Hail damage to a roof can be a frustrating experience for homeowners. However, the good news is that if you have homeowners’ insurance, you may be covered for roof repairs or replacements. The process of filing an insurance claim for hail damage can seem complicated, but with the right steps, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before filing a claim, it’s important to thoroughly assess the damage to your roof. This will give you an idea of how much damage has occurred and help you communicate clearly with your insurance provider.
What to look for:
• Dents and cracks: Look for dents, cracks, or missing shingles that could have been caused by hail.
• Granule loss: Hail can strip the granules from shingles, which makes them more vulnerable to further damage.
• Damaged gutters or downspouts: Check for signs of hail hitting the gutters or downspouts, as these can also be affected by the storm.
• Interior damage: In some cases, hail damage can lead to leaks in the ceiling or walls inside your home, especially if the roof’s integrity is compromised.
If you’re not sure how to identify damage or don’t want to risk getting on your roof, you may want to hire a professional roof inspector or roofing contractor who can assess the damage for you.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you’ve assessed the damage, the next step is to reach out to your insurance company. Contact them as soon as possible to start the claim process. Most insurance policies have a time frame for filing claims (usually within a year of the damage), so don’t delay.
What to have ready:
• Your policy number: You’ll need to provide the specifics of your insurance policy when filing the claim.
• A description of the damage: Be ready to provide a detailed description of the hailstorm and the damage to your roof.
• Pictures or videos: If you took photos or videos of the damage, send them to your insurance company. This can help speed up the process and make the claim more accurate.
Step 3: Schedule an Adjuster’s Inspection
After filing the claim, the insurance company will usually send an adjuster to inspect the damage to your roof. This step is critical, as the adjuster’s evaluation will determine the amount of compensation you may receive.
Things to keep in mind:
• Be present for the inspection and ask your roofing contractor to be present as well: If possible, be there when the adjuster arrives. This way, you can point out specific areas of damage and provide any additional information they might need.
• Take your own notes: While the adjuster will create their report, it’s a good idea to take your own notes and pictures during the inspection.
• Ask questions: If you don’t understand something or need clarification, don’t hesitate to ask the adjuster for more details.
Step 4: Review the Adjuster’s Report and Estimate
Once the adjuster completes their inspection, they will provide a report detailing the findings and an estimate of the repair costs. Review the report carefully to ensure it accurately reflects the damage to your roof.
Things to check:
• Extent of the damage: Ensure that all areas of the roof affected by the hailstorm are accounted for. All be sure that damage to fences, awnings and covers, doors and windows and gutters and downspouts have been noted and are a part of the adjuster report.
• Estimated repair costs: Compare the repair estimate with quotes from contractors to ensure the estimate is reasonable.
• Coverage details: Verify what your insurance policy will cover, including any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses.
Step 5: Hire a Roofing Contractor
Once your claim is approved, it’s time to find a reliable roofing contractor to carry out the repairs. Your insurance company may provide you with a list of recommended contractors, but you’re free to hire anyone you trust and as long as your contractor agrees to perform the work for the amount of the settlement (less you deductible) you need not go to the trouble of obtaining estimates at all.
Tips for hiring a contractor:
• Check credentials: Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured, and has good reviews or references.
• Understand the scope of work: Ensure the contractor fully understands the extent of the hail damage and is providing an accurate proposal for the repairs. The contractors’ scope of work should meet or exceed the scope of work from your insurance company.
Step 6: Keep Detailed Records
Throughout the process, make sure to keep detailed records of everything related to your insurance claim and roof repairs.
What to track:
• Emails and correspondence: Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company and roofing contractor.
• Invoices and receipts: Save all invoices and receipts for any work done on the roof, as you may need them for future reference and to complete the claim process.
Step 7: Know and Understand the Payment Process
Once your claim is approved you will receive a settlement and a check in the mail for a portion of the claim (usually the total claim amount less depreciation and your deductible). Once repairs are complete, your insurance company will require proof the work has been completed and that you have paid your deductible. Most insurance companies will accept an invoice from your roofing contractor and your canceled check for the deductible amount as proof at which time they will mail the remaining money due including the depreciation amount if your policy is a replacement cost value (RCV) type policy.
Payment details to check:
• Deductible: Make sure you understand the deductible amount that will be deducted from your payout.
• ACV verse RCV policies: If you’re not sure ask if your policy is and RCV or and ACV policy. This effects how much money your receive. And ACV settlement may not cover the cost of a roof replacement as today’s prices.
• Payment timeline: Ask how long it will take for the payment to be issued and ensure you receive it in a timely manner.
Step 8: Finalize the Claim
After the work is completed and you’ve received your payment, finalize your claim by ensuring that all documents are filed, and that the insurance company has all the necessary paperwork.
What to do after finalizing the claim:
• Follow up if needed: If you have not received your final paymentwithin two weeks of sending these documents, follow up with the insurance company.
Conclusion
Filing an insurance claim for hail roof damage doesn’t have to be a difficult process. By following these steps, you can streamline the process and ensure you receive the compensation needed to repair or replace your roof. Remember, documenting the damage thoroughly and working closely with both your insurance company and a trusted contractor will help make the entire experience as smooth as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance provider for clarification or additional guidance.
