Insurance. A word that likely makes you feel dread and stress. Unfortunately, insurance is needed in many areas of our lives, but it can be a headache to deal with. And this hassle is no different in the roofing industry.
As hurricane season begins to gear up, you’ll want to be informed about roofing insurance and how to file a claim the right way. While it may not make the process easier, having this knowledge removes one more step from your storm prep list.
Discover everything you need to know about roofing insurance claims and how our team can help walk you through the process!
Beware of Roofing Scams
Before we delve into the details of roof insurance claims, we would like to begin with a warning. In recent years, we have seen an increase in roofing scams, especially during hurricane season. Commonly, scammers will come to your door offering you a free inspection. They’ll then tell you there’s storm damage that they can bill to your insurance and have you sign over your rights to them, telling you they can handle the messy insurance details for you.
But what this does is put you at risk. They can charge your insurance any amount they want, get the money, and leave you with higher rates than before. In some cases, they may even damage your roof themselves to prove the damage they found. While some may actually “fix” the roof, others will abandon the job once they have your payment, and many will give you a subpar roof repair that won’t last.
Ultimately, look for these red flags:
- Offering a free inspection immediately or soon after a major storm.
- Telling you there’s damage when you don’t see it yourself.
- Pressuring you to sign over your rights in handling insurance.
- Demanding high upfront payments.
Looking for a trustworthy roofer after a storm? See our guide on the topic here!
The Process of Filing a Roof Insurance Claim
So after a storm passes, what are your next steps? How do you go about filing a roof insurance claim? We’ll walk you through how we guide our clients during this process.
1. Gather the Details
In order to make an accurate claim, you’ll first need to have all the information on hand. We always recommend checking your policy and coverage before a named storm even forms. This gives you the knowledge you need to understand what’s covered and how much your deductible may be.
Next, you’ll want to see exactly what damage has occurred to your roof. Some damage may be obvious, such as missing shingles or holes. But there is some damage you may not be able to see. Gather whatever information you can about the damage to your roof, and then you’ll want to find a trusted roofer to report the damage to.
2. Schedule an Inspection
Whether you noticed damage yourself or you just want peace of mind after a major storm, you should schedule an inspection with a roofing professional. As we mentioned earlier, do not trust storm seekers who offer to do one for free immediately after the storm has passed.
Instead, research local, reputable roofers—such as Domestic Design Roofing—in your area and schedule an inspection with them. They’ll be able to confirm the damage, find hidden threats you may not have seen, and evaluate if the damage was caused by the storm.
3. Report the Damage to Insurance
With a professional inspection done and documented, you can then file a claim with your insurance. While we don’t handle the claim for you, we can walk you through the steps and documentation you need to file a claim. We’ll even meet with the insurance adjuster to walk them through exactly what we saw and our recommendation for repair.
4. Work Towards Approval
In some cases, your insurance may approve the claim with little hassle. However, insurance is not known to be the easiest process, and there’s a reason for this reputation. In many cases, your insurance may reject the claim or not provide the full amount you feel is owed. In fact, in Florida, insurance companies are no longer required to cover a full roof replacement if 25% or more of your roof is damaged.
If that’s the case, there are options. Our team works directly with a public adjuster, giving you more documentation to use against your insurance company. Occasionally, you may even have the right to sue your insurance company for refusing—our team can help you understand when this is the best option. Usually, in long, drawn-out insurance disputes, the insurance company will eventually pay out and give you an approved claim.
5. Repair the Damage
With approval in hand, you can fix your roof and enjoy your home again. With Domestic Design Roofing, we’ll get to work as soon as you have the approval, leaving you with a strong, wind-resistant roof that you can enjoy for years to come.
What if I Get Two Different Reports about My Roof?
If one roofing company claims you have storm damage and another one claims you don’t, you’ll want to carefully consider your options. Making a false storm claim could lead to a denied claim or even being dropped from your insurance. Plus, if you go ahead with the dispute, your insurance may find you need to replace your roof to stay covered for other reasons—usually age—and they’ll refuse to cover it at that point.
Our goal at Domestic Design Roofing is to be transparent in everything. So if we say there’s storm damage, you can rest easy knowing that your claim is legitimate. We’ll even go to fight for you if your insurance tries to deny it. Don’t go in blind—trust Domestic Design Roofing to give you the best recommendation.
If I File a Claim, Will My Insurance Drop Me?
A common concern we hear from our customers is whether or not they’ll be dropped after filing a claim. If you file a legit claim, you should not be dropped from your insurance. Whether or not your rates go up is not something we can give a solid answer for, but the bottom line is that if your roof needs repairs, then it needs repairs. Insurance is there to provide funds when damage happens, so if you have a legitimate claim on your hands, you shouldn’t be afraid to file.
Domestic Design Roofing Walks You Through Complex Roof Repairs
Whether you’re facing storm damage or just have an aging roof, we can help you with any roof repairs you may need. Our team works with public adjusters and your insurance to ease the process for you. Fill out our form and get a free, no-obligation quote to begin your next roofing project.