, be aware of the process required by your mortgage company to receive and release funds. With this knowledge, you can make an educated choice about whether to repair or replace your roof.