Filing an insurance claim for roof damage can be an exhausting and complicated process. It can also be confusing to determine whether or not your claim will be covered by insurance or not. The whole process is a burden on the homeowner that is something that your roofing contractor should handle instead. At Russell Roofing, we work on your behalf to navigate your insurance claim, and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
It’s worth it to take the necessary steps to find out if your roofing project is covered by insurance. Here are the steps to follow:
If you choose to work with us, know that you are our #1 priority. Whether you’re paying out of pocket, or your insurance company is paying for it, our concern is making sure we get you a quality roof at an affordable price. Russell Roofing Company will:
When you file a roof claim and use your insurance for a roof replacement, you have the right to choose the roofing contractor you want to use. Don’t let the insurance company bully you into using one of their companies. Instead, choose Russell Roofing Company. We’re the best because we:
Whether or not your insurance covers your roof damage will depend on your policy. Oftentimes, insurance will cover a roofing project if the damage occurred as a result of an unexpected event like a fallen tree, a fire, or bad weather, etc. But, if the damage happened due to lack of maintenance or normal wear, insurance will likely not cover the damage.
If you’re wondering about whether insurance will cover a full replacement or just a repair will depend on your roof and the specific damage. If a repair can sufficiently fix your damage, they will likely opt for this option. If it’s clear that the damage is more substantial and that full replacement is the best way to ensure lasting health of your home, insurance will want to go for a full replacement.
Like with replacement and repair claims, a roof leak will only be covered if it is a result of an unexpected event. Still, there’s a chance that a simple leak is not covered by insurance. For example, if you have a very old roof that just started leaking, insurance might chalk this up to normal wear and deny your claim.
This question is impossible to answer without first inspecting your roof, and understanding your policy. If you’re ready for an inspection, contact us now for a free estimate.
There are, however, a few things you can investigate to know what to expect in terms of compensation from your insurance company.
Take a look at your deductible. Despite how much you might get from your claim, you will always have to pay your deductible first.
Check to see if your insurance policy comes with Replacement Cash Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV). RCV policies provide you with money to cover the roof replacement cost at the time the damage occurred. ACV policies will only pay for what your roof is worth at the time of damage.
In other words, you’ll have to pay more out of pocket for the amount your roof has depreciated over time, thus rewarding less money for older roofs.
Another factor is the total price for the roof repair or replacement. If it’s too costly, insurance might not cover any of the project. This goes to show the importance of working with a reputable roofing contractor that won’t price gouge, and will give you a fair estimate.
If you’ve never worked with an insurance company in the past, you should know that every part of the process tends to inch along and takes considerable time. Roof claims are no different. You can expect the claim reviewal process to take as long as a few weeks to a few months. If there was a bad storm in your area where many homes were affected, expect things to take even longer.
At the end of the day, it’s your decision. But, you should know that filing a claim will most likely drive your premiums up. If it’s your first claim, the increase may not be that bad, but it’s hard to say for sure.
You should also consider your deductible. You have to pay this, and if the cost to repair isn’t that different from your deductible, it may make more sense to skip the claim and pay out of pocket to save on future premiums as a result.
The severity of the damage and the scale of the roofing project are important to consider as well. If it’s a huge insurance replacement job and it’s very costly, you may need to file a claim, whereas with smaller roof repairs, it may make more sense to weigh your options.
Either way, it’s important to consider all of these factors when deciding whether or not to file a roof insurance claim. Do what makes sense for you, but either way, make sure you work with a trustworthy roofing contractor to get the job done. Contact us Russell Roofing Company today to schedule a free consultation.