If you have experienced a heavy storm, there is a probability that your roof might be damaged due to the bad weather. Most roofing systems are designed to withstand even the strongest winds and impacts. However, storms can still take a toll on them. It is easy to know when your roof has been storm damaged. There are common signs you can spot when this occurs like; missing roof shingles, cracked and dented roof shingles, granules in the gutters, etc. At the same time, these signs can be ignored but storm damages can be very dangerous. When this occurs the next thing to do is to repair the roof which brings us to the main point of this article, roofing insurance claims for storm damage. This would be a step-by-step guide on how to file for storm damage insurance claims.
1-Go Through Your Policy in Detail
You probably have homeowner’s insurance policy and you want to make use of it now that your roof is storm damaged. It is important to read your policy carefully for any conditions or stipulations you may not have known about. For instance, several policies depend on the age of your roof. While some may cover up to 15years, some policies expire after 10 years. You have to be sure that the roof insurance claim would cover for the damaged roof caused by the storm.
2-Document Everything
As soon as it’s safe to do so, take a look at your roof’s interior and exterior. Take pictures of any sign of damage. Label each picture with the date, time, and a brief explanation of what you noticed. While you can certainly perform a cursory inspection of the damage, your insurance company is likely to take an expert’s opinion more seriously. Have a local roofing contractor inspect the damages and send your provider a detailed report.
3-Report to the insurance service provider.
Let your insurance company know that you’re filing for roof insurance claims for storm damage. They will look for evidence and documentation to support your claim. This is when the pictures of the damage you have taken and other relevant information would come in. Present the insurance company with accurate and detailed information.
4-Choose an insurance-savvy roofing contractor
If your roof is qualified for a roof damage insurance claim, you will get payments directly from the insurance company for a roof replacement. It’s at this point you should be ready to select a reputable roof repair contractor. An insurance-savvy roofing contractor will be able to offer tips for filing and help you gather the right documentation.