Did your roof get damaged by a severe storm? The aftermath of a natural disaster is quite stressful for homeowners. Seeing debris everywhere can be overwhelming, making it difficult to decide where to begin. Before you start sifting through the mess and harming yourself, we suggest maintaining a safe distance and informing your insurance agency that you will file a roof insurance claim.
You should call a roofing contractor next to determine the cost of the damage. A few common questions that homeowners have include, “Can I repair the roof myself?” and “Who pays for what?”
Here are the answers:
No, you cannot repair the roof by yourself. Insurance companies ask for a professional opinion only a contractor can offer.
The claim money is given in two installments. The first installment is transferred to you to begin the repairs. You complete the rest out of your pocket, for which you are compensated later by your insurance carrier.
A Roof Insurance Claim Example
Suppose your 10-year-old roof is destroyed by a hailstorm. The total damage cost is $10,000. The insurance company has a rule of deducting $500/per year. Your roof has a lifespan of 20 years; based on this, the total deduction is $5,000. When you file a claim, the insurance company pays you $5,000.
If you have a home insurance policy, you can recover the depreciation through recoverable depreciation. Once the repair work is complete, the insurance company will pay you the remaining $5,000, which you spent out of your pocket.
4-Step Process of Filing a Roof Insurance Claim
Step #1 – Insurance Adjuster Inspection
After you have informed your insurance company about the damaged roof, hire a public adjuster in TX to assess it. The adjuster will inspect the areas the contractor pointed out that need repairs and make their own report. This report is sent to the insurance company, which helps them ensure you are filing a valid claim.
Step #2 – Reviewing the Claim
The insurance company reviews the report to determine how much they must pay you for repairs or replacement. Usually, this takes time because the insurance company does its own research. As a result, the restoration project might get delayed.
Be prepared to answer any additional questions about the damage. Respond promptly to requests to speed up the process.
Step #3 – Finalizing the Claim
After your claim is approved, the insurance company will send you a check and no longer be a part of the repair process. Remember: If you are doing additional repairs that don’t come under the budget, you will have to pay for them out of your pocket.
Step #4 – Getting the Recoverable Depreciation
Once the repairs are complete, your contractor will give you a certificate of completion. Run it by your adjuster to ensure everything is in order. The insurance company will then send you the final payment.
In conclusion, you can hire your own roofing contractor for the claims process. Ensure he is local to your area and has previously worked on roofing claims repairs projects. That way, they will be familiar with the insurance process and know what to explain to the insurance adjuster so you are fully compensated.
Morgan Elite Specialist Services offers public adjuster services in TX. Contact us today if you need assistance filing your roof insurance claim. Our adjusters will evaluate the roof and calculate the total cost of the damage to help you make an accurate claim. For more information, call 855-445-3404 or contact Building Consultant Texas today.
