A typical homeowners insurance policy covers your roof from damages caused by sudden accidents or acts of nature. However, problems emanating from wear and tear or old age are not eligible for reimbursement since they fall under the general responsibility of the homeowner.
To ensure approval of your insurance claim, it’s important to keep records of repairs, before-and-after photos, and reports from roof inspections. Whenever damages occur to your roof, you should notify your roofing company and your insurance agent promptly.
How Roof Coverage Works
To understand what your homeowners insurance covers, you need to review your policy with your insurance agent. Perils such as violent storms, wildfires, winds, and hailstorms can wreak havoc, causing massive damage to your roof. Accidents such as objects crashing down your roof can also cause damage. Typically, homeowners insurance will cover these damages as long as your roof was in good condition before the damage occurred.
The Insurance Claim Process
When a covered peril hits your roof, the first person to contact is your roofing contractor followed by your insurance company. Your contractor will come to your home to inspect your roof and determine if a replacement is necessary.
When the insurance company arrives, your contractor should be available on site. Your insurer and contractor will meet together and compare estimates. Upon agreement, your insurance company will approve the claim and the replacement process will begin. It’s always important to keep records of repairs and maintenance for insurance purposes.
Getting Reimbursed for Roof Replacement
Many insurers won’t cover roofs over a quarter-century old. A neglected or improperly maintained roof or roofs with more than two layers of shingles may also be excluded from homeowners insurance coverage. To ensure your claim is not declined, gather up as many documents as you can, including a roof inspection report, a copy of your current insurance policy, receipts for work done on the roof, and photos of the damage.
Ultimately, it pays to always work with a reputable roofing contractor with extensive knowledge in roof replacement projects and the insurance claims process. Surf & Turf Roofing has been providing dependable roofing services in South Jersey and the greater Sarasota region. Contact us today for any inquiry about homeowners insurance and roof replacement.
