How Long Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim on My Roof? (South Carolina)

Many South Carolina homeowners might not realize their roof has been damaged by hail or wind — it's often easy to miss. But what happens if you discover this damage months or even years after the storm?

As a leading roofing company in Horry and Georgetown counties, we’ve come to know the insurance process well. And unfortunately there are types of roof damage that can easily go unnoticed by a homeowner for a long time.

In general, South Carolina residents have around 180 days to possibly a year from discovery of the date of loss or damage to file an insurance claim, but this timeline could vary depending on your policy and other specific deadlines. In this article, we’ll discuss the complications of waiting to file an insurance claim after your policy limit and how to find the date of damage on your roof.

Let's talk about it.

How Long Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim on Roof Damage in SC?

In South Carolina, the timeframe to file an insurance claim for roof damage depends on your specific insurance policy and the type of damage, but in general, most homeowners' insurance policies provide a window of one to two years from the date the damage occurred to file a claim. 

Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Policy-Specific Deadlines: Some insurance policies have their own set timeframes for when claims must be reported. You should check your policy for these details. You'll find this information on your declarations page.
2. Type of Damage: If the damage was caused by a specific event like a storm or hurricane, it's crucial to file promptly, as the insurance company will want documentation showing that the damage was caused by the event and not due to long-term wear and tear.
3. Mitigation Requirement: Even if you’re filing a claim, most policies require homeowners to take immediate steps to prevent further damage (such as placing a tarp over the roof) while waiting for repairs.
4. Date of Discovery: Your policy may have deadlines around the date of discovery. This could look like filing a claim 30 days after you discovered damage to your roof.

To avoid any issues, it’s best to contact your roofer and have them look over the declarations page you received when you signed up for your insurance policy. Having your roofer involved in the process will limit potential complications, as they can help you find the date of loss and simplify insurance terminology so you’re well informed as you move forward.

This raises the question, what are the complications involved in waiting to file your insurance claim?

Complications of Waiting to File an Insurance Claim on Your Roof

The good news is that roofers can help you through the process, from identifying the damage to determining when it occurred. 

But what are the complications?

1. Claim Denial: If you file a claim after the statute of limitations in SC has passed (typically 3 years in South Carolina), the insurance company may deny the claim outright, leaving you responsible for the repair or replacement costs.
2. Further Damage: Delaying a claim after spotting roof damage can lead to further complications. For instance, if a storm blows off some of your shingles and another storm rolls through a month later causing more damage, your insurance company is within their right to exclude the initial damage because it wasn’t reported promptly.
3. Evidence Deterioration: Over time, evidence of the damage may fade or worsen due to exposure to the elements, making it harder to prove the cause of the damage. Insurance companies may argue that the damage was not a direct result of the initial event (e.g., storm or hail).
4. Dispute Over Cause: If there’s a long delay between the event and the claim, the insurance company may claim that the damage was due to neglect or wear and tear, rather than a specific insurable event like a storm. This can lead to disputes over coverage.
5. Increased Costs: Roof damage that isn't addressed promptly may worsen, leading to higher repair costs. Insurers could argue that you didn't mitigate further damage, reducing the amount they’re willing to pay. 
6. Lower Payouts: Delays in filing a claim could affect the settlement amount, as policies often have provisions requiring timely reporting of damage. Some insurance companies may reduce payouts if they believe the delay in reporting exacerbated the damage. May put a heavier depreciation on your pay out. Ex. Say your roof was damaged at 15 years old but you wait 2 years to file, likely the insurance company will depreciate the roof more, not because you waited, but because your roof is 2 years older than when the damage occurred. 
7. Policy Changes: If you delay too long and your policy renews or changes, there might be new terms or exclusions that weren’t present at the time of the original damage, further complicating the claim. Over time, RCV policies can switch to ACV policies. Soo it's important to keep yourself informed on your current policy. 

To avoid these complications, it’s important to have regular roof inspections. This way you’ll have updated photos of your roof. Your roofer can help you decide if it is or isn’t worth it to file a claim. For example, a roofer may advise against having a claim put on your record if your damage is leaking from a pipe boot. While this is not a given, a roofer who has experience helping with claims is knowledgeable of what types of claims are typically approved and denied.

When You Should File an Insurance Claim on Your Roof

If you’re concerned that you may have roof damage, but you’re not quite sure when it occurred, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are unaware of damage on their roof until more obvious signs start showing up like missing shingles or interior leaks.

When it comes to filing an insurance claim for damage on your roof, timeframes can vary from insurance company to insurance company. Some insurance companies require you to file a claim right away, while others may give you a year or two. It’s important to go over your declarations page with a roofer that knows the insurance process so they can help you find this information and mitigate your roofing issue. And if you call us at Linta Roofing, we’re able to provide you with a free storm report. This will include the date of loss and other necessary information your insurance company will ask for. 

We’re always happy to help you. Whether you need a small repair or help through the insurance process, don’t hesitate to contact us today!