How To File An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage

Having roof damage isn't a situation that any homeowner wants to find themselves in, but facing he prospect of having to deal with your insurance company on top of it can be even more stressful. Here we go over some simple steps to take, so if you ever find yourself in this situation, you'll be armed with the knowledge of how to file a claim for roof damage.

Call Your Insurance Company Promptly

One of the most important things to remember when you have roof damage is to call your insurance company as soon as possible. There are a lot of steps that need to be taken in order to file a claim, and the sooner you start the process, the sooner it will be completed. Not only that, but many insurance companies have time limits on how long you have to file a claim after an incident occurs.

The best course of action is always to call as soon as possible. If you aren't sure if your damage qualifies under your coverage, you can always call your insurance representative. Keep in mind that for some insurance companies, calling the claims line immediately starts the claims process, so even if you don't end up following through, you still have a claim marked on your record.

Gather The Information You Need For Your Claim

When filing a claim for property damage, it is important to have as much evidence as possible in order to be successful. For example, if your home has sustained damage from a severe storm, take photos of the area and what items were affected. If possible, try to capture any debris or tree branches that had fallen since these will serve as proof that the damage was due to an external event.

Insurance companies want proof and documentation of the damages, so by gathering all the necessary information required to support your claim ahead of time, it will make it easier for you and your insurance provider to come up with a fair arrangement. Having all the facts ready when approaching an insurance company for property damage claims can save time and improve your chances of receiving compensation.

Schedule An Inspection And Get An Estimate

If your home has experienced storm damage, it is important to work with your insurance company to arrange an inspection of the roof. This inspection should be done by an authorized contractor that is approved by your insurance company. An insurance adjuster will also want to come out and assess the damage.

During the inspection, a qualified specialist will assess the damage and provide you with an estimate for repairs before recommending any work being done. In addition, they will be able to identify any underlying issues in the roof structure and recommend proactive measures such as regular maintenance or upgrades to help avoid future damage from storms.

It is also helpful to take photos of any damaged areas before and after the repair works is completed. This can then be used to corroborate any claims for damages and alert you if there are additional issues that need attention by your contractor or insurance company.

Await Approval And Begin Repairs

Once you have decided on a repair service and received approval from your insurance company, you are ready to begin the repairs. While repair work is taking place, it is important to be available for questions or changes that may arise. During periods of downtime, regularly check in with your contractor regarding progress and any updated timelines or costs.

Once repairs are complete, inspect all areas thoroughly to make sure that everything meets your expectations before making a final payment. With careful planning and attention to detail, getting approval from your insurance company and beginning repairs should be a fairly smooth process.

Keep Detailed Records

Lastly, when dealing with your insurance company, you want to make sure you keep detailed records of everything. One person may tell you something, and the next person you speak you will have no idea what you're talking about. Make sure you write down the name of anyone you speak to, the date you spoke with them, and what they told you. This will help you if you're ever facing confusion on the other end regarding what you were told, and gives you evidence to back up what you say.

Need Help With An Insurance Claim?

If you have roof damage or think you may have an insurance claim - you can always give us a call at Colony Roofers. We have a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you take the guesswork out of filing an insurance claim. We also offer free inspections to help you assess the damage, and help you figure out what's best for you an your home.