There are several steps to filing an insurance claim for your roof. The measures include:
- Documenting damage to your roof.
- Contact a public adjuster or attorney to help you with the claim.
- Appealing an insurance company’s decision.
This article will walk you through the steps of each process. The information presented will help file a roof insurance claim. The information below is a general guideline of the steps involved in the process.
Documenting the damage to your roof
When do you need to file an insurance claim on your roof? The first step to making the insurance process is by taking photos and videos of the damages. Take pictures of the roof before and after the storm. Keep copies of all invoices, estimates, and bills connected to the damage. Documenting the damage to your roof will make it easier for the insurance adjuster to see exactly what caused the injury and to avail of insurance claim roofing. You can also include videos of the damage if you have them.
Taking pictures of the damage to your roof is also a great idea. These photos will help you demonstrate how recent the damage is. The adjuster might not offer a complete reimbursement if the damage is not visible. Take pictures of the damaged areas and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Make sure you follow any time limits associated with claiming damages. Keeping photos and videos of the damage is your best defense against a problematic insurance adjuster.
Contacting a public adjuster or attorney
Filing an insurance claim for a roof disaster can be a complicated process. Insurance companies will often deny your claim if you have not gathered enough evidence to prove the damages. A public adjuster can be helpful in such instances because he will provide a detailed report to the insurance company. He will also act as an impartial third party to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
When filing an insurance claim for your roof, it’s crucial to choose an attorney or public adjuster with extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. A public adjuster won’t be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf, and a lawyer will be your best advocate. However, if your roof claim is complex or you’re dealing with a large sum of money, it’s worth hiring an attorney.
Another benefit of contacting a public adjuster or attorney to file your insurance claim for your roof is the assurance of legal representation. The insurance company may assign you a different adjuster for your claim, and they may have varying approaches and levels of experience. A friendly adjuster could turn out to be unprofessional and uncooperative, while a seasoned expert with extensive experience could be able to negotiate on your behalf. In many cases, the first adjuster will renege on his offer when he leaves the company or when a new adjuster joins the company. This is called the “United Policyholders” concept and is a practice in insurance claims.
Appealing an insurance company’s decision
There are many benefits of appealing an insurer’s decision when filing an insurance claim for a new roof. Sometimes, a denial results from pre-existing damage, wear and tear, or maintenance issues. Generally, property insurance policies are intended to cover sudden events, such as a significant windstorm, so insurers do not cover losses that have been present for years.
Once you have received a denial of your claim, you can appeal the decision by submitting evidence and supporting documentation of the damage. While the appeals process is long, it increases your chances of a favorable outcome. If your appeal is denied, follow up with your insurance provider for a decision date. When initially approached by an insurance company representative, try to communicate clearly. Don’t let your agent use jargon you don’t understand, and address any concerns you have. The insurance company representative’s decision may be confusing, so be sure to explain everything in plain language. If your insurance company denies your claim, you should request another adjuster.
