Picture this: a fierce summer storm sweeps through your neighborhood, with thunderclaps that shake the windows and rain that seems to fall sideways. As the weather finally clears and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, you venture outside to assess any potential damage. And there it is, a few shingles scattered across your lawn and water stains on your ceiling.
In these moments, the importance of having a solid roof insurance policy becomes abundantly clear. Being in the roofing industry for years, I have noticed that not many homeowners are sure of what their insurance involves and how to move forward with roof insurance claims.
If you are also one of these homeowners, worry not, you are in the right place. Today, we will discuss insurance and how our team can help.
What Is Homeowners Insurance?
Home insurance, also known as homeowners insurance or property insurance, is a type of insurance contract that provides financial protection to homeowners and covers various aspects of their residence in return for a monthly fee. Its primary purpose is to safeguard homeowners from financial losses and liabilities associated with the damage or destruction to their home, personal belongings, and potential legal responsibilities.
Insurance acts as a guardian when you need it the most. This is why if you plan to buy a home it’s essential to cover it with insurance. If you still haven’t, start looking at the options out there, as many of the homeowners whose homes are not covered under insurance face severe financial consequences.
Home Insurance Policy Terms You Need To Know About
One of the most significant claims that insurance companies pay out for is a roof damage insurance claim. However, things can get complex. Knowing the following terms can help you stay more aware during the insurance process:
Deductibles:
You may have heard this term before if you have health insurance. As a homeowner, you need to choose a deductible, which is the amount you will pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles often result in lower premium costs, while lower deductibles lead to higher premiums.
Suppose your roof has been damaged by a wind storm in Dayton and your deductible is $2,000. If your total roof replacement cost is around $10,000 dollars and you get paid out for the full roof insurance claim, in this case, you will receive $8,000 (subtracting the deductible of $2,000, which you will pay from your own pocket).
Named Perils vs. All Perils:
Home insurance policies can be either named perils or all perils, also known as open perils. Named peril policies specify the types of events or risks covered, while all peril policies cover everything except what is explicitly excluded.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost:
The way your insurer reimburses you for roof damage can depend on your policy type. Some policies provide actual cash value coverage, which takes into account depreciation, meaning you might receive less money for an older roof. Others offer replacement cost coverage, which covers the cost to repair or replace your roof without accounting for depreciation. However, the deductibles will still be subtracted.
What Is Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
There are several companies on the market that offer home insurance policies. But not all of them offer the same level of benefits. The things that these policies cover, and the amount they can cover will differ, but generally, most policies cover the following:
Storm Damage
Severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, or heavy windstorms are all common in the Dayton area. All of these climate conditions can cause significant damage to your roof.
- Hail: Damage caused by hailstorms is typically covered, including dents, cracks, and holes in the roof.
- Wind: Damage caused by strong winds, such as shingles being blown off or roof tiles displaced, is usually covered.
- Falling Objects: If a tree branch, debris, or another object falls onto your roof and causes damage, it’s typically covered.
Fire-Related Damage:
If your roof is damaged or destroyed in a fire, your homeowner’s insurance should cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Vandalism:
Roof damage resulting from vandalism or malicious acts is generally covered.
Weight of Snow/Ice:
In areas prone to colder temperatures, your roof becomes even more vulnerable to heavy snow or ice. The problem of ice dams can arise, and the damage caused by their weight is usually covered by certain policies.
Steps To Take Before You Call Your Insurance Company
Review Your Insurance Policy:
Carefully read and review your insurance policy. Understand the coverage limits, deductibles, and any specific requirements or exclusions related to your claim.
Ensure To Properly Document The Roof Damage
Before contacting your insurance company, document the damage thoroughly. This step is pivotal in backing up your claim.
Use your smartphone or camera to take clear photographs and videos of the affected areas, items, or assets. Make sure to capture multiple angles and close-ups to provide a comprehensive visual record.
Visual evidence serves as a powerful tool during the claims process, helping your insurer better understand the extent of the damage and facilitating a smoother resolution.
Mitigate Further Damage:
Promptly mitigating further damage is essential to prevent your situation from worsening. If it’s safe, take immediate action to secure your property. For example, in the case of a damaged roof or broken windows, consider covering openings with tarps or plywood.
To learn more about the temporary fixes you can make and other steps you should consider during an emergency, read our blog post on emergency roof repair.
Gather The Necessary Evidence
As you know, the insurance company will not write you a check right off the bat. It will send an adjuster to take a look at the damage and confirm the extent of it. This is why you should be extra proactive and assemble all relevant documentation related to the incident. For property damage claims, gather repair estimates, invoices, or receipts for emergency repairs. You should also keep other supporting evidence, such as photographs of the scene handy as an adjuster can ask you about it.
Contact A Roofing Professional:
Reach out to a qualified roofing contractor for a professional inspection. They can assess the extent of the damage, provide an estimate for repairs or replacement, and document their findings. This documentation will be essential for your claim.
What If My Claim Does Not Get Approved?
There is no doubt in the fact that a roof insurance claim approval can ease your financial burden. But things can get difficult if you do not have insurance, you only receive approval for part of your claim, or even worse, your claim gets rejected.
You can reach out to your insurance company to discuss the denial or partial approval. Sometimes, misunderstandings or errors in documentation can be resolved through communication. Another option is to cover the cost of repair or replacement with a financing program. You can explore financing options, such as personal loans or home equity loans, to fund the necessary work.
How We Can Assist You In The Process Of Filing A Roof Insurance Claim?
Navigating the complex world of insurance claims can be a challenging and daunting task. When it comes to roof insurance claims, the process can be tough to navigate due to the intricacies involved in assessing and documenting roof damage. This is where a seasoned roofing company such as All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters can step in as a valuable ally.
Here is how we can help:
Free Roof Inspection
As you know by now, one of the most crucial aspects of filing a roof insurance claim is to inspect your roof. Our roofing company offers a free roof inspection where we will take a look at what is wrong with your roof and create a proper report. From minor shingle issues to more complex structural concerns, we leave no stone unturned.
Help With Filing A Roof Insurance Claim
Filing insurance claims, particularly for roof damage, can be a complicated process. Luckily, our team is here to simplify it for you. From start to finish, we guide you through every step, alleviating the stress often associated with insurance claims. We provide hands-on support in compiling the necessary documentation, including photographic evidence and detailed damage reports.
Collaboration With Insurance Adjusters:
Effective collaboration with insurance adjusters is vital for the success of an insurance claim. Our seasoned team knows the ropes and works closely with insurance professionals to ensure the fair assessment and resolution of your claim.
Roof Replacement & Repair
After your claim has been filed and the company has approved it, it’s time to move on to the main project, and this is where we particularly excel! We prioritize quality craftsmanship and use premium materials to ensure your new roof not only looks great but also provides long-lasting protection for your home. Plus, our commitment to completing projects on time means you can enjoy your new roof without unnecessary delays.
So if your roof has been damaged and you’re looking to file an insurance claim, contact the team of All Around Roofing, Siding and Gutters. We ensure a smooth process and offer the best roof replacement services in Dayton. Contact us today at (937) 902-2839 to learn more about how we can help you.
