When dealing with storm damage, navigating insurance claims can feel overwhelming. And when you learn that roofers are willing to help homeowners through the process might make you wonder:
“Will I have to pay extra to get help from a roofer through the insurance process?”
The short answer is no.
Most reputable roofing companies in Myrtle Beach offer insurance claim assistance at no additional cost. However, not all roofing companies are created equal, and the process can be complicated.
At Linta Roofing, we find great joy in helping homeowners through the insurance claim process. We act as an advocate, handle complex paperwork, and make a confusing process stress-free for over 300 homeowners in Myrtle Beach each year.
Here, we’ll guide you through what to expect when working with a roofer during the insurance process. We’ll also show you how to steer clear of companies more interested in profiting from your claim than providing honest, compassionate support.
Let’s dive in.
Do Roofers in Myrtle Beach Charge to Help with Insurance Claims?
In most cases, roofers do not charge homeowners directly for helping with insurance claims. Instead it’s typically viewed as part of the service they offer. However, many will ask you to sign an insurance agreement. This simply ensures that if your claim is approved, you agree to hire them to complete the roof work.
So, why do roofers offer this help if they’re not making extra money from the claim process itself?
For most homeowners, filing a claim is a rare experience. Without expert guidance, critical insurable damage may be overlooked, leading to denied claims. Experienced roofing companies understand what insurance adjusters look for and know how to identify signs of storm-related damage — like wind, hail, or roof leaks — that might otherwise go unnoticed.
While they can’t guarantee approval, reputable roofers help maximize your chances by thoroughly documenting valid damage and guiding you through the process.
How Do Roofing Companies Help Homeowners with Insurance Claims?
A trustworthy roofing company will act as your advocate during the insurance process. While insurance companies know their guidelines when it comes to approving a claim, they can sometimes be less aware of factors that expert roofers know well.
For example, we recently had a customer who started an insurance claim on their own. Their insurance company approved the roof for a set amount, but the line items did not include elements that are required by South Carolina code. Our Project Manager was able to step in and help the homeowner get an approval amount sufficient to cover the additional elements necessary for their roof to be replaced and up to South Carolina’s code requirements. We were happy the customer called when they did so we were able to help, but we typically advise homeowners to start their insurance claim with a roofer to avoid the back and forth that this homeowner had to go through when they started their claim alone. Had this homeowner not shared their insurance information with us prior to starting the work, they would have had to pay an additional $6,000 out of pocket to meet these code requirements.
But that’s not all a roofing company will do to help homeowners during the insurance claim process.
Here’s how they typically help:
- Claim initiation: They help homeowners determine if filing a claim makes sense based on their policy type and deductible amount.
- Meeting the insurance adjuster: Contractors will meet on-site with the field adjuster to ensure damage is properly documented.
- Third-party verification: They provide storm reports, measurements, and other documentation to support the claim and ensure accurate, fair estimates.
- Needed supplements: Upon receiving the initial approval, your desk adjuster should send you a detailed itemized estimate of what all has been approved. It is recommended that you share this approved estimate with your contractor so they can ensure that all the appropriate line items are accounted for and that nothing is missed. If there are items missing, an experienced contractor will know how to submit a revised estimate with proper documentation to show why this supplement is needed.
- Final paperwork and follow-ups: After work is completed, they handle the submission of final invoices, photos, and certificates of completion to the insurance company.
By guiding homeowners through each step, reputable roofing companies help avoid costly mistakes and potential out-of-pocket expenses. They also ensure that all of the necessary line items are included in the amount insurance is going to pay so you have a strong and safe new roof. All in all, it’s a pretty great deal. You get to sit back while your roofing company handles your insurance claim for free.
However, like with any trade, there can be bad apples in the bunch. So how can you make sure you hire a roofing company that is not just focused on getting your claim approved, but will be there from start to finish throughout the entire process?
Hiring a Reputable Roofing Company to Help with Your Insurance Claim
Not all roofers are willing to go through the entire insurance claim process with you. Usually in this case a roofer might meet with your insurance adjuster, but leave the rest of the process up to you. While it’s not always the case, this can be very stressful for homeowners who expected a little more help from their roofer. It can also make homeowners feel duped, like a roofer promised free insurance help, but dropped the ball once the claim was approved.
If you’re hoping for help through the entire insurance process, how can you tell who will be there from start to finish?
- Pre-claim education: Helping homeowners understand their policy (replacement cost vs. actual cash value, deductibles, etc.).
- Setting realistic expectations: Advising upfront if it’s unlikely the insurance will approve the claim.
- Advocacy throughout the process: Making sure all code-required upgrades and legitimate damages are covered to avoid future unexpected costs.
In short, working with a roofing company that emphasizes education, honesty, and advocacy is essential. Looking for potential red flags before you sign any agreement with a roofing company is key.
What Red Flags Should You Watch Out for During the Insurance Claim Process with Your Roofer
It may seem like you’ll be in too deep before you find out that your roofing company is not willing to do much more than get your insurance claim approved and complete your roof replacement. But that’s not true. Often there are some red flags to look out for while you're comparing roofing companies that can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Look out for:
- A guarantee they can get your insurance claim approved (no one can promise this).
- Encourage you to file a claim without first verifying your policy details and deductible.
- Offer to "cover your deductible"(often illegal and unethical).
- Are not local to the Myrtle Beach area and may disappear after the work is done ( also known as storm chasers).
Choosing a local roofer who is realistic about the insurance claim process at the time of your roof inspection is the best way to go. This is important, because some of the things mentioned above are either illegal, unethical, or downright misleading.
Getting Insurance Help from Your Roofer Shouldn’t Cost Extra
Between insurance jargon, deductibles, and roof damage, filing an insurance claim tends to be a stressful time for homeowners. Not only can you feel out of your element, but you may also worry about doing something wrong and getting your claim denied.
This is why roofers have stepped up to help. And not just to provide an additional service they can charge for. But to offer a free service where you have an expert in your corner, making sure no stone is left unturned.
Now that you know there are no hidden fees involved with getting insurance help from your roofer, it’s important to hire a roofing company who will be your advocate. Not just up until your insurance claim is approved, but throughout the entire process till the job is complete.
And if you’d like insurance help from a Linta Roofing expert, we’re happy to help every step of the way. Ensuring you get a new roof that is up to code and safe for you and your family. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a roof inspection here on our website.
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