If you see or suspect roof damage after a storm or another event, it’s essential to act quickly. But don’t panic. Your first steps can determine how much your insurance company will cover. However, your first call might not be what you’d expect. Your first instinct might be to call your homeowner’s insurance company to get a claim started. But in most cases, it makes sense to call your roofing contractor first. Your roofing company has the experience to document your claim and provide an accurate estimate. Professional documentation makes it more likely your insurance company will approve your claim and can save you time and money in the long run.
When it Comes to Roof Damage, What Will My Insurance Company Cover?
When it comes to roof damage, your homeowner’s insurance policy will usually cover damage from:
- Weather events, including wind, hail, and lightning
- Fallen trees and debris
- Fire
- Damage to shingles, siding, and soffits. However, normal “wear and tear” are generally not covered.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Roof Damage?
- If you observe or suspect damage to your roof, the first step is to read your homeowner’s insurance policy carefully and see what it covers.
- Call your roofing contractor quickly to avoid further damage and start the claims process.
- Document all damage right away, including exterior and interior damage. Your roofing contractor can help with photos. Provide receipts and inventories of damaged items. Do NOT attempt to go up on your roof; leave that to the pros.
- Make temporary repairs needed to prevent further damage. This is also something your roofing contractor can help with until a more permanent solution is possible.
- Have your roofing company prepare a comprehensive estimate for repairing the damage.
- Your contractor can help you prepare for a visit from the insurance adjuster. The adjuster’s job is to assess your damage and help your insurance company determine the claim amount. Your contractor’s representative can help clearly explain the damage and estimates.
- Choose a contractor with a solid history of working with insurance claims.
Will My Homeowners Insurance Go Up If I Make a Claim?
Your insurance premiums may go up temporarily after you file a claim. However, in most cases, any increase is minimal compared with paying out of pocket for roof repairs or replacement. The following elements can determine whether a claim causes your rates to rise:
- The type of claim.
- If you have filed several recent claims, your premium may increase.
- If there is widespread damage from a natural disaster in your community, premiums may increase for everyone. If severe weather has become a pattern in your community, it can also cause rates to rise.
- Getting documentation and an estimate from your roofing company boosts the chances of a successful claim.
Roofing Damage? Why It Makes Sense to Call Your Roofing Company First
At DryHome Roofing & Siding, our team of experts has extensive experience working with insurance companies and guiding clients through the claims process. We want to reduce your burden, save time and boost your chances of getting complete coverage for damage. Of course, we also want to ensure you get the highest quality repair or replacement. Call us first if you identify or suspect damage after a weather event or another incident, or even if you think you might have past damage that has not been addressed. We’ll send an expert technician to document the damage with digital photos and walk you through the process. When it’s time for the adjustor to review your claim, we’ll send a technician to walk them through the damage and explain the estimate. As your roofing contractor, we aim to help you get what you deserve from your insurance company, lay the groundwork for a high-quality repair, and prevent future damage. If you experience roof damage, take a deep breath, avoid making guesses or assumptions–and make DryHome your first call.
