As a homeowner, have you asked yourself, “How can I get insurance to pay for a roof replacement?” If so, you should consult with a knowledgeable roofer like Red Diamond Roofing to receive guidance. Knowing what steps to take and avoid will impact whether an insurer should compensate you to address roof damage.
How Do Homeowners Get Insurance To Pay For A Roof Replacement?
As a homeowner, if you believe that your insurance policy should cover the cost of a roof replacement, you should take several preliminary steps before contacting your insurer:
1. Secure A Professional Roof Inspection
It is important to choose a roofing contractor that you can trust. A knowledgeable and experienced inspector possesses the right tools and equipment to inspect your roof and other areas of your home thoroughly. If you do have damage that insurance will cover, the roofer can meet with the insurance adjuster and advocate for you and your home.
The inspector can show you if you have damage worth claiming with your insurance company and what areas need addressing and help you understand the insurance claim process. The professional will also draft a written inspection report detailing all findings and making recommendations for repairing and/or replacing your roof.
2. Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
Your rights and responsibilities start and end with your homeowner’s insurance policy. This document reveals your insurer’s obligations concerning financial losses from damage to your roof. Not all incidents receive compensation, however. Exclusions apply. If you don’t fully understand whether your insurance company will cover a particular loss, consult with your insurance agent or adjuster.
3. File A Detailed Insurance Claim
Many policies allow a limited amount of time from the date of the incident to claim the damage. After that time, the insurance company can deny future claims due to unaddressed past damage.
If you need guidance on preparing the claim, consult with your roofing contractor. Their responsibility is to provide you with the information to maximize the successful handling of your claim. Don’t undermine your claim by failing to provide sufficient evidence or detail. Make the review process straightforward for your insurer.
4. Arrange For Your Roofer To Meet With The Adjuster
At some point, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to evaluate your roof’s damage. As a homeowner, you may receive questions about the overall situation. Don’t be caught off-guard. Instead, arrange for your roofing contractor to be available when the adjuster visits your home. The adjuster and your roofer will likely exchange direct communications relating to the existing roof’s condition and roof repair needs.
Is Utilizing A Roofing Contractor Advisable To Get An Insurance Company To Pay For A Roof Replacement?
Roofing experts will tell you emphatically, “Yes!” to this question. Why? Involving a reputable roofing contractor will increase the likelihood of your claim receiving a favorable outcome. A qualified roofing professional understands the lingo associated with insurance coverage. Terms like “endorsement,” “obsolescence,” and “supplemental” have specific meanings that most homeowners don’t know.
Factors Influencing Whether Or Not An Insurance Company Will Pay For A Roof Replacement
Even if an insurance policy would otherwise compensate a homeowner for roofing damage, extenuating circumstances can impact recovery. Consider the following factors:
Policy Coverage
Not all insurance policies are equal. Some insurers cover “actual cash value (ACV);” others “replacement cost value (RCV).” Likewise, specific policies factor in depreciation while others do not.
Reasonable Upkeep
A homeowner is responsible for maintaining their roof regularly. If the roof has fallen into a dilapidated condition, an insurance company may deny a claim or coverage. Also, it is vital to have your roof inspected after storms. It is better to find nothing than to miss something that should have been covered by insurance.
The Roof’s Age
A roof depreciates as it ages. Many insurance companies will adjust coverage limits based on a roof’s age and condition, even if the homeowner has maintained it well and it is in reasonably good condition.
Hiring The Right Professional Roofing Contractor
Homeowners in Denver and Fort Collins, CO, as well as surrounding communities across the Front Range, trust Red Diamond Roofing to deliver unparalleled residential roofing services. Our commitment to assisting homeowners through roofing challenges, no matter how difficult, ensures the right solutions are achieved. We won’t rest until you are delighted with the results.
Contact Red Diamond Roofing today to learn more about our full menu of roofing services or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our knowledgeable and experienced team members.
