Filing a storm damage claim is a complicated process, one that needs to be done in the event your home requires timely roof storm repair. Here are the important things you need to know before you initiate a storm damage claim.
1. Document Everything
Whether the storm damage extends to just a few shingles being stripped or the roof being totaled by wind or impact, every bit of damage has to be documented. This is an important thing to keep in mind if you have to move things out of the way before your insurance adjuster and/or roofing contractor arrives. Take plenty of photos and videos, and save a copy to a cloud-based drive that you can share.
2. Roof Maintenance Is Important
If you’ve been keeping up with roofing maintenance, you are more likely to get a favorable settlement in the event your roof is damaged. Some insurance providers count lack of maintenance as a reason to deny claims if it’s the proven cause of roofing damage. It is also worth noting that roofing warranties have a similar exception for warranty claims: lack of maintenance can result in voided warranty coverage.
3. You Need Both Your Roofer and Insurance Adjuster Present on Site
It may sound redundant having both an insurance adjuster and roofing contractor documenting the damage independently. However, not all insurance adjusters are knowledgeable about roofing systems, and having a second set of eyes – one that happens to know a lot about roofing systems – can help ensure accurate documentation.
4. There Are Strict Deadlines for Filing Insurance Claims
Insurance policies vary, but they generally have deadlines for filing claims as short as 14 days after the fact. In case of storm damage, the sooner you can get your roofing contractor and insurance adjuster on site as soon as the weather clears, the better. This is why you have to have your roof inspected by your roofing contractor after a storm: some types of storm damage are not readily visible. Leaks stemming from such damage may appear weeks or months down the line, and you might get stuck paying for repairs on your own.
Ritco Group is your leading provider of residential and commercial roofing services. Give us a call at (931) 381-0175. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Brentwood and Murfreesboro, TN, and surrounding communities.