Making a roof insurance claim can be a tricky affair. You might not know where to start or if you have to pay a roof deductible before making a claim. Well, if you are in such a predicament, here is the information you need to navigate the claims process.
Who Pays Your Roof Deductible?
When getting your roof replaced, you’ll come across the roof deductible. This is an upfront sum you pay out of pocket before your insurance provider covers the rest of the roof replacement costs. Like with other roofing expenses, this is something you will have to pay when getting a roof replacement.
In some instances, a roofing contractor can offer to cover the deductible for you. While the arrangement might sound convenient for you, insurance providers regard it as a possible insurance fraud. You also risk receiving subpar workmanship from roofers who offer to pay your deductible. This is because canny roofers use cheaper materials during the repair process to recoup the amount they paid as your deductible.
What Other Expenses Can You Anticipate When Getting a Roof Replacement?
Your insurance claims might not be enough to cover your roof replacement costs. Depending on your policy, you should be ready to pay so you get your roof replacement or repair done to the standard you want.
For instance, with an Actual Cash Value policy, your insurance provider gives compensation worthy of your roof’s value at the time of the claim. Such a settlement would be enough for basic repairs, but not a full roof replacement. On the contrary, with a Replacement Cost Value policy, your provider will offer a settlement worthy of the actual cost of a roof repair. The funds you receive from this policy would be enough to rebuild your roof to its pre-damaged state.
How To Get Your Insurance To Cover Your Roof Replacement
The complexities of insurance policies can leave you feeling overwhelmed when looking to make an insurance claim. Nonetheless, you don’t have to experience difficulties processing your claim with the following tips.
1. Review Your Policy
Before initiating a claim, review your policy to understand your coverage. You’d want to pay attention to basics like coverage limits, roof deductible amount, claims process and documenting damage.
2. Take Photos and Notes
After roof damage occurs, document it thoroughly to support your insurance claim. Fundamentally, you should record the time and date the damage occurred, and take high-quality photos of the damaged roof from multiple angles.
You can photograph the surrounding area to provide context for the claim. Lastly, you’d want to document additional damage below the roof, such as leaks or structural issues, to support the evidence of damage.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
After reviewing your insurance policy and gathering evidence of the roof damage, contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process. Upon notification, your insurance provider will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the cost of the claim.
Navigate Roof Insurance With Roofing Optimum
Given the complexity of roof insurance claims, it matters to engage a reputable roofing contractor in the process. Unlike you, the contractors will document the extent of the damage, help you understand your policy and ensure you receive a fair settlement. Here at Roofing Optimum, we have the expertise you need to understand your roof insurance. Contact us to start your roof replacement process today.