So it is rainy season again and you just had a storm hit your area. In fact, you are having roof leaks and you need a repair or replacement. You believe that you have storm damage, but you aren’t sure.
However, you wonder how in the world you are going to pay for your new roof. If you have homeowners insurance, you may not have to. Here is how to get insurance to pay for your roof replacement. Let’s get started…
Claim Audit
Knowledge is power. Reviewing your policy will help you when filing a claim. In fact, knowing what you need as far as documentation or information will help make a case for your claim. After all, your insurance company will scrutinize your claim to determine eligibility for a roof replacement. If they are making the effort, you need to also.
Depreciation
If you don’t know how old your roof is, you need to find out. The age of the roof can determine what kind of coverage you will get. For instance, some policies will only have the depreciated value of the roof if it is over 10 years old. This means that the value of your roof could be decrease based on age and wear before the storm damage occurred.
If your roof is less than 10 years old, your insurance may cover a full replacement. However, you must have proven storm damage this to happen. If the storm damage is legitimate, it may not matter what the age of your roof is depending on your policy.
Roof Estimate
Insurance companies will always require an estimate for documentation and to determine coverage. However, some companies have their own estimators or they ask for an estimate from a roofing contractor. However, it is a good idea to have a local roofer come out and give you an estimate. Many roofers will provide free estimates and they are more experienced with roofs than insurance companies.
Also, it is a good idea to find a roofing company with an insurance claim expert.
They can walk you through the claim process and help you feel more in control of the situation. Also, if the roofer is a really good claim expert, he or she will handle almost the entire process for you. This makes it easier for them to get paid and for you to get the most coverage.
Documentation
Make sure you keep track of documents. This cannot be stressed enough. Before even considering you for coverage, the insurance company wants:
- Before and After photos
- Estimates
- Invoices
- Bills
- Damage reports
Contact Us
Filing a claim is never fun and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Finding the right professional can mean the difference between getting a new roof and not getting one. At IES Roofing services we are storm damage and claim experts. We will walk you through the process of making sure you have the right documentation for getting a roof replacement. Also, we will gladly take a look at your roof, provide a free estimate, and walk you through the filing process for free. Please contact us today if you need assistance.