Residential Insurance Claims

overview
process
faqs
companies

If mother nature has wreaked havoc on your roof, or underlying issues lurking since the day of its build have finally reared their ugly head, at least the process of filing an insurance claim doesn’t have to be nightmare. We know the ropes and will hold your hand through the sticking points to get your roof back on straight as quickly as possible. And if there’s pushback from the insurer for the wrong reasons, we’ve got your back so that every penny owed to you finds its way towards your repair or replacement costs.

Claims Process

The insurance claims process can be a hassle– we know, we do this all the time. But it doesn’t have to be painfully slow, overwhelmingly complex, or criss-crossed with tripwires and resistance, exactly when you’re most concerned about keeping a roof over your head.
As a life event, it will in all likelihood be a first for most homeowners (and hopefully the last.) Experienced guidance on your team is the best tool to simplify the process and receive your payout fairly and efficiently.

And if your claim’s denied, we’ll be with you every step of the way towards formulating a response. We’ll carefully analyze the insurer’s position and turn up the important details favorable to yours that are too often overlooked.

1. Inspection

The roof replacement process begins with a complete inspection of the roof’s current condition, including all roofing components for any storm-related damage. The inspection may include other areas of the property to help substantiate the need to file a claim.

2. Analysis & Remedy

The extent of the roof repair or roof replacement required will be determined by numerous factors including, but not limited to, the amount of damage, availability of materials, and the age of the current roof.

A remedy or solution is then crafted to ensure that the roof will be returned to its previous state or better.

3. Documentation

All photo, video, and written evidence is documented by insurance claims specialists that understand the complexity of the process and can work with and respond to insurance provider requests immediately.

4. Claims Submittal

In most cases, a claim can be made by simply calling the number on your insurance policy or making a call to your agent. However, in some cases, insurance companies will ask that your roofing contractor inspect the roof or submit a quote to them beforehand. All documentation is then submitted to the owner or directly to the insurance company for review and ultimate approval.

5. Coverage & Deductible

Any information concerning your specific coverage or deductible amount about your possible claim can be found in your insurance policy or general questions can be directed to your agent.

If a claim is approved by your insurance company, most often they will have their own adjuster write a claim for you. In some cases, they have your roofing contractor write a quote for their review. In either case, the roof is written to be restored back to the like kind and quality. The final amount must be approved by them and any depreciation and/or deductible will be taken from this amount.

For more information see FAQ’s below.

6. Repair & Replacement

Determined by the initial inspection, once the claim has been approved the required roof repair or roof replacement process takes place just like a normal project.

FAQs

Will my insurance company pay for my roof to be replaced?

Yes, if the damage is a covered peril under your homeowners’ policy, such as an act of nature like wind or hail and if repairs to the roof would not be feasible.

Does the age of my roof matter?

No, the age of the roof will not determine whether you get a claim or not. The question will be, “is there damage and is it covered under your policy?” However, the type of policy you have will determine the amount you are paid.

That depends on the deductible you have selected as well as whether you have replacement cost coverage or an actual cash value coverage on your policy. If you have replacement cost coverage, your total cost would only be the amount of your deductible. If you have actual cash value (ACV) coverage, the insurance company will subtract your deductible from the total repair or replacement cost amount as well as a portion to cover the depreciation of the roof.
Depending on the age of the roof, with an ACV policy you could end up owing approximately 50% of the amount needed to replace the roof. Be wary of claims to “eat the deductible” on your roof.

To “eat” or “waive” the deductible, the insurance company has to be billed differently than what they’re actually being charged. This is fraud and it’s unlawful. Additionally, whoever’s billing might not do all the work or do it as well as they would if they were being paid the actual or fair market value amount. Remember, you get what you pay for and most people will perform at a lower level if they are being paid at a lower amount. Likewise, they do less when paid less. Find a roofing contractor you trust and allow them to work for you, getting you the most out of your claim and putting your roof back in place as good or better than before.

Will I get the same quality as I have now?

Yes, unless you choose differently. Most insurance companies pay for “like kind and quality”. If you substitute with lower quality roofing components to “save money” you will void your warranty with most manufacturers.

Can I request to get an upgrade on the materials being used?

That is always an option. But you have to understand that any increase in grade or quality of materials that increases the price above what was comparable for the original roof will be your responsibility.

This is actually a great time to consider upgrades since the insurance company is going to absorb the bulk of the cost. If you suffer a subsequent covered loss on the new roof, you will be paid for what it takes to repair or replace that roof and its higher-grade materials. Sometimes a higher or better quality of roof can contribute to a lower premium for the same type of insurance coverage. Check with your insurance policy, agent, or an insurance claims specialist for clarification.

If I get bids lower than what my insurance company paid, can I keep the difference?

It all depends on how you are paid.

In rare cases, you could possibly keep the difference. Here’s an example: The insurance company paid you in full, less your deductible, and the amount you owe for the work performed was less than the insurance payment. This is extremely rare and may be because the work performed was less than what the insurance company paid for or anticipated would be done.

In almost all other cases, the answer is no, because of the way the insurance company makes the payments: ACV vs. RCV.

Learn more

Companies

Our customers are insured by many different companies and we can assist you with your claim using our knowledge and past experience. Below is a list of insurance companies that insure some of our customers.

Residential Insurance Claims