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Originally Posted On: 7 Tips in Getting Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement – Signature Roofing (mysignatureroofing.com)

Repairing or replacing a roof can be downright expensive and stressful. You need all the help that you can get. How to get homeowners insurance to pay for a new roof? Check with your insurance company as to the process that you need to follow. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful, so long as you’re prepared and have the right professional assistance. This article will talk about helpful tips to help with getting insurance to pay for roof replacement.

Get Professional Help

Professional and experienced roofers have helped homeowners for several years. They have likely encountered similar to yours and they may be able to give you advice on what to do. Also, getting a professional assessment of your roof can determine what needs to be replaced or repaired. If possible, get help right away so a professional can thoroughly inspect your roof. Professional roofers can provide you with the best documentation that you can show to the insurance companies.

Find a Reliable Roofing Contractor

Whether you’ll be needing roofing repairs, replacements, inspections or an emergency, it’s imperative to hire the best roofing company. In choosing a roofer, ask how long they have been in the industry and if they have insurance and are a licensed to provide roofing services. Don’t always go with a roofer with the lowest price; always prioritize quality first. Do your research or ask for recommendations from trusted friends or family. Always look at the past work of the roofer to ensure that you hire the best. Better yet, ask them for names of their past clients so you can get in touch with them. Testimonials from their website would also help.

Check out our Post on 9 Vital Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
2. Can I Have a Physical Address and References?
3. Do You Employ Subcontractors?
4. What is Included in my Estimate?
5. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?
6. How Will You Protect My Property?
7. How Will You Dispose of Rubbish?
8. Will a Project Manager Be on Site at all Times?
9. What Kinds of Services Do You Offer?
10. Are You Looking for the Right Boise Roofing Contractor?

Check the Damage

Apart from getting a professional opinion, it would help for you also to assess the roof damage. Make notes as you check the damages. Remember to take photos for documentation purposes. Keep in mind that whether you need repairs or replacements, insurance companies would always need proper and extensive documentation to help them determine if it will be covered or not. Photos and other documentation would serve as proof of damage.

Understand Your Insurance Policy

Before getting any insurance for your roof, it’s always best for you to fully understand what’s covered and what’s not. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to your insurance company or agent. Always clarify if there are things you don’t understand or not clear to you. Most importantly, don’t take an insurance policy that you don’t fully understand. If you intend to file a roof claim, ensure that you review the insurance policy and speak with your agent if something still isn’t clear. If there are repairs that need immediate attention, get professional help immediately. Generally, your homeowners insurance policy covers roof damages and roof leaks. However, it may not cover leaks due to poor maintenance by the homeowner. Whether or not the insurance company will cover leaks or other damages depends on the cause of the leak. Damages from accidental or sudden incidents may be covered by your homeowners insurance. If there’s a severe storm that knocked down a tree and damaged your roof, the insurance company may likely cover the repairs. If it’s due to neglect, it may not be covered.

Get the Estimates

After choosing a roofer, ask for estimates for either repairs or replacements that need to be done. Insurance companies will be needing estimates from licensed roofers in your area. Remember always to ask the roofer for a detailed estimate to be used for the roof claims. Insurance companies may also decide to use their own estimators to help them determine the overall costs of the repairs.

Clarify if You Need to Adhere to Building Codes

In Idaho residential code, some provisions govern the materials, design, construction, and quality of roof assemblies. Insurance companies may ask you to meet these specifications to ensure the proper roof repair or replacement. Make sure that you adhere to these codes before doing any repair or replacements. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your insurance company if you have questions.

How Old is Your Roof?

Roofs that are 10 years old or less are fully covered by homeowners insurance. Roofs that are more than 10 years may only be partially covered. If your roof is 10 years old and showing signs of wear and tear, it may still be covered but not for the full cost of the repair or replacement. The amount that the insurance will cover for roofs more than 10 years old will reflect the depreciation cost. To check for the roof’s age, ask the previous owners if you moved into an old home. You can also check the building permit or an estimate from a roofing company.

Check out our post about “How Long Should a Roof Last?”

Get it Touch With Signature Roofing

Getting insurance to pay for roof replacement isn’t hard. It should be easier so long as you know what’s covered and what’s not covered in your homeowners insurance when applying for roof claims. To increase your chances of getting approval from your insurance company, you must provide them with extensive documentation to prove damage. It’s also beneficial for you to perform regular maintenance of your roof to extend its lifespan and avoid other problems down the road. Most importantly, hire the right roofing contractor to help you complete the repairs and replacements. That’s where we come in. We have been helping out residents in Treasure Valley with a roof replacement. We take pride in our commitment to provide only top-notch roofing services to all residential and commercial owners. Get in touch with us today for an estimate.