Mistakes Homeowners Make with Roof Damage Insurance Claims

Roof damage insurance claims can be frustrating, but they need not be. With the proper documents and requirements, homeowners can easily make these claims and avoid common pitfalls that lead to unnecessary stress.

That’s what we’re here to discuss today! In this article, we’ll show you the common mistakes homeowners should avoid when filing roof damage insurance claims and the best practices for ensuring the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Avoid These Mistakes With Roof Damage Insurance Claims

Insurance adjusters can make or break your roof damage claims. So, before submitting your roof damage insurance claim, avoid the following mistakes:

Overlooking Minor Damages

Minor damages are often overlooked. For example, the slightest leaks that can be patched up might have underlying issues. It’s crucial to look beyond what’s visible.

Don’t wait for minor damages to escalate. If there’s a leak, check your attic for signs of molding, water penetration from your roof or sheathing, or dark spots that aren’t supposed to be there. One of the best way to avoid these issues is by waterproofing your roof.

Delayed Assessments

Postponing damage assessments or roof inspections can lead to claim denials. Get a detailed roof inspection after storms, hail, or other extreme weather conditions hit your area.

Leaving assessments on the back burner can cause issues that complicate your claim. Insurance adjusters will likely ask, “Why didn’t you notify us immediately?”

Immediate assessments prevent these types of disputes. They also show an accurate and precise timeline of the damages.

Not Accounting For Normal Wear and Tear

Damage isn’t the same as normal wear and tear. Insurance companies will likely deny your damage claims if their insurance adjuster deems the cause to be neglected maintenance.

Documenting all maintenance work, inspections, and roof repairs is important to counter disputes related to wear and tear.

Miscommunication With the Insurance Agency

Sometimes, claim denials occur simply because of miscommunication between you and your insurance company. Ensure that you clearly understand what’s covered by your insurance.

If you have questions, it’s best to go directly to your insurance. Note everything you discussed, especially regarding insurance coverage, claim procedures, and policies.

Not Fully Understanding Policy

Contracts are massive walls of text, but that doesn’t excuse anybody if they don’t read them. The bare minimum you should do is try to understand what’s covered in your policy.

Run your roof insurance policy through a trusted local roofing company like Trenton Roofing to ensure you understand it.

Not Getting a Professional Roof Inspection

You can always document roof damage yourself. But you could overlook specific details, especially if unsure where to start. That’s why professional inspections and roof insurance claims go hand-in-hand.

A roof inspector can also help you when an insurance adjuster comes to inspect the damages. Have your roof inspector come on the same day as your insurance adjuster.

If the roof inspector can’t come the same day, ensure you have all the documentation ready to support your roof damage claim when the insurance adjuster visits.

Disregarding Roof Maintenance

Consistent maintenance ensures your roof’s longevity and even helps when filing for roof damage claims. All insurance companies require homeowners to take proper care of their roofs. Neglecting maintenance is a surefire way for your insurance company to deny your claim.

It is recommended that your roof be professionally cleaned every 1-5 years, depending on its condition and the materials. Check for mold and algae growth, remove debris, and fix minor damages before they escalate into severe issues.

Asking For A Roof Replacement You Don’t Need

Sometimes, roof damage insurance claims are enough to pay for a new roof. But don’t assume that a damaged roof entitles you to a total replacement.

Insurance policies usually cover repair damages, not entire roof replacements. You’ll likely be denied if you ask for a whole roof replacement. At best, the insurance company might offer a lower settlement—but that still isn’t guaranteed.

Filing a Claim For a Roof That’s Too Old

Depending on the quality of materials, a roof can last up to 100 years. Unfortunately, most insurance policies don’t. Most insurance companies cover 20-25 years. If your roof is too old, claims could be denied.

This is an important factor to consider when you’re in the market for a new home. Always check the roof’s age and whether it’s still covered by insurance. You don’t want to get stuck spending on roof repair costs. Always review your insurance coverage and policies before filing a claim.

Not Knowing Which Roof Materials Are Covered

Some insurance policies only cover specific roofing materials. Most policies cover asphalt shingles, but they could exclude materials like metal, slate, or clay.

Double-check with your contractor and insurance company if your roofing materials are covered under your policy.

How to Ensure Your Roof Damage Insurance Claims

Before submitting your insurance claims, consult your local roofing contractors. They can send out inspectors who can provide accurate and detailed documentation of roof damages, no matter how small.

A roof inspection can also provide you with a repair estimate. Don’t rely on insurance adjusters to give you a number. Get a written and signed estimate from a trusted, local roofing company.

The key here is documentation integrity. All evidence must be photographed, and no damage should go unreported. This ultimately leads to fewer disputes once adjusters come to check the extent of the damages.

Roof Damage Insurance Claim Tips

Roof damage insurance claims shouldn’t be a complicated process. To ensure everything goes smoothly with as few hiccups as possible, remember to avoid these roof insurance claim pitfalls:

• Overlooking minor damages and delaying damage assessments
• Not accounting for normal wear and tear and disregarding roof maintenance
• Miscommunications with insurance companies and not fully understanding policies
• Filing for a damage claim for a roof that’s too old and asking for a complete roof replacement
• Not getting a professional roof inspection and not knowing which materials are covered

If you need help navigating the complexities of filing for roof damage insurance claims, Trenton Roofing has your back. Request a roof inspection today!