How Do Roofing Companies Work With Insurance Companies?

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Roofing Companies & Insurance Companies

Oftentimes when a roof sustains damage from a storm or winter weather, a homeowner will call their insurance company. However, the best option may be to call a roofing company first. Roofing companies work with insurance companies and are fully aware of their process for estimates. Roofing companies can advocate for you and ensure you get the best deal from your insurance company. You want to make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of the situation and will provide you with a fair offer.

 

How Roofing Companies Work Cohesively with Insurance Companies

It’s no surprise homeowners don’t enjoy the task of filing an insurance claim. Not only is it tedious and time-consuming, but it can also be frustrating. One of the best ways to avoid this process altogether is to call a roofing company. Calling the contractor first allows you to negotiate with your insurance company. In fact, a roofing company will likely assist in filing the insurance paperwork. It is essential that your roof is properly assessed and repaired to protect your home and family.

One of the most important factors to keep in mind is insurance adjusters are not experts in roofing. Therefore they do not have the skills and knowledge to assess roof damage as accurately as a roofing company. A roofing expert or contractor will look beyond surface damage. They will focus on the underlying problems with the roof and water damage or leaks. Insurance adjusters have been known to only focus on the exterior damage of the roof. This is not the correct approach and will cause them to overlook serious roof damage that may be present. A classic example would be a rooftop garden  also known as green roofs that have been leaking gradually over years which has led to damage that is also present in other parts of the building. Once a qualified roofing company inspects the roof, they can send over the claim to your insurance company. What this does is guarantee the insurance company will receive accurate information to proceed with the repair. This will provide homeowners with a more accurate roofing appraisal.

If you choose to call your insurance company immediately following the damage on your roof, they will send out an adjuster to inspect. Depending on what they decide based on the initial inspection, you may have to pay out of pocket. Even if you pay out of pocket, the insurance company will consider it a claim. In fact, your policy premium can increase dramatically even if they don’t shell out any money.  A flat roof will more likely to cost more to insure than a sloped roof so some people don’t divulge this which is a mistake.

The smartest solution to this dilemma is to contact a roofing company first. When a roofing company is contacted initially, they are able to accurately and fairly assess the damage using their expertise. There are many reasons why homeowners should reach out to a roofing company. First, there is no obligation to the homeowner. Secondly, an insurance claim will not be filed unless needed. An experienced roofing company has assessed hundreds of roofs and can identify the level of damage sustained. Furthermore, they will be open, honest and transparent regarding the cost of repairs. They will provide homeowners with the tools and knowledge to make an informed decision on whether or not they want to file a roofing insurance claim. In fact, the roofing company can offer a suggestion to the homeowner if they are in need of guidance before they decide to file a roofing insurance claim. More information on roofing insurance claims will be included below.

 

Proper Roof Assessment and Guaranteed Repairs

When a roofing company assesses the damage, you can guarantee it will be accurate. Too often insurance companies will completely overlook damage because they do not have the skills to identify it. Only an experienced roofing expert will be able to pick up on subtle signs of damage such as missing shingles and hail damage. With a roofing expert, repairs are completed with a birds-eye view and not just focused on surface-level defects. If a roof is not properly treated for damage, it will deteriorate. This causes much bigger issues down the line. A roofing contractor will inform homeowners of the current state of their roof and advise them on repairs or replacement.

Furthermore, there is no “one size fits all” approach with roofing companies. They give you multiple options so you can find one to suit your budget and home. After the roofing company completes their detailed and thorough estimate, they will reach out to the insurance. This means you do not have to deal with claims, negotiation and extra paperwork. If a claim is filed through homeowner’s insurance, the roofing company will accommodate you as much as possible.

 

Roofing Companies and Roofing Insurance Claims

Anytime you hire a roofing company to evaluate damage, you must ensure they are experienced and qualified. In addition, they must have direct experience working with insurance companies. Only qualified roofing experts know the process of insurance claims in and out. They are the most equipped individuals to handle this process. All information on the insurance estimate must be correct before proceeding. Roofing companies make sure of this and serve as the bridge between you and the insurance company. When it comes to selecting a roofing company, they must be licensed, insured and bonded. You can request proof of these documents.

Roofing insurance claims follow a few steps. Let’s take a look at the most common steps in this process before you file a roofing insurance claim.

 

  • Inspection from the Adjuster

An inspection is carried out by the adjuster when the homeowner reports roofing damage to their insurance company. The adjuster will then make their own assessment based on what they saw.

  • Review the Claim

The assessment of damage from the adjuster will be reviewed by the insurance company. During this phase of the process, the insurance company decides how much will be paid to the homeowner. The insurance company may reach out to the homeowner for more information and documentation. They may need evidence of damage to proceed.

  • Finalise

The last step is to finalise the claim. During this phase, a check will be sent to the homeowner. The check is meant to cover the cost of the repair or the replacement.