Getting your insurance company to pay for a roof replacement is always an uphill battle.
Insurance companies are always there when you need to make a payment to them, but they don’t always make it easy to get your roof paid for when something goes wrong.
Don’t let those insurance companies intimidate you. We’re here to help you navigate the insurance process, and get the coverage you deserve. Here’s how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement in 5 simple steps:
How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement
1. Check Your Policy
Before you read any further, pull up your insurance policy and find out whether your roof has storm damage coverage or not. If your policy clearly states that storm damage or defects aren’t covered, then, unfortunately, you’ll be out of luck.
But, if things aren’t clear or nothing about storm damage coverage is mentioned in the policy, you should be able to get your insurance company to cover most, if not all, of your insurance claim.
If you check your policy and find that storm damage isn’t covered, it might be a good time to go shopping for insurance coverage that does offer protection for you when your roof comes under storm damage.
Remember when changing policies, it’s important to get your roof inspected so that you can provide proof that the roof was in good condition when you start the new insurance plan.
2. Document Damage After Every Storm
Some years are worse than others when it comes to storms, but one thing we know for sure is that big storms can regularly cause extreme damage to your home. It’s essential that after every storm you check your roof for damage and document any you find with quality photos.
Perhaps your home doesn’t experience any damage after a big storm. It’s still important to document that so that you can prove that your roof was in good shape before the next storm rolled on through your neighborhood.
Documentation from a trusted roofing company is also a great way to get your insurance to approve your claim. Red Canyon Roofing offers roof inspection services that can help you document any new or existing damage on your roof.
3. Know Your Roof’s Age
The other thing to keep in mind when working with your insurance company is your roof’s age. While your roof is designed to last a really long time, it’s not designed to last forever, and at some point, it will need to be replaced due to age.
Most asphalt shingle roofs last anywhere from 15 – 30 years. Sometimes they will last longer than their expected lifetime, but it’s still important to get your roof replaced because it will be more susceptible to leaks if it’s older.
Insurance companies will use your roof’s age to justify paying your less if it becomes damaged. If your roof is only 5 years old, they might pay for your entire roof to be replaced because the value of your roof hasn’t significantly depreciated.
If your roof is 15+ years old, your insurance company will likely only pay for a portion of your roof’s replacement or repair cost. Because the roof is nearing the end of its life, it’s not nearly as valuable as it once was.
4. Get an Estimate
When it comes time to get your roof replaced, you’ll need to get an estimate on what it will cost to replace or repair your roof. In some cases, getting your roof repaired won’t be expensive at all. If you can pay for your repair out of pocket, it may allow you to keep a lower insurance rate in the future, so be sure to check into all your options.
You’ll also want to consider getting multiple estimates. Be careful not to choose the cheapest company because sometimes these companies will cut corners during the project.
5. File Your Claim
All that’s left to do is file your insurance claim. You do this by simply contacting your insurance company and giving them all the pertinent information. The more information you have on hand during your first call with them, the better off you’re going to be.
It’s ideal that you have documentation from an inspection and an estimate when you contact them. With all the pieces in place, you’ll be able to get your roof replaced as quickly as possible.
Finding A Reputable Roofer In Your Local Area
Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t the only ones who will take advantage of you during this process. There are also multiple Storm Chaser roofing companies to be wary of as well. These companies follow storms, swoop in immediately after and use pressure sales tactics to convince homeowners they need a roof replacement.
You may actually need your roof replaced, always make sure you are working with a company that’s based in your area. It’s important that they have an office you can go to if something is wrong with your roof. It’s simple accountability.
If you’re in the Denver area and reading this – we’re local, committed to customer satisfaction, and have helped homeowners navigate the insurance process countless times. Get in touch with us today to get a FREE quote on your roof!
