Tips for Filing a Roofing Replacement Insurance Claim

Every year between the beginning of June and the end of November, homeowners in Florida hold their breaths, hoping that the next hurricane will land ashore somewhere else. When harsh weather does strike, however, it can cause catastrophic damage to an entire roofing system.

This type of widespread damage can also lead to interior home damage, leaving homeowners without a place to stay and worrying about how they are going to pay for a new roof. Fortunately, insurance providers pay a certain percentage of roof replacement, depending on the type of damage and the type of coverage you have.

Below, we look at some tips for filing a professional roof replacement insurance claim and how to get the most out of your new roof.

What You Can Do Before a Hurricane Strikes

What you do before a hurricane strike can prepare you to take advantage of your insurance policy and get the most out of your coverage.

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
   The average homeowner is not interested in what is in their insurance policy until disaster strikes. Then, when they begin to file a claim, they are shocked that their policy only covers a small fraction of the replacement costs. While many insurance companies in Florida claim that they provide hurricane insurance plans, you need to explore the details of the policy to find out exactly what it covers.

   For instance, some policies may cover wind damage but not water damage. Other policies cover both but only under certain conditions. When you take out an insurance policy for your home, it is important to make sure that you understand every detail of the policy. This gives you time to adjust your policy or look for a new provider before a storm hits.

2. Get a Roof Inspection Every Spring
   In moderate climates, a roof inspection may be necessary every two to three years. However, with the imminent threat of hurricanes every summer and fall, you may want to schedule a roof inspection in Florida during the spring season. An inspection can do two things for you.

   First, it can ensure that your roof is protected under your home warranty. An inspection may reveal some flaws in materials or workmanship that need to be addressed to secure your roof before a hurricane. Second, an insurance adjuster may cite a previous problem as the cause of your roof damage, giving the insurance company a reason to reject your claim. Routine inspections and repairs give you leverage when filing a claim.

3. Have a Local Roofing Contractor Already in Mind
   Some of the busiest people on the coast after a hurricane are roofing contractors. They can be tied up with roof replacements for several months after a storm hits. Which local roofing contractor in Florida are you going to call? Establishing a relationship with a contractor keeps you from searching for one after the storm.

   Keep in mind that not all roofing contractors will be approved by your insurance provider. In addition, not all contractors have experience working with your insurance company. Make sure that you choose a reputable local company in the Florida area that is already approved by your insurance provider to avoid any delays.

   What You Can Do After the Hurricane Strikes

   The next few steps that you take after the hurricane strikes will determine whether your insurance claim is rejected, accepted, or accepted with adjustments.

   1. Document the Damage
      While your family’s safety and comfort are your primary concern after the storm, your next priority should be to document the damage as thoroughly as possible. Grab your iPhone or camera and take pictures or videos of the roof damage both inside and out. Also, take careful notes.

      It is important to document the roof damage as soon as possible before any changes occur on site. Make sure you use caution when documenting the damage. Do not walk in high-risk areas as this can lead to injury or fatality. Be aware of sharp objects, toxic chemicals, or fallen power lines.

   2. Contact a Roofing Contractor
      Before you contact your insurance company, try to contact a roofing contractor and schedule a roofing inspection to assess the damage. Why call the contractor first? Because the contractor can give you an accurate, objective assessment complete with a full report before the insurance adjuster arrives on the scene.

      Plus, if the adjuster has any questions about the damage or what is needed to repair the roof, the contractor can speak directly with the adjuster. This can eliminate any possible problems that may arise during the adjuster’s assessment. In addition, this gives you tremendous leverage when filing the claim.

      Hire a Roofing Contractor That Has Experience Working with Insurance Companies
      The claims process can be lengthy and complicated. One mistake can hurt your claim and cost you thousands of dollars. The same can happen if you hire a contractor that has little experience with insurance companies. Therefore, when searching for a reputable contractor, go with a company that has experience working with insurance adjusters.

      A seasoned contractor can work directly with the insurance provider and practically take care of the entire process for you. They can handle much of the paperwork, correspondence, estimates, damage assessments, and, of course, the roofing replacement. The right company can take the headache out of restoring your roof while you are trying to get your family back on their feet.

      Get a Free Estimate from a Roofing Contractor on the Coast

      If your home has been devastated by hurricane damage, you need a local roofing company in Florida that you can trust to handle your roof replacement from start to finish. Quality Roofing has been helping residents and business owners with all types of roofing needs for over a decade. We have the experience, equipment, and team necessary to handle small and large-scale jobs.

      Call us today at (850) 753-0041 if you have damage to your roof and need a free estimate from a roofing contractor in Florida.

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