It can be stressful to discover roof damage following a storm, especially when it comes to dealing with your roof insurance claim. Your homeowners insurance may be causing you a great deal of concern and questions.
Insurance can be confusing, and if you’ve never done it before, overwhelming. In one article, we can’t answer all the questions and concerns that homeowners may have regarding the insurance process.
We can tell you 5 things that every homeowner should know about the process of filing an insurance claim for a roof damaged by a storm.
All Star Roofing is proud to be the expert on roof damage insurance in Tampa FL. We will guide you and be your advocate throughout the entire insurance claim process. We work for you and not the insurance companies.
You’ll find out the five things you should know about roof damage insurance. Don’t forget, at the end of this article, to request a FREE roof estimate. This will help you determine if there is any storm damage on your roof.
Roof Insurance Claim in Florida: 5 Things to Consider
1. Insurance Can Be Confusing
The roofing and insurance industries don’t enjoy the best of reputations. Unfortunately, there are many roofing and insurance companies that don’t always have your best interests in mind.
We like to call the insurance process muddy and confusing. Some companies take advantage of this and con homeowners who are desperate for their roof problems to be fixed.
It’s not true that all insurance or roofing companies are out to exploit you. There are good companies and bad companies.
We’re just trying to let you know there are people from both sides that will try to take advantage in stressful situations. You can avoid this by being aware of this situation from the start.
2. Do Not Sign Anything Until You Receive Approval for Your Roof Damage Claim
The roofing industry has a bad reputation, as I mentioned earlier. Some roofing companies have a bad reputation because they try to force homeowners into signing documents before they inspect the roof.
A roofing company that does this is trying to lock in a contract that gives them the rights to your roof even before your claim is approved. It’s a sign that they do not have your best interests at heart.
If you are looking out for your own best interests, a roofing contractor will guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim and provide you with a fair assessment as to whether your roof is storm damaged or not. If your insurance claim has been approved, the contractor will ask you for your business.
Do not sign anything from a roofer before your insurance has approved the claim.
3. Insurance Adjusters Must Approve Your Claim
The first thing to do if you suspect that your roof has been damaged by a storm is to call your insurance provider. They will either send an adjuster to inspect your roof or instruct you to contact a roofing contractor.
The insurance adjuster can only approve your claim, no matter what route they decide to take. A roofing contractor will inspect for storm damage if you think you may have it.
Even if your roofing contractor is absolutely certain that you will need to replace your roof due to storm damage the final decision rests with the adjuster.
4. Insurance Adjusters Can Make Mistakes
Even insurance adjusters make mistakes. Insurance adjusters will usually spot storm damage. However, they can make mistakes and deny claims.
Don’t panic if your claim is denied. You can double- and triple-check your roof to see if there are storm damages.
Asking a second adjuster to inspect your roof is the best way to obtain a second opinion. The second adjuster may still reject your roof if the first approve it.
You can still have an engineer inspect your roof if you think there is storm damage even after your second adjuster has said no. Then, you can offer any proof you may have to your insurer that your roof needs to be repaired due to storm damage.
5. Choose Your Own Tampa, Florida Roofer
After your insurance claim has been approved, you can choose any local roofer you like. Just make sure they are local and have experience with claims.
When you are looking for a roofer, you should be aware of the fact that you don’t need to obtain multiple quotes in order to get the best price. The reason is that once your insurance claim has been approved, the price of your new roof will be set by your insurance company, regardless of the roofing contractor you choose.
You should still do some research to find the best roofing company for you, even if you don’t want to get multiple quotes. When choosing the right roofing company, make sure that they offer high-quality work and are willing to fight on your behalf during the insurance claim process.
Check Your Roof for Storm Damage With This Checklist
Here are 5 important things you should know about storm damage insurance claims. You should call your insurance provider as soon as possible if you suspect that you have roof damage following a storm.
How can you tell if your roof has storm damage? The obvious signs are roof leaking, and missing shingles. But there are also other signs of roof damage that can be harder to detect.
This is why you should use our Storm Damage Checklist. This checklist will help you to determine if there is roof damage while standing on the ground.
Our checklist will help you determine whether your roof is likely to have storm damage, and if filing a claim is worth it.
Start with a visual inspection from the ground
- Look for any obvious signs of damage such as missing or displaced shingles, tiles, or metal panels.
- Check for any sagging or uneven areas on the roof surface.
- Look for debris or tree branches that may have fallen onto the roof.
Examine the gutters and downspouts
- Check for signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or detachment.
- Clear any debris, leaves, or branches that may be clogging the gutters.
Inspect the attic or ceiling for signs of leaks
- Look for water stains or discoloration on the ceiling or walls.
- Check for dampness, mold, or musty odors in the attic.
Assess the condition of the roof materials
- Check for loose, curled, or cracked shingles.
- Look for any exposed or damaged underlayment.
- Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights for signs of damage or detachment.
Evaluate the overall integrity of the roof structure
- Check for any signs of roof deck sagging or rot.
- Look for signs of damage to the fascia, soffits, or eaves.
- Assess the condition of the ridge vents or other ventilation components.
Remember, if you observe any significant damage or suspect that your roof has been affected by a storm, it’s crucial to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and help determine whether filing a claim is necessary.
Contact Us for Any Roofing Concerns
When it comes to your roofing concerns, trust the experts at All Star Roofing. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional roofing services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re in need of repairs, replacements, installations, or insurance assistance, we have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right.
Don’t let roofing issues cause you any more stress or worry. Contact us today and experience the excellence of All Star Roofing. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding results that will exceed your expectations. Let us handle your roofing concerns with precision and care. Schedule your consultation now and take the first step towards a secure and reliable roof.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP