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

So, a storm’s ripped through your neighborhood, and you discover your roof is torn up and you’re going to have to replace it. Now what do you do? Filing a roof insurance claim is usually the next step. Before you do, find out exactly what your policy covers. While damage caused by storms or fires are generally covered your insurer may not cover the full cost of replacing the whole roof. Some policies, for instance, limit coverage if the roof is over a certain age. Others might limit coverage in areas where it hails frequently, and North Texas gets its fair share of hail. So knowing what your policy covers may ease some frustrations later on.

Documenting the damage is essential. The more evidence of damage you can supply—photos in particular—the better your chances of getting the roof paid for in full. If you have a reputable roofer like Mullins General Construction come out and inspect your roof before you file a roof insurance claim in Dallas, TX, you’ll get an accurate picture of the damage and an accurate estimate of costs for repairs. You can share this information with your insurer as verification of the damage. We will also help you work with the insurer to get the full benefit of your claim, as well as repair or replace your roof when it’s time to do so. Find out more about how we can help by calling (972) 535-8065.

Should I file a roof claim?

Ideally, anytime your roof is damaged by a storm or other event out of your control, you should file a claim. Realistically, however, the more claims you make, the more insurers may perceive you as a risk. If you are perceived as a significant risk your policy might be voided or premiums could be increased. With this in mind, knowing when it is best not to file a claim is a good idea. If the repair estimate, for instance, doesn’t exceed your deductible you shouldn’t file, and it’s likely your roof insurance claim will be denied anyway.

If your roof repair is due to lack of maintenance or your roof has just reached the end of its useful lifespan, it’s best not to file a claim. Insurers generally only cover repairs caused by events out of your control like a storm or fire or even vandalism. You may also consider holding off on filing if you have filed other claims in the past three years or so, as insurers might perceive you as a greater risk than someone who has never filed a claim or has only filed a claim once in 10 years. Of course, if your roof is a total loss, and you haven’t filed in some time, you are probably safe to file with no problems.

How do roof insurance claims work?

While the prospect of repairing or replacing your roof might seem worrisome, the process to file a roof insurance claim is actually a fairly simple process.

• Before filing, learn exactly what your policy covers to avoid any confusion or frustration later on.
• Document the damage as thoroughly as possible, including photos.
• Have a roofer inspect the damage and provide an estimate to give to the insurance company.
• Report the damage and file a claim with the insurer. This is often done online now but check with your insurer and follow all procedures to file the claim. Submit all documentation you have with the claim.
• The insurer appoints a claims adjuster to your case and the adjuster may visit and inspect the roof to verify the claim.
• Once the claim has been verified, the insurance company will issue a payment so you can make repairs or replace the roof.

What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?

When you file a roof insurance claim, an adjuster will be assigned to your case. Often adjusters will visit your home and inspect the roof to verify the damage on the claim. When they inspect the roof they are assessing the damage themselves, looking for issues like broken or missing shingles. They are also checking the age of the roof and looking to see if any of the damage could have been caused by basic aging or wear or even improper installation rather than by a storm or similar event. Any damages not caused by the storm or other covered peril may not be covered in their payment.

How much does insurance pay for a new roof?

The amount an insurer pays to replace a roof will vary. Several factors like the extent of the damage and the type of roofing material will come into play. Your roof’s age could also affect the policy coverage. Any roof that’s over 20 years old, for instance, might receive limited coverage, while the total loss of a new roof might receive full coverage.

Can I cancel a roof insurance claim?

Generally, you have a very short time frame in which to cancel a roof insurance claim. Once an adjuster is assigned to it, even if the adjuster never shows up, the claim cannot be canceled.

Roof insurance claim denied

Roof insurance claims can be denied for several reasons. More often than not a claim will be denied if the damage estimated does not exceed your deductible. Your claim also will likely be denied if the required repair is caused by neglect of maintenance on your part or your roof is aged and wearing but has not been damaged by any covered peril such as a storm or fire. You also could have your policy voided if you’ve filed several claims over a certain amount of time.

Keeping roof insurance claim money

Because insurers must allow you to select a contractor, if the contractor provides repair services that ends up costing less than what the insurer paid to cover the repair, it is legal to keep the difference.

Roof inspection for insurance claim

If you need a roof inspection for a roof insurance claim in Dallas, TX, let the professionals at Mullins General Construction help you. We will provide you an accurate assessment of damages and an accurate estimate of repair costs. Find out more about how we can help by calling (972) 535-8065.