How to Get Homeowners Insurance to Pay For Your Roof Replacement
You deserve a roof that will protect your home and family for a lifetime – but you’re dealing with constant leaks, damage, and old-age.
A damaged roof can be a homeowner’s nightmare, but the prospect of getting insurance to cover a roof replacement can provide much-needed relief. However, navigating the insurance claims process can be complex and daunting.
For over a decade, Rescue My Roof has been helping homeowners navigate homeowners insurance and get their dream roofs. Today, we’re going to give you all the tips and tricks you need to get homeowners insurance to cover your roof replacement.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand how to maximize your chances of getting insurance to cover your roof replacement. Ultimately, you’ll know what your next steps should be.
How Do You Get Insurance To Pay For Your Roof Replacement?
Your roof must have storm damage caused by extreme weather for your homeowners insurance to pay for a replacement. This extreme weather could be damaging winds during heavy thunderstorms, hail storms, snowstorms, or tornados.
They’ll also cover any roof damage from fallen tree limbs caused by strong storms. If there’s extensive damage to your roof, then there should be no question that they’ll pay to replace the roof.
However, it depends on what the insurance adjuster finds during their inspection if your roof is worthy of a full replacement. As long as the roof damage is caused by extreme weather, you should be able to get insurance to pay for your roof replacement.
Make sure to go over your policy thoroughly, and find an accredited roof inspector to assess the damage properly. You want an inspector who is going to catch all of the damage that may not be immediately visible.
Then contact your insurance adjuster to make sure it meets the criteria, and file a claim to reimburse you for the cost of your roof repairs.
3 Tips to Getting Your Roof Replacement Covered By Insurance
When you’re spending hundreds of dollars on homeowners insurance, you don’t want to worry that your claim may be denied.
Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of your insurance claim being approved:
1. Review Your Insurance Policy
Familiarize yourself with your homeowners insurance policy to understand the coverage limits, deductible amount, and any specific requirements for filing a claim related to roof damage.
Your insurance includes an Actual Cash Value policy or Replacement Cost Value Policy. Each policy equals a payout, but the amount insurance gives is different.
An Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy gives a payout for the depreciated value of your roof. This means insurance will only pay what your current roof’s value. If your insurance claim is approved, insurance will pay the ACV, and you will be responsible for making up the difference.
A Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy gives you a payout for the entire roof replacement cost. You won’t receive a check for the total replacement amount upfront.
When your claim is approved, you’ll begin collecting estimates. Initially, insurance will give you a check for the ACV. After you accept an estimate, sign a contract with a contractor, and provide proof the work was done, they will send a second check that covers the rest of the cost.
2. Get Photo Documentation
When filing an insurance claim, the company needs clear evidence that damage occurred. The best way to do this is to get photo documentation from a contractor during an inspection.
Contractors will mark roof areas with cracks, dents, hail damage, and other possible storm damage. They mark the areas with chalk, making them more visible in photos.
After marking damaged areas, they’ll take pictures of the damage to submit to your homeowner’s insurance company. They may also take photos of damage on the ground level that indicates storm damage, such as:
- Dents in downspouts (Above 5 feet, so it can’t be blamed on a lawnmower)
- Dings or strikes to your garage door
- Holes in your window screens
- Dings to any painted wood or shutters
- Splatter marks or dings to your electric meter, AC unit, or grill
- Dents to your mailbox and other soft metals on your property
- Shingles around the property
3. Know Your Options If Your Claim is Denied
After the claim (along with evidence) is submitted, insurance will review it. If your claim is approved, then work can begin.
If your insurance claim is denied, the “negotiation process” begins.
There are issues insurance companies won’t cover. These issues are outlined in your policy and can include improper installation, waiting too long to file, or other policy exclusions.
But you have a few options if your claim is denied because they didn’t find damage. The first thing you should do is ask your insurance company for a second opinion.
They will send out a second adjuster to reassess the damage. They will either approve your claim or agree with the first adjuster that there’s no proof of damage. If the second adjuster denies your claim, the only option is to file a complaint against your insurance company or pursue legal action.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Getting insurance to cover your roof replacement requires thorough documentation, understanding your insurance policy, and navigating the claims process effectively. By following the steps outlined in this guide and working closely with your insurance provider and roofing contractors, you can maximize your chances of getting insurance coverage for your roof replacement.
Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from professionals or advocacy groups if you encounter challenges during the claims process. With patience and perseverance, you can successfully navigate the process and ensure that your home is protected with a new, reliable roof.
Learn more with “Homeowners Insurance Is Changing: Here’s What You Need to Know” and “Top 5 Roofing Insurance Questions Answered.”
Is your roof damaged, old, or leaking? Rescue My Roof is ready to help. Contact us today to get a free roof estimate.
