When your roof suddenly needs full replacement due to damage, the costs can be staggering. Depending on the size and style of your roof, a new roof can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $80,000.
Few people have that kind of money sitting around and very few would want to pour it into a new roof.
Fortunately, homeowners and business insurance exist for situations like this. As long as the damage falls under a covered category, you shouldn’t have to pay.
That said, learning how to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement can get dicey at times. Here are some steps you’ll want to take to save yourself the headache.
1. Document the Damage
As soon as you notice roof damage, thoroughly document it with dated photos and videos. Capture images of the exterior damage from multiple angles as well as any interior damage that may be occurring, like water stains on the ceiling.
Also document details like the date, time, weather conditions when the damage occurred, and how it happened. There’s really no such thing as “too many” pictures and videos. If you want to know how to get insurance to cover a roof replacement, show them that it was out of your control.
2. Understand Your Policy
Carefully review the details of your homeowners or business insurance policy. Make sure you understand what perils are covered that could have damaged your roof.
Common covered perils include hail storms, falling debris, weight of ice/snow, wind damage, and more. Also, confirm that your policy includes roof replacement coverage, not just repairs.
In some cases, the insurance company will try to claim that you don’t need a complete replacement, just a repair. If you can prove that the damage to your roof has caused damage to your house, you’ll increase your chances of getting the roof replaced by insurance.
3. File a Roof Replacement Insurance Claim
Once you’ve assessed the damage and confirmed coverage eligibility, file a claim right away. Don’t wait.
Call your insurance company and explain in detail the damage that occurred. Provide the documentation you gathered as needed. Ask any questions you have about the claims process for a roof replacement.
4. Meet With the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company will assign an adjuster who will come inspect the roof damage themselves. Point out and explain all damage to the adjuster. Adjusters inspect for code violations, leaks, interior damage, externally visible damage, and more.
If you already got roof replacement quotes from reputable local contractors, provide those as well. The more you can provide and a more thorough explanation of what happened, the better off you’ll be.
5. Find a Respectable Contractor
If your claim for a new roof is approved, take the time to find a trustworthy local roofer. Look for licensed, bonded, and insured roofers.
When you’re getting a roof replaced by insurance, it’s even more important to choose a company you can trust because the insurance company may go to extra lengths to deny a specific company due to a lack of credentials since they’re paying for it.
6. Avoid Storm Chasers
Especially after major storm damage in your region, beware of sketchy contractors knocking on doors promising extremely cheap, fast roof repairs and replacements.
These “storm chasers” often demand money upfront, then do shoddy work or disappear entirely. Carefully vet any roofing contractors before signing anything or paying any money.
How Long Does it Take for Your Insurance Company to Process a Claim?
Every insurance claim is different, but you can generally expect to wait at least 1-2 weeks for your claim to be processed. It may take longer if there are many claims from a major catastrophe.
If the damage occurred from a storm, have patience as the insurance company deals with higher claim volumes. Stay persistent with following up on your claim.
How to Get a New Roof Covered By Insurance: Closing Thoughts
Now that you know how to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement, you just need to follow the steps.
Be sure to thoroughly document damage, understand your coverage, hire reputable contractors, stay on top of the insurance company, and don’t listen to storm chasers. Do this and you’ll be just fine!
Don’t go through this alone, hire a company you know and trust. Ace Roofing is here to help, contact us today for help with your roof replacement.