Are you facing the daunting task of filing an insurance claim after your roof has been damaged?
Homeowners often feel overwhelmed by the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, from gathering documentation to navigating policy details. What if there were simple ways to prevent costly mistakes in the process? We’ve found that this can cause homeowners a great deal of unnecessary stress. Which is why we, like many roofing companies in Myrtle Beach, offer expert help throughout the insurance claim process so you can have peace of mind from start to finish.
However, if you’re considering going through the process alone, we have some tips to help you navigate the insurance process to minimize stress!
In this guide, we’ll cover the common mistakes people make when filing roof damage claims—and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth and successful claim.
8 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Filing an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage
1. Poor Communication with Your Insurance Adjuster
When discussing your claim, precision is key. Homeowners often make the mistake of offering too much information or incorrect details. Instead, keep your communication simple and to the point.
You’ll want to:
- Stick to the facts: Explain the damage, its cause (if known), and provide necessary documentation, such as photographs.
- Avoid speculation: If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s best not to guess. In this case, you’re much better off telling your insurance adjuster that you simply don’t know.
Be careful about what you say when communicating with your insurance adjuster. Mistakes like providing an incorrect storm date or implying that your roof hasn’t been maintained can hurt your claim. If you decide to pull a storm report, note that it costs money to do so. When you hire a roofing company, they can pull storm reports for you for free. Usually a roofing company has a good grasp on the storm reporting system your insurance company uses and they will pull the same one for you.
- Remember, most conversations with insurance companies are recorded, so be mindful of your words.
Miscommunication can lead to unnecessary delays or even claim denials. Your best approach is always to be clear and concise, avoiding unneeded elaboration. Providing supporting evidence in the form of proper documentation can benefit you.
2. Providing Improper Documentation of Your Roof to Your Insurance Company
Failing to properly document damage is one of the most common reasons insurance claims are delayed or denied. To avoid this:
- Photograph everything: Capture damage from multiple angles—both exterior and interior. For roof damage, take wide-angle shots and close-ups. We always recommend asking a roofing expert to do this for you as it can be dangerous to get on your roof.
- Don’t forget the details: Collateral damage like dents in gutters or window screens is easy to overlook but should be documented. For example: when it comes to hail damage use a 10x10 foot test square and document each hit with chalk before photographing.
We highly recommend contacting a trusted roofer to ensure that even subtle damage is documented for your insurance company. Sometimes potentially dangerous damage can be hard to identify without a roofing expert’s help.
3. Misunderstanding Your Insurance Policy Coverage
Before filing a claim, make sure you fully understand your insurance policy. You either have an ACV or RCV insurance policy. And these policies can vary significantly:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies, which cover the cost to replace the roof.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies, which factor in depreciation.
Know your deductible and verify that your policy includes code upgrade coverage. Mistakes often happen when homeowners refer to the wrong declarations page or misunderstand policy terms. This can lead to paying more out-of-pocket than necessary. Consult a roofing expert if needed, as they can help clarify the details.
4. Accepting the First Offer from Your Insurance Company Too Quickly
Don’t rush to accept the first settlement offer from your insurance company.
Instead:
- Review the itemized breakdown of what’s covered.
- Consult a contractor: Roofing contractors can help ensure all necessary repairs are accounted for, including code upgrades.
By seeking a second opinion, you can often secure a better settlement that covers all the required repairs. This includes code upgrades that can sometimes be overlooked by insurance adjusters. In an effort to streamline your roofing project, be sure to compare your estimates thoroughly.
5. Filing an Insurance Claim on Your Roof Too Late
Time limits apply to most insurance claims. Act quickly—many policies have a 180-day window to file a claim after a storm. But this can vary dramatically based on what type of insurance company and policy you have. Failing to file in time can result in an automatic denial, so be sure to check your declarations page for specific deadlines.
6. Filing an Insurance Claim for Minor Damage on Your Roof
Not all roof damage warrants an insurance claim. Filing for minor issues like wear and tear may not meet your deductible, and frequent claims can affect your premiums. Before filing, get an inspection to determine if the damage is significant enough to justify a claim. Roofing companies who regularly work with insurance claims may be able to provide you with further insight on your next step.
7. Relying Only on Your Insurance Agent’s Advice for Your Roof Claim
While your insurance agent may provide helpful advice, remember that their primary role is to retain clients. If you initiate a claim and it’s not approved, you might consider shopping for a new insurance policy. Some agents may view this as a potential risk of losing you as a client, leading them to advise against filing a claim. However, this advice may not always align with your best interests. While we recognize that filing a claim isn’t always the best solution, it's crucial to weigh all advice carefully, keeping in mind any potential biases.
To avoid this potential conflict of interest, consult a roofing expert or a professional familiar with insurance claims for a second opinion. Many reliable roofing contractors in the Myrtle Beach area can help you discuss the necessary items needed for a safe roof with your insurance adjuster in an effort to get you the safest roof possible.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls for a Smoother Insurance Claim Process
Filing an insurance claim for roof damage doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as poor documentation, unclear communication, and misunderstanding your policy—you can increase the likelihood of a successful claim.
Remember, working with a roofing expert can ensure you are fully covered for any storm damage, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run. At Linta Roofing, we’re always happy to assist you through the insurance process and advocate for your best interest. And if you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us!
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