Everything a Homeowner Needs to Know About Filling a Roofing Insurance Claim
By The Roof Mentors Insurance Claims 0 Comments

Everything a Homeowner Needs to Know About Filling a Roofing Insurance Claim

When your home is damaged, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure that the damage is repaired properly and as quickly as possible. 

And filing a roofing insurance claim is one of the most important steps homeowners can take when their home is damaged. But many homeowners don’t know exactly what to do, how to start the process, or what it entails. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on everything a homeowner needs to know about filing a roofing insurance claim. We’ll discuss the types of damage that are covered by insurance, when homeowners should call in an experienced contractor, and more. 

So read on and let us help your roofing insurance claim process go over as smoothly as possible!

 

What Is an Insurance Claim and When Should You File One?

An insurance claim is a request for benefits that may be payable under an insurance policy. A homeowner’s insurance policy may cover damages to your roof caused by wind, hail, or other elements. But filing a roofing insurance claim is a bit different than filing a regular insurance claim for some other type of damage. 

When filing a roofing insurance claim, it’s important to follow specific guidelines and protocols in order for your claim to be successful, and you also want to be sure the right documentation is included with your claim. A professional roofing contractor, such as The Roof Mentors, can provide expert help with this part, as well as with all other steps in the process, ensuring it all goes successfully.

In addition to that, filing your claim as quickly as possible can help ensure that the damage is repaired properly and on time so that it doesn’t cause further damages and more costly issues.

 

Types of Damages That Are Covered by Insurance 

There are many types of damage that are covered by insurance, and the most common ones include wind damage, hail damage, and water damage.

Wind damage is usually caused by high-speed winds, which can result in a storm or tornado-related damage. High-speed wind can cause serious damage to homes, such as shingles being ripped off roofs and even structural damage. 

Hail damage is usually the result of a severe hail storm and too much rain. The hailstones can be anywhere from pea-sized or marble-sized to golf ball-sized, and, of course, the larger they are, the more damaging they will be.

Water damage usually occurs after a flood but it can also be the result of a severe storm. Storms like hurricanes, for example, bring high-speed winds that can cause roof shingles to get ripped off, resulting in big leaks and subsequent water damage.

 

Filing the Claim: Main Steps to Take

When you find that your home has been damaged in a storm, the first step you should take is to contact your trusted local roofing contractor for an inspection. They will conduct a thorough assessment of the damages, document everything, and advise you on the next best step.

And that step is usually contacting your insurance provider and explaining to them what has happened. They will then schedule an appointment with an insurance adjuster, and you will need to gather and provide some specific documents to them. 

The documents that are needed may vary depending on the insurance company but some of the most common documents include a proof-of-loss form, proof-of-damage form, and a contractor estimate.  

Your roofer can help you gather and fill out all this documentation, and it is also advisable to have your roofer with you during the adjuster appointment to make sure everything is done professionally.

Once everything is done, you will, ideally, get an offer from your insurance company for the financial coverage of your roof repair or replacement, whichever is needed.  

 

The Roof Mentors Are at Your Service

Filing a roofing insurance claim can be a daunting task. But with the right information and the right Hope Mills roofing contractor by your side, it can be easy to navigate the process. The Roof Mentors can even take the entire process off of your hands, relieving you of all the unnecessary stress and ensuring that your claim is approved quickly and successfully. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime!

An image of a tree on the roof of a house showcasing the need for roof replacement.
By The Roof Mentors Roofing Tips • Insurance Claims • Roof Repair 0 Comments

Here’s What to Do When Wind Damages Your Roof

Have you recently been hit by a storm?

Severe storms accompanied by high winds and heavy rain can be hazardous, so if you are concerned that your roof has sustained storm damage, you need to act quickly to prevent injuries and further damage. Every hour after the storm counts and makes a difference in the scope of the overall damage and repair cost.

Wind usually presents the biggest challenge for poorly installed roofs and roofs that have already been damaged, but it is known to affect even the most durable roofing systems. Strong winds blowing at around 60 mph can lift the shingles from your roof, cause the gutters to rip, or cause trees to fall on your house.

And when this happens, there are some crucial steps you should take to prevent long-term damages and safety risks. Read on to find out what they are!

 

Ensure Your Own Safety

The first thing you need to do during and after a storm is to make sure you and your family are safe. Stay away from trees, exposed wires, power lines, and structures that seem unstable. Be mindful of any other things that could create an unsafe environment, and make sure not to go outside or do any work until the storm has fully passed.

 

Inspect Your Roof 

Once the weather is clear and only when it’s safe to do so, you can go outside to check for any obvious damages around your home and on your roof. Look around for missing shingles, any holes and dents, pieces of stripped flashing, and similar damages. Make sure to do all this safely from the ground, without climbing on top of the roof and risking injuries. 

In addition to that, check if the gutters have become loose, dented, or completely torn away. While outside, you can also remove the debris around your house, but in no case should you remove a fallen tree. In such an event, make sure to call emergency services and a licensed roofing company.

You can assess and document all the damage you’ve noticed by taking photos and videos of the affected areas, which can come in handy when filing your insurance claim.  

 

Avoid Storm Chasers

In the aftermath of a severe storm, there is a great chance that you’ll be visited or approached by the so-called storm chasers. Storm chasers are exactly what you’d think and what their name suggests – roofing contractors who show up wherever a storm occurs, offering speedy and often cheap roofing services. 

However, these out-of-town roofers are not who you would want working on your roof, as they usually lack skill, proper training, knowledge, or even the will to do proper, quality roofing work. 

Therefore, it’s always best to steer clear of them and rely on your local roofers who have your best interest and safety at heart.

 

Contact Your Roofer and the Insurance Company

Now it’s time to get a professional inspection from your trusted local roofer and start the insurance claims process. 

Wind damage is usually covered under your homeowner’s insurance, but check your insurance policy just in case and contact your insurance provider to report the wind damage your roof has suffered. 

You will then have to gather all the needed documentation to file your claim and the insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to inspect the damage. You can also employ the help of your roofer throughout this entire process if they offer assistance with roofing insurance claims and let them help you file your claim successfully.  

 

The Roof Mentors Are at Your Disposal

If you need any type of help with wind damage repair or your insurance claim, The Roof Mentors are here to help! We offer complete roofing and roof insurance Fayetteville services, ensuring that everything goes as smoothly as possible. 

With us in your corner, your roof will be in top shape and your insurance claim approved in no time. So, call us today and increase your chances of resolving wind damage quickly and efficiently!