Has the weather damaged your Alabama home? You know how stressful and time-consuming it can be to put everything back together. It may be necessary to replace the entire roof because of severe storm damage. But, it would raise the cost of repairs to your house considerably!
Yet, filing an insurance claim might help reduce any additional costs. But you can do it only if the damage exceeds your deductible. Besides, the need of repair must come from storm damage, or direct physical contact by something, not wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
How to Determine Whether You Qualify to Make a Claim for Insurance
Some parts of a homeowner's insurance policy, such as valuables, collectibles, or jewels, may be excluded. However, most policies cover storms, hail, and rain damage. To be qualified for an insurance claim for storm-damaged roof repair, there must be considerable and evident storm-related damage.
Types of Roof Damage Homeowner’s Insurance Covers
Depending on the age, the severity of the damage, and its location, your homeowner's insurance may pay only a portion of the repair, or it may cover the full repair. Damage from a storm that we have many of in Fairhope, and Orange Beach, AL may have reduced the life expectancy of your roof or rendered it structurally unstable.
Besides, if there are matching problems and repair supplies are unavailable, the insurance company may reimburse the cost of a complete roof replacement.
Here are some things to look out for after a hurricane. Calling your chosen local roofing contractor straight away to confirm and document the damage and temporarily secure the roof is necessary.
- Missing or blown off shingles
- Blown-off or missing portions of the roof
- Damaged and broken roof gutters and vents
- Cracked shingles
- Curling shingles
- Water infiltration into your attic
- Damage to your roof from falling trees or debris.
- Damage to the roof's structural integrity
- Broken roof windows
- Dents and depressions on the roof's surface
How to File a Claim Correctly
Property owners must make roofing insurance claims in a methodical and professional way. The following recommendations may be helpful in this respect.
- Call Your Insurance Company Immediately After Your Contractor Inspect Your Roof
After contacting your local roofing contractor, call your insurance company. This way, submitting an insurance claim will be a lot less stressful. This roofing professional should prepare any additional documentation before the insurance comes to your home.
Finding a local expert roof repair contractor that can work with your insurance provider is even better. This will allow you to sit back and relax while the professionals finish their job.
- Determine the Extent of the Damage
Documentation and photographs are crucial. Before the contractor arrives, you want to do a self-inspection to ensure you do not overlook critical details. Besides, damage to your home's interior from a leaking roof might spread to adjacent rooms. Also, you may lose some of your home's structural integrity if a falling tree blow away or damage the entire roof.
Do this only if it is safe, since you don't want to injure yourself or your loved ones. If damage to your roof is significant, remain outside until professional roofers arrive. They will assess the situation and make sure it is structurally sound.
- Avoid Scammers
Scams are typical during a strong storm or significant rainfall. This is not something you want to be a victim of. Two things should be on your radar to keep this from happening.
First, if a contractor demands full payment up front before work begins, steer clear and contact a different contractor.
Second, be sure the person doing the work is a certified local contractor.
Conclusion
After a storm, roof damage can cause some emotions, including fear and anxiety. Do you have homeowner's insurance and the proper contractor to help you through the insurance filing process? If so, you will complete this process successfully.
Make sure you have your insurance company's phone number and the proper paperwork on hand at all times. If you wait too long to repair your roof after a storm, your insurance may not cover the full cost.
Your insurance company is obligated by policy to restore the property to its pre-storm condition. Working with an expert contractor will help you avoid the hassle of collecting many bids. Moreover, a reputable and experienced roofing company can help you a lot to get your claim approved.
Watkins Construction & Roofing has over 20-years of experience in working with roofs and insurance companies. Watkins experienced team can bring you some peace of mind in a stressful time like storm damage to your home.
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