You’re probably a sensible person and you probably approach things sensibly. But when it comes to filing insurance claims, some people seem to think the insurance company will come in and handle everything for them. Then they get mad when it doesn’t work out that way.
We are experts in helping file insurance claims but many of the most important steps in getting your claim approved will have to be done by you before we are even called in.
Steps to follow to file a roofing insurance claim
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Inventory your possessions and keep a copy (digital or hard copy) off site along with a copy of your insurance policy. Include photographs of your main possessions and the house itself and receipts for more valuable items. Should you suffer from a very severe weather event like a tornado, having off-site copies will help you get rolling on your claim without the delay of losing this information. Note: if you change your furniture or make alterations to your home, you should update this information.
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When you suffer storm damage to your home, you must take effective action to protect your home from further damage. If you throw up your hands and figure that the insurance company will cover all your losses, you will probably have an unpleasant surprise ahead. Your insurance company can refuse to cover claims for damages resulting from your failure to minimize further damage. For roof damage, this usually means getting a roof tarped securely to keep water out.
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As soon as you see there is damage, get photographs before temporary repairs are made. Include photos of inside water damage if there is any.
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Contact your insurance company quickly. In St. Louis, if your roof was damaged, it was probably a big storm and a lot of other roofs were also damaged. Your claims department could get swamped pretty quickly.
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If you have to evacuate your home due to the damage, give this information to your insurer immediately. This action can help you obtain reimbursement for the accommodations.
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It’s a very good idea to get a notebook and keep track of all the names and phone numbers of the people you talked to, dates of your calls, their responses, and dates you sent paperwork. (Be sure to tuck a copy of your paperwork into this notebook as well.) Some people only think to start making a record when the claim process goes sour and then wish they had the whole transaction documented. When an insurance adjuster visits, record the details of the visit as well. Where did you go? What did he say?
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If you have to make temporary repairs, document the process with photos and keep all your receipts.
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When you do fill in the claim forms, don’t leave any blanks. If you need to, have someone else read through it and ensure it is correctly done. I always make an extra copy of forms I have to fill out. I use one as a worksheet and then fill the second one out to send off. Unfamiliar forms can be confusing and this takes the stress off you as you collect up the information that is needed.
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Unfortunately, even when you do everything right, you’re going to need to be ready to stand your group to get a fair compensation. You may need to call in an independent contractor to give you a second or even third estimate. If you accept a low settlement just because the insurance company says that’s all they can do, you may be giving up the right to reimbursement that you have been paying for. Once you are sure your damage is covered, insist on the right settlement and be willing to take the matter to the company’s regional or corporate office if needed.
It’s a lot of hoops to jump through but when you have your home protected with a weatherproof new roof, it will all be worth it.
We are experts in helping homeowners through the roofing insurance claims process. Don’t hesitate to call for assistance.
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