A leaky roof needs immediate action before future rains risk structural damage, mold or water damage of your personal belongings. Insurance companies typically don’t pay for damage from long-term leaks so immediate attention also increases your chances for reimbursement for repairs. Getting your insurance company to pay for your leaking roof involves carefully examining your homeowner’s policy and following the specific procedures required by your insurer to pay for the repairs or replacement roofing.
The main step to receive cash to repair a leaking roof involves isolating the cause of the leak. Most insurance companies require documenting the cause before starting the claims process, and depending on the cause, you might not receive any payment from the company for either repairs or replacement. Fallen trees, wind, hail, lightening and ice accumulation during winter storms may cause your roof to leak, but not all policies cover these damages on standard homeowners’ policies. Call or text your insurance company or agent to report the initial leak and take your own photos — even when the company visually documents the damage. Some companies allow you to file a claim using an online claims form.
Required Inspections
The details in your homeowner’s policy and help from your insurance agent will guide you through the formal steps to receive payment for roof leaks. Insurance policies typically require an inspection by an official representative from the company before paying out any cash. This representative in some cases is your local agent. Large firms hire company damage estimators, while smaller firms sometimes authorize an approved local roofer to inspect the damage and provide repair or replacement estimates to the insurance company. This damage assessor may be the same person that inspects and photographs the damage, but the insurance representative may be a separate roofing specialist. The faster the inspections happen, the quicker you receive your payment. Some insurance inspectors have the authority to cut a check immediately after evaluating your damaged roof.
Required Estimates
Insurance companies sometimes require several estimates from licensed roofers before paying repair or replacement costs, but many companies have approved estimators in your area and a single inspection finishes the process. If you disagree with the estimated payment from your company, however, you need to hire a roofer to counter this cost estimate. Collecting written estimates with specific details, including the names and warranty information for manufacturer of the replacement materials helps speed the repair and your check. Insurance companies must also confirm your roofer is licensed and insured. Attaching a copy of this information with your claim also speeds the claims process.
Repair Details
Many insurance companies require homeowners in some regions to meet state repair or re-roofing standards before issuing payment checks. These standards include the use of selected materials, including shingles, panels or tiles and nails designed to withstand natural hazards like wind or hail. These codes ensure your repair or new roof has increased durability against local natural disasters. Some state standards also require that the installation meets standards for repair, removal and installation. States issue certificates of compliance in these regions that insurance companies require as proof of proper repair or re-roofing, and homeowners must deliver the roofing certificate before getting an insurance payment.
If you’ve gone through the process of discussing with your homeowners insurance and you’re ready to move into a roof repair, give our offices a call and see how we can help you.