How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement
Allied Roofing Solutions helps homeowners understand the insurance process for roof repairs and full roof replacements, including what to expect when filing a roof damage claim.
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Answer: How to Get Insurance to Pay for Full Roof Replacement?
Homeowners insurance may pay for a roof replacement if the damage was caused by a covered event such as hail, wind, fire, falling trees, or severe storms. To improve your chances of claim approval:
- Document the damage immediately with photos and videos
- Review your insurance policy
- Schedule a professional roof inspection
- File your claim as soon as possible.
Note: Insurance typically does not cover roof replacement caused by age, neglect, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance. Working with an experienced roofing contractor can help you properly document storm damage, meet insurance requirements, and navigate the claims process from inspection to final approval.
Details on How to Get Roofing Services Covered by Home Owner's Insurance
When your home is damaged from a weather event or an otherwise unforeseen accident like a fallen tree, you may have recourse to file a claim through your homeowners’ insurance. The insurance only protects against certain types of roof damage, but under the right circumstances, you can get compensated for roof repairs and even a full roof replacement.
What Types of Roof Damage Will Insurance Cover?
You must have an active homeowners policy when roof damage occurs and a peril that is covered by the policy needs to have caused the damage.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage caused by the following:
- Windstorms
- Hail
- Fire
- Lightning
- Weight of ice, sleet, and snow
- Falling Objects
- Vandalism
- Aircraft
When Insurance Won't Pay for a New Roof
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 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
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, roof repair coverage reimburses the homeowner for a certain percentage of repair costs. However, full roof replacement coverage provides for the replacement of a roof that is past the point of a safe 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 Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy May Cover
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.
If you have a claim, you should immediately call your insurance agent to get the claims process started. However, if you genuinely aren't sure, you can also reach out to a trusted local roofing contractor. They can determine the extent of the damage through a roof inspection and take images and videos to submit to your insurance company.
At Allied Roofing Solutions, will examine for both visible and hidden signs of roof damage, including the roof shingles, soffits, fascia, roof decking, home siding, and other elements of the roof system and provide you with a recommendation on whether the damage can be fixed with a roof leak repair or whether insurance should pay for a full roof replacement.
Document the Roof Damage
Always document the damage to your roof. If you can’t assess all the damage safely on your own, call an experienced roofing company. At Allied Roofing Solutions perform storm damage inspections and provide documentation for your insurance claim.
Submit the Insurance Claim for Approval
You can file a claim by contacting your carrier’s claims department. 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 adjuster or instruct you to call a roofing contractor for a roof inspection.
Our roofing contractors document damage and create a quote for whatever services will fix the roof issue. The insurance adjuster is the only person who can approve a roof damage insurance claim. Even though a roofing company thinks you have a valid claim, you don’t have one until the adjuster with the insurance company says you do.
Claim timelines can vary by state, insurance carrier, policy terms, storm volume, and the documentation needed to review the damage. 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.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor for Your Roof Replacement
After severe weather has come through an area, it's common for "storm chasers" to come in and offer to fix and replace your roof. These are often out-of-state companies that work cheaply and quickly, then move on to the next town. They aren't focused on quality workmanship, building codes, or ensuring you have a durable, long-lasting roof, and if you do experience problems, you probably won't be able to get ahold of the company.
Instead, it's important to work with a reputable roofing company that is fully licensed and insured so you know your home is in experienced, capable hands.
Benefits of Working with Allied Roofing Solutions
Allied Roofing Solutions also offers several shingles roofing options for homeowners replacing a storm-damaged roof, including architectural roof shingles, Designer roof shingles, and luxury roof shingles. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor and CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER Contractor, Allied Roofing Solutions can install qualifying roofing systems that may be eligible for enhanced manufacturer warranty coverage.
This gives homeowners more than a basic new roof. It gives our customers access to proven roofing materials, certified installation standards, and warranty options that can help protect the investment after the insurance claim is complete.
Schedule a Roof Inspection for Your Insurance Claim Today
At Allied Roofing Solutions, we make the process of filing an insurance claim after roof damage easier for our customers. Contact us today to schedule a FREE estimate with our licensed and insured roofing company by calling (201) 773-0633 or filling out the form below.
We work with customers throughout New Jersey, including Bergen County, Morris County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Somerset County, Union County, and Warren County, New York, including Orange County, Newburgh, Middletown, and surrounding areas, and Pennsylvania, including Bucks County, Monroe County, and Montgomery County.