After your roof has suffered significant damage, you want it fixed in the shortest time possible. But the process of roofing insurance claims may seem complicated and tedious. Here are some useful pointers to make the process less daunting if you want to make an insurance claim.
1. Credible Documentation
Homeowners are advised to be savvy and proactive before foreseeable or sudden property damage. For unpredictable damage, you can prepare by ensuring annual roof inspections and proper maintenance. But if you anticipate a storm that might damage your roof, start documenting as early as possible. Take detailed photos and videos of your property before the damage and make sure to capture all the important features. All videos and images should bear the date and time stamps for credibility.
If you think your roof has suffered significant damage, never make the mistake of cleaning your house after the incident. Instead, start documenting the situation by taking photos and videos focusing on different affected areas. This can be your silver bullet if the insurer asks for additional proof down the line. Also, all damaged items and debris should be preserved until your insurer sends their claims adjuster on site.
2. Professional Inspection by a Roofing Contractor
Before you alert your insurance provider about the damages, you need to contact a roofing contractor for a professional assessment. Not all visible damages qualify for an insurance claim. On the other hand, your house may have sustained unnoticeable damages warranting an insurance claim. A roofing contractor can easily spot any worthwhile damages after the inspection.
If the damage level is less than your deductibles, filing a claim can lead to an unnecessary premium increase. So it would help if you were sure of this before approaching the claims department. Once the inspection finds that a claim is feasible, the contractor will help you compile a thorough damage analysis and provide supporting documentation to necessitate compensation.
3. File a Claim and Get an Appointment with the Claims Adjuster
If the damage on your roof warrants an insurance claim, reach out to your insurance provider immediately since some companies have timeframes for insurance claims. The process may vary slightly depending on your insurer, but it may involve filling online forms or contacting the claims department.
The insurance company will designate a claims adjuster to visit you and assess the damage. The adjuster will inspect the house, take notes, estimate the probable payout, and file a report with the insurer.
During the evaluation, your roofing contractor should be present to help you answer any questions and provide documentation and proof that can affect your payment. A competent roofing contractor will ensure the claims adjuster records all damages with minimal errors. Your contractor can also submit missed inspection details as supplementals to the insurance claim.
4. Insurance Payout for Restoration
The insurance company reviews the claim by evaluating the adjuster’s report to determine the appropriate compensation. At this stage, the insurer may request additional documentation regarding the damaged property. Similarly, they may ask various questions to validate the claim. To speed the process, you need to submit the requested information promptly. If you can support your information with credible evidence, you can avoid unnecessary delays.
Once the insurer has approved the claim, they will send you a check covering the repair amount. At this point, you will liaise with your roofing contractor to agree on the scope of work and determine the appropriate time to start the restoration work.
Your First Call for Help. Find a Professional.
Understanding the concept of roofing insurance claims can help you make the right decisions when filing for a claim. Since the process involves a lot of documentation and correspondence, you need to ensure you are working with an experienced roofing contractor.
At Meridian Restoration, we can help you with roof inspections and hold your hand throughout the roofing insurance claim process. We serve customers in Chicago and surrounding suburbs like Evanston, Skokie, Lake Bluff, and Northbrook.
