Roof Replacement & Insurance In Warner Robins… Middle Georgia Area.
Will Insurance Pay For A Roof Replacement?
A roof should last for at least 20 years, but that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes it’s the result of a poor installation, but it can also be the case that wind damage, snow damage, water damage, hail, or some other of damage has occurred that requires a roof replacement. Insurance will pay for a roof replacement in some cases, but there are certain things that homeowners must do in order to make a successful insurance claim for a new roof.
Document The Damage In Full
When you file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance the insurance company might not think that you need a roof replacement. Insurance companies are notorious for telling homeowners that the damage can be repaired or trying to find a way to avoid paying for a full replacement. So, homeowners need to do everything they can to document the damage and make the case for a new roof. That means taking lots of photos and in many cases these days taking videos of the damage. Videos are very helpful to provide context that photos can’t provide. Make sure that you get the photos and videos as soon as you are safe after the storm and make sure that your camera has a time and date stamp that is working correctly.
Check Your Homeowner’s Policy Details
A standard clause in a homeowner’s insurance policy is that newer roofs that are ten years old or less may be replaced in full by the insurance company in the event of catastrophic damage but if your roof is ten years old or older it may not be covered. Many homeowners have been shocked to find out that they were on the hook for the cost of a new roof because of the age of the roof. If the roof is older than ten years the insurance company might not pay for a roof replacement. Insurance policies often contain clauses that give the insurance companies a way to avoid paying for a full roof replacement. Check your homeowner’s policy documents to see what your insurance company will allow.
Get Estimates
Every insurance company will want to see a couple of estimates to fix the damage and to replace the roof. You can move the process of getting in new roof along by getting two or three estimates from local roofers for both a new roof and to fix the current damage. That way the insurance adjustor can see what the repairs are going cost. Ultimately the insurance company may or may not sign off on a full roof replacement. Insurance companies will want to minimize their payout but if you need a new roof they should pay for at least the damaged part of the roof to be addressed.
