How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement

How to Have Insurnace Pay for a New Roof

When your home is damaged from a weather event or an otherwise unforeseen accident like a fallen tree, you may have recourse through a claim if you have homeowners insurance. The insurance only protects against certain things. Under the right circumstances, you can get compensated for repairs and perhaps replacement. 

The bottom line is that your insurance company won’t pay to replace your roof simply because it is old or it is leaking. However, it may not be crystal clear how to begin to get insurance to pay for a roof replacement. If you don’t follow the proper steps when filing a roof claim, your insurance may deny your claim due to an administrative error.

Over the 16 years that our New Jersey roofing company has been in the roofing industry, the team at Allied Roofing Solutions has helped countless homeowners understand how homeowners insurance works for them. In this article, we will explain the essential four steps in getting insurance to pay for a roof replacement.

How You Can Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement

You must have an active homeowners policy when the damage occurs and a peril that is covered by the policy needs to have caused the damage.

Most homeowners insurance policies cover several perils that can damage your roof, including:

Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover roof damage that results from neglect, lack of maintenance, or intentional damage. Some problems can start as normal wear and tear on an asphalt shingles roof; however, if you don’t address them promptly, your insurer might be able to make a case of neglect and deny or reduce your claim. Note that an annual professional roof inspection can identify potential problem issues on your roof. 

Examples of roof neglect:

• Mildew
• Clogged gutters and downspouts
• Excessive loss of asphalt shingle granules
• Rusted flashing
• Cracked caulk
• Debris accumulation
• Deteriorated vent boots
• Vine overgrowth
• Failure to trim overhanging tree branches that scrape the roof

Step 1: Be Very Familiar with Your Roofing Coverage

When you first notice damage to your roof, take out your policy and locate the roof coverage it includes. If you can’t find your policy, contact your insurance agent and request a copy of the policy. Most insurance agencies offer two types of roof insurance–repair coverage and replacement coverage. Typically, repair coverage reimburses the homeowner for a certain percentage of repair costs. However, replacement coverage provides for the replacement of a roof that is past repair. An insurance policy that covers replacement is more expensive and can make it more difficult to get a claim accepted. This makes it very important for you to document the damage and submit a claim as soon as possible.

What May be Covered in Your Policy

Not all roof damage is covered by your homeowners' insurance. The coverage depends on your specific policy, your area, and the cause of the damage. For example, a hail storm here in New Jersey that damages a roof may qualify for coverage because it is an unusual event that isn’t preventable. However, a hurricane in Florida may not be covered because of the frequency of those events, or because the homeowner lacks hurricane-related coverage or did not take adequate precautions. Always contact your insurance agent when you have questions about coverage.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Always document the damage to your roof. Take a lot of photos both outside and inside. You can use a tall ladder, if you feel comfortable doing so, to get a good view of the camera. Or, you can use a drone with a camera to be safer. If you can’t assess all the damage safely, call an experienced and equipped roofing company like Allied Roofing Solutions for an inspection.

Notate the date of the damage. If your roof was damaged by a storm, see if you can find articles online for the event that match the date and can substantiate your claim.

Step 3: Submit the Claim and Wait for the Adjuster

You can file a claim by contacting the insurance agent or by calling your carrier’s claims phone number. Some insurers provide a way to file claims on the company’s website or mobile app. After you have given the insurance company all the relevant information for the claim, they will send an insurance adjuster or instruct you to call a roofing contractor for an inspection.

If the insurance company tells you to find a roofing contractor, the roofer will be able to inspect for storm damage. They can then tell you and the insurance company that the roof is damaged and how. Remember, that the insurance adjuster is the only person who can approve a roof damage insurance claim. Even though the roofing company thinks you certainly have a claim, you don’t have one until the adjuster with the insurance company says you do.

The typical timeframe is 15 days for the insurance company to let you know if your claim was approved or denied. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Be sure to consult with your insurance agent to find out what is required in an appeal. 

Step 4: Find a Reputable Roofing Contractor

If the insurer approves your claim, it is your responsibility to choose a contractor to do the work. Sometimes, the insurance company has roofing companies to whom they can refer you. A good roofing contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. New Jersey requires that a qualified NJ roofing company is certified, experienced, and licensed to handle the project at hand.

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions When You Need the Insurance Company to Pay a Roofing Claim

Allied Roofing Solutions is experienced in working within the scope of insurance claims. We are knowledgeable of the requirements and ins and outs of insurance companies’ claims processes. Our over 16 years in business have made working with claims second nature to us. We are not a fly-by-night roofing contractor and emphasize that you must beware of storm chasers who show up after a major storm.  Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for a roof inspection after you experience roof damage. Call us at   (201) 773-0633 or complete our easy-to-use contact form. If you live in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, or Somerset County, choose Allied Roofing as your preferred source of quality and trusted roofing solutions in New Jersey.