The life expectancy of a residential roof can differ depending on the type of roof. Generally speaking, most residential roofs are designed to last at least 15 years. However, a strong storm has the potential to drastically shorten that time span. If your roof has been damaged by a storm, it may be in your best interest to file an insurance claim.
When to File an Insurance Claim for a Roof?
No one ever plans for roof damage, but sometimes it’s out of your control. That’s the main reason roof damage insurance is a necessity. Insurance can help you avoid having to fully pay for repairs on your own. But when is the right time to report roof damage to an insurance company?
Like with other types of insurance, you may be hesitant to reach out to your insurance company about your roof. You may want to avoid a possible rate hike or, in a worst-case scenario, even having your insurance canceled. This is also a question that most people only think about after it happens to them. As such, it can be unclear when the best time is for contact.
In most cases, however, your insurance company is going to want you to report damage as soon as you think it happened. The last thing they want is for lingering damage to get worse and become a more costly repair. If the damage is widespread and easily documentable, then go ahead and pick up the phone.
There is going to be a time when the damage is minor, but this should not be ignored. Even a minor issue can lead to something like a troublesome leak. If a big storm just rolled through and you suspect there may be damage, have your roof inspected and listen to the inspector’s recommendation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Now you know that when your roof is damaged by a storm or other natural disaster, it is best to act as soon as possible. The quicker you are to reach out to a contractor for an estimate, the sooner you can proceed with repairs. But you may be wondering how long you have to send in that claim.
This question doesn’t exactly have a clear answer because the length of time you have available to make an insurance claim can vary significantly from one policy to another. One company may only give you up to 30 days. Others may allow you to submit a claim as far back as a year.
If you are unsure, it’s best to play it safe and ask your insurance provider what the requirements are for filing a claim for roof damage due to inclement weather. Taking action as soon as possible is important because if your claim is filed late, you may risk being denied. At that point, it would be your responsibility to foot the bill all by yourself.
How to File a Claim With Insurance for Roof Damage?
Similar to the filing deadline, navigating the process of filing a claim can depend on your provider. However, there are common rules that you can follow. These rules include:
- Documenting the damage
- Contacting your insurance company
- Filing the paperwork
- Saving the receipts from the repair job
- Having an adjuster take a look at the roof
- Understanding your appeal rights if a claim is denied or they pay less than the cost
When you follow these steps, make sure that you have an experienced roofer by your side to back you up. In some cases, an insurance company may send an out-of-state adjuster to assess the roof. These adjusters may not be familiar with certain building codes in your area. An experienced roofer can work with the adjuster to make sure your roof is assessed properly.
Have Your Roof Inspected for Damage
New Image Roofing is the most trusted name in roofing in the Atlanta area. Our team is made up of highly trained experts who are dedicated to providing the best service possible. If you need an inspection, we can send one of our inspectors to your location right away.
To learn more about this topic and our services, contact us today.
