How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim to Cover Your New Roof?
Rooftops can take a beating-especially in Colorado, where we experience an intense storm season and infamous temperature fluctuations. If your roof has suffered irreparable damage or has been neglected for some time, you may find you need to replace the whole roof.
This can be an expensive and inconvenient project. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to have your insurance help shoulder some of the cost of a new roof.
1. Get to Know Your Policy
Your Homeowners Insurance policy will clearly stipulate what situations are covered, and which are not. If you are looking to replace a roof due to hail damage, for example, some plans will require an additional hail clause. You may also be required to pay a separate or higher deductible in the case of wind or hail damage.
2. Verify Damage
After a storm, do a thorough inspection of the damage. If you can spot any issues, it is a good idea to contact a local roofing company to schedule an inspection.
3. Schedule a Roof Inspection
You will want to call a local roofing company to perform a professional inspection. A roofing contractor will be able to spot and thoroughly document any damage across your property.
They can also provide any repair estimates that may be required by your insurance adjuster. Be sure to hire a local company that is familiar with your state’s weather, guidelines, and typical insurance scenarios.
Local roofers will also be readily available to lend a hand and answer questions throughout the insurance process.
4. File Your Claim
Once you have gathered your documentation and your inspection is complete, it is time to file your claim. Keep in mind that, in the case of storm damage, many policies require you to file a claim within one year of the reported damage.
The filing process is often done completely online through your insurance company’s website.
5. Meet With Your Insurance Adjuster and Roofing Contractor
With the damage to your property documented and verified, it is time to bring your insurance adjuster into the mix. J&K Roofing offers to meet with your adjuster to review and discuss the condition of your roof and recommended replacement.
6. Hire a Trustworthy Contractor
Once you have approval from the insurance, you can hire a contractor and begin the repairs process. Again, you will want to hire a local roofing company that readily shows you licensing and insurance certifications.
Be wary of roofing scammers who knock on your door after a storm with offers that seem too good to be true, or who offer free work in exchange for personal information.
7. Stay In Touch With Your Adjuster
Your insurance adjuster and roofing contractor will handle the majority of the paperwork from here, but check in often to see if they need anything further from you. Once you have paid for your deductible, your adjuster will let you know when and how funds will be disbursed to cover the remainder of the project.
Replacing your roof can be stressful, but J&K Roofing is here to help. We pride ourselves on being the Calm after the Storm? and we will work with you every step of the way to make sure your roof is restored.
If you are in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado areas, call us today to schedule your free inspection.