Key Takeaways:
- If you’ve experienced roof damage from a storm, document what you find and call a reliable roofing contractor before you file your claim.
- A roofing contractor will be able to give you a detailed estimate for how much repairs will cost. This will be important during your claims process.
- The more documentation you have, the smoother your claims process will go and the more money you could receive.
A major storm has finally passed, but your headache has just begun: roof damage. In addition to repairs, you now also have to deal with your homeowners insurance company.
Before you call them to start the claim-filing process, Dynamic Roof Technologies has a complete list of timelines to track, the documentation needed from you, and handling common pushback.
What to Know
Before you start the claims process, here are some key factors to keep in mind.
Timing
Before you call your insurance company, make sure you understand what your homeowners policy covers and doesn’t cover. Complete your documentation before you start the claims process. Then, call a reliable roofing contractor, such as Dynamic Roof Tech, to help you calculate the cost of repairs and stay with you when the insurance adjuster arrives for inspection.
What Insurance Typically Covers in Massachusetts
Homeowners insurance in MA usually protects against unexpected roof damage caused by acts of nature like storms, hail, fallen trees, fires, and heavy snow or ice.
However, it’s important to remember that your insurance won’t cover problems that happen because your roof is old, worn out, or hasn’t been taken care of.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your policy before storms hit. Have a physical copy handy in case you lose power after a storm.
Common Adjuster Pushback
Sometimes, insurance companies will offer a payout less than the estimated cost of the roof repair or replacement – or deny your claim altogether. This is usually because:
- You lack documentation
- You’ve started repairs before the adjuster’s inspection
- You may not have the correct supplemental policy for specific damage
- You don’t have a detailed estimate from a professional roofing contractor
- The damage is due to negligence on your part or normal wear and tear
Remember: it’s not in your insurance company’s best interest to give you all the money you actually need. They’ll likely offer you less than the cost of repairs or replacements by claiming previous or unrelated damage. As a homeowner, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to fully document the damage and have a trusted roofing contractor conduct a full inspection with estimates.
For homeowners who really want to make sure they get every dollar they’re entitled to receive, keep plenty of documentation of your roof before storms hit.
“Storm Chasers”
There’s a term in the roofing business for people who try to take advantage of homeowners after a storm: storm chasers. These people will usually show up at your door claiming to be already working on the roof of a nearby house, and will offer you a discount on repairs if you hire them on the spot.
Don’t fall for it! Only hire established, reliable roofers for your estimates and repairs.
What to Document
When it comes to documenting roof damage, here are the best practices to follow.
- The exact date the damage was done. If possible, grab screenshots from your weather app that show the storm in your area.
- Take high-quality photos. Your photos should include wide-angle, general shots of your home and property, as well as detailed close-ups of specific damage.
- In addition to outdoor photos of the damage, check inside and document any new leaks or water stains you find.
- It’s more helpful to your claim if you have photos of damaged areas taken from multiple angles.
Remember to stay off your roof. You never know what kind of hidden damage may have occurred below the surface. All your documentation should be done safely from the ground using the zoom feature on your camera.
When possible, include a timestamp with your photos that proves the images were taken after the storm. This is also why it’s wise to have “before” photos of as many areas of your roof from as many angles as possible.
FAQ: Filing an Insurance Claim for Roof Repair
Q: Should a roofing contractor be present for the inspection?
A: It’s not required by law for a roofing contractor to be present for the insurance inspection, but we strongly recommend it. Here’s why:
- Claims adjusters are generalists, not roofing specialists
- Roofing contractors can spot specific issues that a claims adjuster might not notice
- A professional roofer will be able to give a fair estimate on the cost of repairs, which you can submit to your insurance company
The experienced pros at Dynamic Roof Tech are ready and able to walk you and your adjuster through the inspection experience with a trained eye and fair estimates.
Q: How long will my claim take to process?
A: The entire process, from the time you contact your insurance company and file the claim, through processing and approval or denial, typically takes about a month.
Q: What kind of payout should I expect if my claim goes through?
A: There are two types of insurance payouts for roof damage:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): The cost to replace your roof at the time of adjustment.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): The replacement cost minus depreciation, which considers age and wear; therefore, it may not cover the complete cost to restore your roof.
Let Us Help You With Your Insurance Claim
You’re not alone when you have to deal with major roof damage caused by wicked Massachusetts storms. At Dynamic Roof Tech, we’re local roof experts. This means we’re familiar with the most common types of roofs and roofing materials in the area, as well as the damage they suffer during storms.
Before you call your insurance company, call us for a free estimate on the cost of repairs. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.
