how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement

How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with roof damage is a stressful situation, and the process of getting your insurance to cover a roof replacement can be overwhelming. Whether it’s due to a severe storm, hail damage, or general wear and tear, understanding how to navigate the insurance claims process is crucial to getting your roof replaced without a significant financial burden.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we’ve worked with countless homeowners in Youngstown, Ohio, and surrounding areas to help them understand the insurance claim process and secure the funds they need to replace their roofs. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the essential steps on how to get insurance to pay for your roof replacement.

Step 1: Understand Your Roof Insurance Policy

Before diving into the claims process, it’s important to understand what your insurance policy covers. Insurance policies vary by provider, and different plans may have different clauses regarding roof damage and replacement. Here are a few things to consider when reviewing your roof coverage:

1.1. Types of Coverage

• Actual Cash Value (ACV): ACV policies reimburse the cost of the roof replacement minus depreciation. In other words, your insurer will calculate the depreciated value of your roof based on its age and wear and tear.
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): RCV policies cover the full cost of replacing your roof without factoring in depreciation. This is the more favorable option for homeowners since it ensures you can get your roof replaced at today’s prices.

Review your policy and confirm which type of coverage you have. Knowing this will help you determine how much of the cost your insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses you may need to pay.

1.2. Perils Covered

Insurance companies typically cover roof damage caused by “perils,” such as hail, windstorms, fire, or vandalism. However, most policies do not cover damage caused by general wear and tear or poor maintenance. It’s important to know the specifics of your policy to determine whether or not your roof replacement is covered.

Step 2: Inspect and Document the Roof Damage

Once you’ve confirmed your insurance coverage, the next step is to inspect your roof for damage. Many homeowners are unaware of the extent of damage until a professional roofer conducts a detailed inspection. Here’s how to properly document roof damage for your insurance claim:

2.1. Conduct a Roof Inspection

• Look for Obvious Signs of Damage: Walk around your home and look for visible signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, dents in the roof from hail, or water stains on the ceiling inside your home.
• Check for Leaks: Leaks are often a sign of significant damage. If you notice water spots on your ceiling or walls, there may be hidden damage in the roof.

It’s important to conduct the inspection after the storm or event that caused the damage, as waiting too long may cause further damage, making it more difficult to prove the roof’s condition at the time of the event.

2.2. Take Photos and Videos

One of the most important parts of the documentation process is capturing clear and detailed photos or videos of the damage. Your insurance company will require proof to assess the severity of the roof’s condition.

• Close-Up Shots: Get close-up photos of missing or damaged shingles, dents, or any other visible roof damage.
• Wide-Angle Shots: Include photos that show the entire roof, so the adjuster can get a sense of the roof’s size and scope of the damage.

If you’re not comfortable getting on the roof yourself, it’s best to call a professional roofer to inspect and document the damage. This will also help ensure that no damage is overlooked.

2.3. Hire a Professional Roofer for an Inspection

Even if the damage seems minor, hiring a professional roofing contractor is a smart step. A professional will have the expertise to spot issues you might not be able to identify on your own. Additionally, a certified roofing contractor can provide a detailed damage report, which can serve as strong evidence when filing your insurance claim.

Step 3: File Your Insurance Claim

Once you’ve documented the damage, it’s time to file your insurance claim. The sooner you file the claim, the better. Most insurance companies require that you report damage within a certain period after the event (typically within 12 months for storms). Here’s how you can proceed with filing your claim:

3.1. Contact Your Insurance Company

• Call Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance company that your roof has sustained damage and that you would like to file a claim. Some companies also offer an online claims process, which can be more convenient.
• Provide Documentation: Submit the photos, videos, and any other documentation you’ve collected, including the inspection report from the roofing contractor. Be clear and thorough in your description of the damage.
• Request a Claim Number: After filing the claim, be sure to get a claim number. This will be essential for tracking the progress of your claim.

3.2. Schedule a Roof Inspection with the Adjuster

After receiving your claim, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage. The adjuster will come to your home to inspect the roof and verify the extent of the damage.

• Be Present During the Inspection: If possible, try to be there when the adjuster arrives. This gives you the opportunity to walk them through the damage and show them the documentation you’ve gathered.
• Provide Your Roofing Contractor’s Report: Share your contractor’s inspection report with the adjuster. This can help the adjuster better understand the damage and ensure that nothing is missed.

Step 4: Review the Adjuster’s Report and Get Multiple Quotes

Once the adjuster has inspected your roof, they will provide a report with their assessment of the damage and an estimated cost for repairs or replacement. While this is a critical document, don’t rely solely on the adjuster’s report to determine the final cost of your roof replacement. Here’s what you should do next:

4.1. Compare the Adjuster’s Estimate with Roofing Contractor Quotes

• Obtain Multiple Quotes: It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from reputable roofing contractors. Each contractor may have a slightly different estimate for the replacement cost, which can give you a better understanding of what the actual cost will be.
• Compare Estimates to the Adjuster’s Report: If the adjuster’s estimate seems too low or doesn’t cover the full scope of the damage, discuss the discrepancy with your roofing contractor. They can help you argue that the adjuster missed critical damage, such as hidden leaks or structural issues.

Having multiple quotes from roofing professionals can strengthen your case and help you ensure that the insurance payout is enough to cover the full cost of the replacement.

4.2. Submit the Quotes to Your Insurance Provider

Once you have a detailed estimate from your contractor, submit it to your insurance company along with the adjuster’s report. If the insurance company is reluctant to cover the full amount, your roofing contractor may be able to assist in negotiating with the insurer.

Step 5: Finalize the Payment and Roof Replacement

After your insurance company approves the claim, they will send you a check to cover the cost of the roof replacement. Keep in mind that the payment process may be done in two parts:

• Depreciation Holdback: In some cases, the insurance company will issue an initial payment for the replacement minus depreciation. After the roof is replaced, you can submit proof of completion, and the remaining balance will be paid out.
• Contractor Payment: If you are working with a roofing contractor, the payment will typically go directly to them once the work is complete. In some cases, you may receive the payment and then pay the contractor yourself.

Step 6: Address Any Shortcomings in Coverage

If, after the roof replacement, your insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost or the payout is lower than expected, you may need to work with your roofing contractor or insurance adjuster to address the shortcomings. Sometimes, discrepancies arise from miscalculations or missed damage.

Your contractor may assist in submitting a follow-up claim to ensure everything is covered, or you may need to take legal action if you feel the claim was unfairly denied.

Conclusion

Getting your insurance to pay for a roof replacement can be a challenging process, but with careful planning, documentation, and professional assistance, it’s possible to navigate the system and secure the funds you need. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we’ve helped homeowners across the Youngstown, Ohio, area get their roofs replaced with minimal hassle. Whether you need help understanding your policy, filing a claim, or choosing the right contractor, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Remember, the key to success is proper documentation, clear communication with your insurance company, and working with experienced professionals who know how to handle insurance claims effectively.