What You Should Know About Roof Insurance & Claims
Roof insurance is essential to your homeowners’ policy and protects your home and finances against unexpected roof damage. It also provides coverage in the event of a legal claim resulting from roof-related issues, such as damage to a neighbor’s property from falling debris or a contractor’s negligence.
When shopping for homeowners insurance, discussing the roof portion of the policy with your insurance agent and the coverage for your roof is vital. This conversation ensures you purchase enough coverage to repair or replace your roof if necessary.
As trusted roofing professionals, Matute Roofing contractors consistently work with many homeowners facing insurance claims to cover roof damage. We offer free estimates and expertise to ensure your roof repair or replacement is done right.
Roof Coverage
A majority of insurance agencies offer two types of roof insurance: repair coverage and replacement coverage. Repair coverage typically reimburses the homeowner for a certain percentage of repair costs. Replacement coverage provides for the replacement of a roof that cannot be salvaged. These policies are generally more expensive and challenging to get a claim paid. To help with the process, homeowners should always document any damage and submit their claims as quickly as possible to improve their chances of reimbursement.
Unfortunately, homeowners insurance does not cover all roof damage. Your coverage depends on your specific policy, location, and the cause of the damage. For example, a lightning strike causing damage to your roof may qualify for coverage because it’s an unusual and unpreventable event. However, hurricane-related roof damage may not be covered if you live in Florida because it is an expected weather system. Homeowners could also need more appropriate hurricane-related coverage. Insurance companies could reject the claim if homeowners did not prepare for the storm or take adequate precautions. Additionally, the roof replacement claim will likely be rejected if roof damage results from a DYI homeowner or an inexperienced, uninsured, or unlicensed roofer.
Documenting Your Roof Damage is Key
Documenting the date of the damage and if your damage was the result of a storm is essential when filing a claim for roof insurance. Keeping files of news coverage of the storm in your area may help to justify your claim. Photos become a vital part of your claim and remember to address the interior of your home. Damage from a faulty roof can affect your home’s attic, ceiling, and walls. Once you have been able to photograph damage via a camera and ladder, or even a drone, reach out to residential roofing professionals from Matute Roofing for an inspection. You do not want to miss any problems, and roofing experts know what to look for. This step also allows homeowners some recourse if their claim is denied.
Roofing Claims
Check your insurance policy or the company’s website for information about how to submit a roof insurance claim. Most policies require homeowners to file their claims within a specific time frame after the event. Knowing your company’s claim protocol helps get your claim paid. If you wait too long, your claim may be rejected because of that time limit.
If you need to file a claim for any roof damage, you’ll likely have to provide an estimate of the cost to repair or replace the roof. Your insurer may hire a third-party inspector to verify your roof damage before approving the claim. Due to the fact these inspectors work FOR the insurance company, they may find a reason to deny your claim. By taking the first step and hiring a reputable roofing contractor for an inspection and estimate, you may head off that problem, which allows your claim to be paid. Matute Roofing can provide written insurance-required estimates or documentation facilitating a successful repair or replacement of your roof in a timely fashion.
Once your claim has been submitted, and your roofer provides documentation, it is in the hands of your insurance company. Typically, they notify homeowners within about two weeks of the decision. If the claim is denied, homeowners have the right to appeal. These procedures differ by each insurance company, so constant contact with your insurance agent throughout the process is critical.
Work can begin with your chosen contractors if your roof insurance claim is approved. Matute Roofing offers new roof installation and repairs, so we are prepared to provide any service. We can also provide homeowners maintenance programs to ensure your roof stays in excellent condition. Document your new roof with photos throughout the process and of the completed roof. This practice helps if any future roof insurance claims need to be made. Matute Roofing provides written reports noting the past condition of the roof.
Beware of Scams or Storm Chasers
When any big storm causes substantial damage to an area, the potential for scammers rises exponentially. Scammers will canvas neighborhoods with the promise of free or nearly free roof repairs or replacements. Most often, these people work for something other than a legitimate business. They are simply salespeople trying hard to convince you to sign on with their “company.”
If this salesperson posing as a roofing expert claims your old roof is covered under an insurance claim, something is wrong. They tend to use scare tactics to convince homeowners immediate action is necessary. They may also offer to “give you a good price because we happen to be in the area.” These are all sales tactics to make homeowners act impulsively.
To ward off scammers, homeowners should ask for a copy of their liability insurance and any other certificates a reputable roofing company would possess. Ask for an address and a business license because working with a local company is always better. Finally, check for online reviews to verify their services and see if there are any complaints about this business.
Contact Us For Roof Insurance Repairs or Replacements!
Thankfully, there are no more honest, dependable, and professional contractors in the New Jersey area than Matute Roofing. We are family-owned & operated roofing contractors that have over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry. Our experienced crew will help with any insurance problems or questions! Thanks to our industry-leading roof warranties, rest assured your roof is protected for years. With our strong reputation and testimonials, you can see we put our customers first.
If you require inspections, repairs, or other roofing services, please call us at 973-618-6489. You can also fill out our contact form or check us out on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.