Working with insurance on roof claims
It is no secret that depending on the scope of the work required, roof repairs can be expensive. This is understandable given the importance of your roof and the high level of skill required to work on it. However, it is not good for your pocketbook. Luckily, your insurance company may cover your roofing repairs, saving you out-of-pocket expenses. Discover how to navigate roofing claims with your insurance and leverage your roofing contractors for assistance.
The Right Roofers Can Help with Roofing Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance companies isn’t pleasant, but your roofing company can help. They’re familiar with the process and can provide the necessary information to your insurer, easing the process for you.
Roofers Can Interact with Adjusters
The best roofers will gladly join your insurance adjuster’s visit to ensure clear communication and assist with your claim. Direct interaction with the adjuster helps ensure comprehensive coverage, restoring your roof to its original condition.
In many cases, the insurance adjuster may not be familiar with local building codes, but your roofer always will be. This is important since those building codes may affect how repairs need to be done or what options are available. Since the roofing contractor is aware of these codes, they can save a great deal of time and hassle. Without their presence, if the adjuster estimates repairs that don’t meet local building codes, you’d face further delays awaiting a new evaluation.
What to Expect from the Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company promptly to initiate your claim process. Repairs cannot commence until an adjuster inspects your roof to assess the damage firsthand.
Most insurance companies will start by assigning you a claim representative. This is usually an adjuster who comes to inspect your roof and determine the extent of the damage. Remember, you ideally want your roofer there when they complete this adjustment or inspection process. Expect the adjuster to take notes as well as photos of the damage. They may also ask you questions.
Your insurance adjuster will assess roof damage and provide a repair estimate. This will also take your policy type into account, specifically, the type of coverage it includes.
How Your Roofing Contractor Can Help
Your roofing contractor will aid you during insurance claims and perform repairs or replacement.
During the Initial Roofing Claim Inspection
The roofer can attend the adjuster’s inspection to identify missed damages. They ensure repairs align with local codes.
Reviewing the Claim Estimate
Your roofer will also be able to help you review your roofing claim estimate. This is very important since adjusters are not roofing experts. Instead, they often depend on software that automatically assesses coverage based on damage type, location, and policy details.
Errors in assessment can result in inaccurate estimates, potentially leaving you with higher out-of-pocket costs or prolonged efforts to secure adequate coverage. These errors may stem from input mistakes by the adjuster or from a lack of experience in understanding the impact of certain types of damage on roofs.
This is crucial because fixing a claim estimate later can be challenging. Insurance companies may resist correcting errors, especially if it means paying out more.
Supplementals For Roofing Claims
A supplement is an additional charge added to the claim due to discovering issues after work on the roof has begun. Your roofer can file supplementals with the insurance company. Supplemental documentation serves as evidence for the necessity of specific work or materials to restore your roof to its previous condition.
Supplemental repairs may be required due to overlooked damage or unexpected issues discovered after part of the roof is removed.
General Roofing Claim Insurance Advice
Of course, the best roofing contractors are also more than happy to offer you general advice about navigating insurance claims. Roofing contractors are experienced in dealing with insurance companies due to the common coverage of roof repairs and their associated costs. This means that they know the ins and outs of the process and can offer you advice. GAF Roofing offers some excellent advice.
Understanding Your Roof Coverage
Your roof’s coverage depends on your insurance policy, typically RCV or ACV. RCV stands for replacement cost value, while ACV refers to actual cash value.
RCV is more common, and it does not account for depreciation. In this case, the insurance covers the cost to restore the roof to its original condition, minus your deductibles.
With ACV coverage, your insurance company also subtracts your roof’s depreciation from the amount they pay out. So, the calculation is the amount necessary for the replacement or repairs, minus your roof’s depreciation, minus your deductible. Some companies encourage you to opt for ACV policies to reduce their payouts. At the same time, they tend to have smaller premiums, so there is a trade-off.
Having a trustworthy roofing contractor is key for smoother insurance claims. Their guidance can simplify the process and ensure a smoother experience. For more information in California, California Dept of Insurance.
