Dealing With Roof Damage Insurance Claims And Roofing Inspections
Roof damage insurance claims are common – but they can also be surprisingly tricky to navigate.
Insurers may argue you had pre-existing damage to your roof, for example, before a storm blew shingles away. In many cases, insurers might deny or reduce your roof damage insurance claim.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about roof damage insurance claims, roofing inspections, and how to ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed for your claim.
How Roof Damage Insurance Claims Work
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers unexpected roof damage.
If your roof was damaged by a covered event – like a windstorm, hailstorm, or a fallen tree – then your home insurance policy should cover the cost of repairing your roof to pre-loss condition.
Roof insurance claims may sound easy. But they can be tricky.
Some policies have strict rules about maintaining your roof, for example. Others have stipulations about the age of your roof: in some cases, you only receive the full value of your roof if your roof is under 10 years old. Otherwise, you receive a much lower amount of compensation based on the depreciated value of your roof.
Here’s how a typical roof damage insurance claim works:
A windstorm or hail storm hits your area. You check your roof after the storm and find significant damage – like missing shingles and other damaged components.
Secure the scene and limit further damage if safe to do so. Your insurance policy requires you to secure the scene to prevent further damage. If your roof has a hole in it, for example, then place a tarp over the hole to prevent damage to the interior of your home.
Contact your insurer’s 24/7 claims hotline to initiate the claim. Your insurer issues a claim number, then advises you on the next steps.
The insurer sends an adjuster to your location. The insurance company’s adjuster assesses the scene, authorizes emergency funds (if necessary), and recommends the next steps to take. For severe damage, the adjuster may recommend hiring a restoration company to secure the scene and limit further damage.
The insurance company processes your roof damage insurance claim. Then, the insurer compensates you according to the terms of your policy. Upon approval, the contractor completes repairs, restoring your roof to pre-loss condition.
What Type of Roof Damage Isn’t Covered by Home Insurance?
Homeowners insurance doesn’t automatically cover all types of roof damage.
A standard policy covers hail, fire, and wind damage, for example, and other sudden events.
However, common home insurance exclusions for roof damage include:
- Wear and tear damage on an older roof.
- Damage caused by unresolved maintenance issues – like a slow leak that has damaged your roof over multiple years.
- Roof damage caused by wind and hail if your insurance has wind and hail exclusions. See important tips for roof hail damage here.
- Damage caused by failing to take immediate action after the storm – like water damage to the interior after you failed to place a tarp over the hole in your roof.
Check your homeowners insurance policy to verify exclusions. Many homeowners don’t understand exclusions until it’s too late.
Tips for Handling Roof Inspections & Roof Repair Estimates
An accurate roof inspection is crucial for your roof damage insurance claim.
An accurate roof damage estimate:
- Creates a good foundation for the rest of your insurance claim
- Helps you get the exact amount of money you need from your insurance company to repair your roof to pre-loss condition
A bad estimate, on the other hand, can jeopardize your entire claim – and leave you with a bad roof.
One of the best ways to ensure an accurate roof inspection is to contact a public adjuster or an independent roofing contractor:
Option #1: Contact a Public Adjuster: A public adjuster is a certified and licensed insurance industry professional specializing in managing insurance claims. Many focus specifically on roof insurance claims, helping clients maximize the value of their insurance claim.
Option #2: Contact an Independent Roofing Contractor: An independent roofing contractor can safely get on your roof, inspect the damage, and determine how much it will cost to repair or replace your roof. They can also make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage.
In areas prone to roof damage – like Texas and Colorado – it’s easy to find professionals willing to assess your roof. Texas and Colorado are prone to high winds and hail damage, making it easy to find a trusted roofing professional near you.
Your insurance company is also involved in the inspection process: your insurer sends their own adjuster to your property to inspect the roof. The insurance adjuster performs the same roof inspection, but that inspection could create different results. The adjuster might determine a different cause of damage and a different amount required to repair or replace your roof.
Insurance Companies & Public Adjusters Might Disagree with Each Other’s Estimate
Many roof damage insurance claims lead to disputes.
Some disputes are linked to the cost of repairing the damage:
Your insurance company’s adjuster could argue they’re only required to provide you with $5,000 in repair costs, for example. A public adjuster or roofing contractor, on the other hand, could determine otherwise. They could argue all of the damage to the roof occurred during the latest hailstorm, and that the roof needs $20,000 in repair and replacement costs.
The two parties could also disagree about the cause of the damage:
Your insurance company could argue your roof had pre-existing damage, for example, from a previous storm. They’re not required to cover this damage because you didn’t make an insurance claim at the time. The insurer could also argue your roof was damaged by wear-and-tear or lack of maintenance long before the storm damage occurred.
In some cases, the insurer blames you for causing the damage, weakening your claim:
You may have failed to take adequate steps to protect your property by leaving a dead tree standing in your backyard, for example. That dead tree fell on your roof and damaged it during the latest storm, and your insurer argues they’re not required to cover this damage because you failed to maintain your property.
When disagreements arise over roof damage, consider hiring a public adjuster to resolve the dispute.
How Much Damage? Repairing Versus Replacing Your Roof
After the estimate, you can choose to repair or replace your roof.
If a minor storm only damages a few shingles or components, then you can typically repair your roof by replacing the shingles, avoiding the need for a full roof replacement.
If the damage occurred across a larger and more noticeable area of your roof, however, then you may need to replace your entire roof.
Insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section of your roof. You have the option to pay out of pocket to replace the entire roof. If the roof had extensive damage, however, then insurance may cover the cost of a full roof replacement.
In many cases, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to repair or replace your roof. You need to consider factors like:
- The age of your roof
- The type of roof
- How extensive and noticeable the repaired or replaced area will be
Most homeowners aren’t roofing experts, and it’s a tough choice to make. Fortunately, a public adjuster can help you decide on the best path forward. These professionals use their expertise to assess the damage, then determine whether or not you should repair a section of the roof or replace the roof entirely. These professionals, unlike your insurer, also have your best interests in mind.
How to Inspect your Roof Properly
Roof experts recommend inspecting your roof twice per year. You should also inspect your roof after every storm or severe weather event.
Remember: A thorough and proper inspection of your roof is crucial when making an insurance claim.
Here are some of the easy ways to inspect your roof before a professional inspector arrives:
- Walk around the exterior of your home and look for signs of physical damage to your roof – like broken shingles or sagging sections. Take note of any spots that need further inspection. Consider bringing a pair of binoculars to verify shingle damage.
- Take a close look at spots with algae, moss, or piles of leaves. Moisture can build up within these areas, leading to greater water damage underneath.
- Watch for missing, damaged, cracked, or aged shingles. Damaged shingles don’t protect your roof as effectively, and shingle problems are the leading cause of roof damage. If you have a patch of missing or damaged shingles, then this patch could cause water to enter your home (while also being an eyesore).
- Check shingles closely to see if granules are missing. Granules help shingles protect your home. If granules are missing, you may need to replace your shingles.
- Look for shingles that are buckled, curled, or warped. Warm air in the attic can penetrate the ceiling, causing shingles to buckle and worsening their protective effects.
- Get into your attic, if possible, and look for signs of water penetration underneath the roof.
If you spot signs of damage, or if you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof thoroughly, then we recommend contacting a roofing contractor or qualified public adjuster as soon as possible to inspect the damage.
The sooner you contact a contractor or public adjuster, the sooner you can initiate a claim with your insurance company.
Tips for Dealing with a Roof Insurance Claim
Other tips for dealing with a roof insurance claim include:
Collect Documentation: Take photos of all damage. The more visual evidence you have, the better. Take photos of any hailstones that hit your roof during the storm, using a tape measure or golf ball to demonstrate the size of the hailstones. Provide other supporting evidence to justify our roof damage insurance claim, as your insurer can and will request this evidence.
Order an Independent Assessment from a Roofing Contractor: Some homeowners simply trust their insurer to make an honest assessment. Many homeowners, however, request an independent assessment from a roofing contractor. You may also want to contact a roofing contractor if the insurer is disputing your claim or offering less compensation than you expected. The contractor assesses damage, determines any required roof repairs, and calculates the cost of repairing or replacing your roof.
Choose an Experienced Roofing Contractor: Your roof protects one of your most important assets. It’s crucial to choose an experienced roofing contractor to handle roof repairs. Some insurers recommend a specific roofing contractor to work with. However, you’re not obligated to use this contractor.
However, keep in mind that in many states it is illegal for your roofing contractor to negotiate or handle your insurance claim. State licensed Public Adjusters or Attorneys are the only professionals allowed to adjust claims in most states.
Avoid Signing a Contingency Contract: Some roofers try to get homeowners to sign a contingency contract prior to an inspection. This contract authorizes the roofer to handle your roof repairs if the insurance claim is approved. Some less-trustworthy roofers will disguise a contingency contract as an inspection report. By signing this report, you may be agreeing to give the job to that roofing company. Watch for shady roofing companies and be careful what you sign.
Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster: Insurance companies might refuse or lower your insurance claim, forcing you to pay costly roof repairs out of pocket. In this case, you may wish to find a public adjuster to assist with your claim. Public adjusters are insurance experts who understand exactly what is and is not covered by insurance companies. They negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure your roof damage claim is covered properly. Most experienced public insurance adjusters also perform their own roof inspections and know exactly how to properly handle your roof damage claim from start to finish.
What Happens If My Roof Damage Insurance Claim is Denied?
Your insurer could deny your roof damage insurance claim.
Sometimes, insurers have good reasons to deny your claim – say, if they believe you have a fraudulent claim. Insurers lose millions each year to fraud.
Let’s say you have a 20-year old roof in poor condition. The shingles have been deteriorated by wear and tear over time. A storm hits your area. A few branches fall on your roof. It’s windy and rainy. Hail hits your roof and causes minor damage. You might try to claim that your roof was damaged during the storm, when in reality, most of the damage was there before the storm.
In this situation, your insurer will likely deny your claim – or at least substantially reduce your payout.
Remember: the goal of home insurance is to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. That doesn’t mean you get a brand new roof because a few branches fell on your old roof.
However, there are situations where an insurance company will reduce or deny your claim even if the claim is legitimate. The insurance company might claim you committed fraud, for example, when your roof really did experience significant damage in a recent storm.
In this case, it may be in your best interest to hire a public adjuster or insurance attorney who specializes in roof damage insurance claims.
Final Word on Roof Damage Insurance Claims
Roof damage insurance claims aren’t as simple as they seem.
Many homeowners are surprised by a low payout from their insurer. Others are shocked when an insurer denies their claim entirely.
Fortunately, you have options. By following the tips above, you can increase the chance of a successful roof damage insurance claim.
If you need help, contact a public adjuster today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your roof damage insurance claim.
Stephanie is a property insurance claim expert with over 20 years of experience working as an insurance adjuster, expert witness, appraiser and umpire. She is passionate about sharing her expertise, knowledge, tips and training to help both property owners and Public Adjusters in their pursuit of effectively managing claims and recovering the claim settlement they deserve after a loss.
