Don'ts and Don’ts for Roofing Insurance Claims

What if your house is damaged in a storm and insurance doesn't cover it? This happens more frequently than you might realize. Many homeowners realized that their roofs had not been insured in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. This could be something that happens to you or someone near you. Before you file anything with your insurance company, read our blog post Roofing Claims Do's & Don'ts. We will assist you in navigating the many pitfalls that can lead insurance companies to deny roofing claims.

Don't get bogged down by the paperwork of a Claim

It is always the paperwork. Do you have all the paperwork required to file an insurance claim? Don't delay! Insurance companies are looking for reasons why claims should not be paid. This is why getting lost in paperwork can lead to denial. Make sure to include all the necessary information when you submit your roofing insurance claims.

Don't fail to report your loss

Before you file a claim for compensation, you must inform your insurance company. Do not wait to notify your insurance company if you have been affected by a storm. This is an important step towards receiving correct and timely roofing insurance payments for your loss. It is common for people to be confused about who is responsible in weather-related damages. This could lead to you losing valuable time when you try to get reimbursements from the insurer.

Don't settle for delayed tactics

In an effort to avoid paying customers as little as possible, many insurers try to delay claims payments. As we have said before, it is important to report all losses immediately. Insurance companies may try to delay claims payments to avoid paying customers as much money as possible. You should not allow them to manipulate you into believing that your losses won't be covered or that the payout will be less than what it actually is. Insurance companies hold all the cards, but they can only stack their deck against them.

Do not forget to check the coverage on your property

Before you file a claims, check the coverages available to your home and/or business. To ensure you have the best coverage possible, ask your agent about any missing coverages. It is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses. This means there may be exclusions included in policies that might not seem obvious, but could make a difference when filing a claim.

Make sure you have enough coverage

Roof insurance is important for your home and company. Price should not be the determining factor when deciding what or where you want it to go. If you buy too much, your losses are likely to exceed the limit. It's better spend more now and protect your assets than to have to repair damages from an unfortunate event. Insurance companies can cut costs by restricting how much they will pay for particular types of losses.

Minor damages should not be ignored

One way that the insurance industry makes money is to file a claim for unneeded coverage and then let minor damages go. Broken tiles, cracked gutters, and holes in your roof can all be indicators of bigger problems that could have a negative impact on the structural integrity of your house or business. These are not things you can do on your roof. A professional can help you evaluate if it is necessary to repair them.

Keep detailed records

If you want to get paid, a thorough accounting of what was damaged or lost during a covered event could be the difference between getting compensated adequately and not being paid at all. If you have receipts for items damaged, it will make it easier to file an insurance case that is profitable.

Take into account your financial situation when filing a claim

In certain instances, you may be eligible for full coverage by paying your insurance deductible and accepting the insurer’s settlement offer. But, if your needs are other than making repairs to your home or business, then this might not be the best option. Your insurer wants to settle claims quickly and cheaply. They won't even consider how much it would cost to repair your damages. This information will help you to decide if the offer you received is inadequate compensation for your loss.