How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement

How do roof insurance claims work?

The roof insurance claim process can seem stressful, especially if you are worried about an expensive roof repair or how much it will cost you to replace your roof. As stressful as it may be, the process isn’t quite as complicated as it seems, especially when you have an experienced roofing contractor like Colony Roofers providing help with the claim. 

In fact, the claim process often begins with you getting an estimate for the repairs from a reputable roofer with insurance experience. So how do I get insurance to pay for my roof replacement?

Can I Claim a New Roof On My Insurance?

Once you have an estimate, you can file a claim with your insurance company. The insurance company will weigh various factors when determining exactly what they will pay out on the claim. In many instances, your roof’s age will play a big role in what’s paid out. 

Any roof that’s over 10 years old might get less coverage than a new roof, if your roof has not been well maintained. Will insurance cover a 12-year-old roof? Keeping your roof maintained can be a key to good coverage if the time ever comes when you need to file an insurance claim.

How Does Insurance Roof Replacement Process Work?

What caused the damage will also affect the claim’s status. Insurers only cover damage listed under covered perils. These are events like storms or fires or even vandalism that cause damage out of your control. 

But how does insurance cover roof replacement if the damage is your fault or neglect? And how does insurance determine roof replacement? 

If your roof repair is necessary because you have neglected to maintain your roof, your claim will probably be denied. Policies will vary and it is best to check with the insurer to find out exactly what is covered in your policy. 

If you ever need roof insurance claims help in Atlanta, GA, Colony Roofers has years of experience dealing with insurance companies and getting homeowners insurance to pay, so our clients get the full benefit of their policies. When you need help with any roof storm damage, give us a call at (678) 365-3138.

Should I make an insurance claim on my roof?

If you need roof repairs or replacement, you’ll have to take into careful consideration whether to file a claim or not. Frequently filing claims can affect your premiums as well as the amount paid out on a claim. You may even risk getting your policy voided. 

You may be wondering, how can I claim a new roof on my insurance? You should avoid filing a claim if the estimated repair amount doesn’t meet or exceed your deductible, it’s better to pay out of pocket. If you have a question about how insurance adjusters determine roof damage, if the repairs are due to normal wear and tear or lack maintenance on your part, you are better off not filing a claim. 

Insurers normally only cover damage caused by covered perils such as hail damage. It’s also best not to file a claim if you’ve filed one in the past three years as your insurer might void your policy if you file too many claims in one year, and you might have problems getting insurance elsewhere.

How do I get my insurance to pay for a roof replacement?

When your roof’s been damaged after a storm has passed through your area, if the damage is severe enough, you might have to get your roof replaced. This can be an expensive proposition because new roofs can cost as much as or more than a new car. 

When you file a roof insurance claim, you’ll want to make sure everything is in order so they will cover the full cost of a new roof. Make sure you follow these steps to determine if you can claim a new roof on your insurance:

• Know exactly what your policy covers. Read over your policy so you’ll understand everything that’s covered and what kind of roof damage insurance will cover.
• Before you contact your insurance company, document all the damage to determine if you can claim a new roof on your insurance.. This means getting an estimate from a reputable roofer, but you also want to supplement your documentation as much as possible. For instance, after a hailstorm, if you can, take photos of the hailstones. 
• Research roofers and hire a reputable company like Colony Roofers. Reputable companies will be licensed and insured and will consistently get good reviews from past customers and from trade organizations or groups like the Better Business Bureau.
• Make sure you follow all your insurer’s procedures to file a claim and the procedures to take to file an appeal if the claim is denied. Getting insurance to pay for a roof replacement is a much simpler process if you know what kind of roof damage insurance will cover.

Roof insurance claim denied

Once you’ve submitted a roof insurance claim, there is always the possibility that your roof insurance claim is denied. There are several reasons for this. Most often your claim will be denied if the repair costs don’t exceed your deductible or the repair isn’t covered under a covered peril—lack of maintenance won’t be covered, for instance. If you’ve filed several claims recently, your claim might be denied as well. 

If your claim is denied, you do have a right to appeal the decision. You’ll have to follow procedures set down by your insurer to file an appeal. You may also want to enlist the help of a roofing company like Colony Roofers that has experience dealing with insurance companies. They can help you get the full benefit of your claim, and help you know how to get your insurance to pay for a new roof.

Can I cancel a roof insurance claim?

For the most part, once you file a roof insurance claim, you cannot cancel it. It can only be canceled before an adjuster is assigned to it. After an adjuster is assigned, even if the adjuster does not show up, or the insurer doesn’t pay out, the claim can’t be canceled.

What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?

After you file a roof insurance claim, an adjuster will be assigned to it. The adjuster may then come out and inspect your roof to verify the claim. This is where they will be determining what kind of roof damage insurance will cover. They will be looking for a variety of things from the age of the roof to whether or not it has been properly installed. 

The insurance adjuster is also going to check for the signs of damage reported. They may feel shingles for dents from hail or look for evidence that shingles have been lifted up from wind damage. They are confirming the damage reported to determine what the insurance company will or will not cover.

How much does insurance go up after a new roof?

Insurance coverage for roofs will vary by insurer and even by region. Depending on the circumstances, your insurance premium might go up or it might not if you have a new roof installed. How much it goes up will vary by insurer. 

If you’ve filed several claims over the past few years, the premium is likely to go up more than it would if you’ve only filed one claim. In fact, filing one claim might not cause the premium to go up. For more information on choosing your new roof, take a look at Today’s Homeowner.

Roofing insurance claims for storm damage

So what kind of roof damage will insurance cover? When you’ve had a storm damage your roof and need help with your roof insurance claim in Atlanta, GA you’ll want to get that help from a roofing company with insurance experience. Colony Roofers has years of experience helping homeowners get the full benefit of their claims. To find out how we can help you with your insurance claim, give us a call at (678) 365-3138.