How To File A Roof Insurance Claim
Hail season in this region seems to get more brutal and unrelenting each year. As the stones get bigger and wind blows stronger, there’s one we know for sure: Mother Nature is indifferent to our concerns and possessions.
If she unleashes her wrath upon your property and you weather a storm that gave your roof a beating, what do you do?
First, have your roof inspected by a trusted company.
Pro Tip: It’s never a good idea to let a roofer who knocks on your door following a storm inspect your roof. They’re opportunistic, and often, fraudulent—they always “find” damage.
If damage is detected (by a trusted and reputable roofer) it’s time to file a roof insurance claim.
The trusted roofer you called will come out to your home and inspect the roof. If it’s hail damage, he or she will start circling the hail bruises with chalk. After the inspection, the experienced roofer will advise you to file a claim or not.
Roof Inspection Tips:
- Do some research on local roofers
- Call and make an appointment for a roof inspection
- Be at home to meet the roofing contractor
- Explain what happened during the hail storm, show the roofer your videos and/or photos if you took any
- Go outside and observe the roofers conducting the inspection
- Listen and watch for any signs of hammering or scraping, which could be a fraudulent attempt to mimic hail damage.
- Request that the roofer outline the hail damaged areas in chalk and take photos (if there are 10 bruises in any 100 square foot section, the roof is totaled)
- Remember this is only an inspection—just gather information, and do not sign anything
Filing an Insurance Claim For Roof Hail Damage
If the inspection confirms roof damage then, and only then, should you call your insurance company. If you call your insurance company first and the inspection reveals no damage or not enough damage, you still get a claim on your insurance record.
Roof Insurance Claim Tips
- Locate your homeowner’s insurance policy
- Make a note of your insurance policy number and deductible
- Organize your facts and records: policy number, date/time of loss, hail size (if known), photos, videos, damaged items
- Call your homeowner’s insurance claim number and provide the requested information
- You will be given a claim number by your insurer
After your insurance company has been notified of the sustained roof damage, The claim examiner will assign a claims adjuster to make an official roof inspection and prepare a repair estimate.
This estimate will have a few key areas: your deductible, replacement cash value, depreciation and actual cash value.
If the insurance claim isn’t handled properly, the claim could be denied, costing you thousands of dollars for a new roof. The insurance company is only obligated to pay for a new roof when significant damage is present.
Don’t Pay A Cent Until You’re Content
Excel Roofing knows this process and has a proven track record of working with insurance companies to get your claim settled and roof replaced. We make the process simple and stress-free and will always be on your side to honor all warranties.
