7 Tips for a Stress-free Roofing Claim

When a Tampa Bay homeowner has roof damage, you want to have immediate access to and confidence in a roofing company to file the insurance claim on your behalf while the repairs are in process. There are a few steps you can take to make sure this process is as stress-free as possible.

SIMPLE STEPS, STRESS-FREE ROOFING CLAIMS

Filing a roof replacement insurance claim may be your only chance of taking care of the necessary repair, replacement, and renovation, especially after a huge storm comes through the Gulf Coast of Florida, leaving you with water damage and other calamities and catastrophes.

To prevent yourself from feeling stressed about getting a Hillsborough County roofing contractor to assess your roof after it has been damaged, establish a relationship with a trusted roofing company before an incident takes place. By doing this, you become an established client with priority order for future needs. Additionally, the roofer has the opportunity to become familiar with your roof and home structure while it is good condition.

Once damage occurs to your roof and you are in need of a local professional roofer, follow these steps:

1.Document Damage
2.Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
3.Contact the Insurance Company
4.Choose a Roofing Company, Get a Damage Assessment
5.Document the Work Being Done
6.Be Patient with the Process
7.Get Your Warrant in Writing

STEP 1: DOCUMENT ROOF DAMAGE IMMEDIATELY

It is important to find a way to safely document the damage to your roof. The easiest way to do this is to take pictures and videos. Do this from the ground; do not go up on the roof. If it is safe to do so, take pictures from inside the attic or other rooms affected by the damage on the roof. You should also include pictures of surrounding areas (such as neighbors homes, the property around your home). This is especially helpful with roof damage caused by a storm.

Your roofing contractor and your insurance company will take pictures of their own when they finally arrive to your property. Give them your photos, as well.

STEP 2: REVIEW YOUR HOME OWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY

Before you call, review the policy to understand what is covered and have questions ready to ask for when you do make the call to insurance. If you have any type of home warranty or a roof warranty that you bought or had transferred to you, review these documents as well. You will need to have them handy when you speak to insurance. Some, or all of the claim may need to go through the warranty, depending on what is found from the estimate.

STEP 3: CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY

They will have a protocol to go through for a claim call. Be patient, answer the questions asked, and don’t volunteer information. You want to give the basic information such as:

• what you know to have happened (if you don’t know what happened, don’t guess!)
• date and time of the event that caused the damage
• whether there is any immediate danger (e.g. roof collapse, falling beams, holes in the ceiling, etc.)
• was anyone hurt, etc.

The insurance company may have preferred roofing companies they work with. Usually, they give you a few options so that you can get quotes. Policies may vary; be very clear as to how this process will be handled. If the insurance company allows you to choose a roofer and you already have one that you trust (you should), indicate this.

There are many other crucial points that go into your discussion with the insurance company and how the process goes from that initial call. This resource may help you with that process.

STEP 4: CHOOSE A ROOFING CONTRACTOR, GET A DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

If you don’t have an “on call” roofing contractor, then you need to do your homework. Whether the instance company makes suggestions or allows you to choose a contractor on your own, you need to choose a company with a great local, reputation. We can’t emphasize enough: Check references, license and insurance for any roofing contractor you plan to hire. The GAF ProBlog for roofing advice has great tips to help you choose the right roofing contractor.

The roofing company should be very clear about the services they will provide during the roof insurance claim process. These services may include, but are not limited to:

• Damage Assessment
• Taking pictures
• Providing a written damage report including pictures
• Reapir Estimate
• Explanation of the process of working with your insurance company

If you happen to have some damage, but it is not enough to make an insurance claim worthwhile, discuss a repair plan with the local roofer. You may also want to consult with a public adjuster or your local insurance agent to verify everything is legit.

More extensive damage or even a total loss will require you to work with your insurance company, which, as noted, will include providing proof of the roof damage (this is where the before and after photo and video documentation will be most helpful).

STEP 5: DOCUMENT THE WORK

Just because the insurance claim process and necessary roof repairs are underway, doesn’t mean you should take a back seat. During this time you should:

• Photograph the work being performed
• Assess the performance of the workers and report issues to the job manager
• Communicate with your insurance company about any concerns
• Document everything and keep organized records

STEP 6: BE PATIENT WITH THE INSURANCE CLAIM PROCESS

It can be frustrating how slow roof insurance claims move. Keep in mind the adjusters and insurance agents have to do their due diligence as they assess your claim. Of course you have the right to call and check in regularly. Doing so every day, however, won’t make the process move faster.

STEP 7: AFTER THE ROOF REPAIR IS COMPLETE

Any work done on your roof, whether new, repair, or replacement, should come with a warranty. Make sure you receive the warranty documents from the roofing contractor.

TRUST YOUR ROOFING CLAIM TO LEGEND ROOFING

When you trust your roof insurance claim to a company like Legend Roofing, you can rest assured that we are supporting you every step of the way. The professional staff at Legend Roofing works with you and the adjuster throughout the process to ensure all paperwork and documentation is completed accurately and correctly. We want to make the process go as quickly and smoothly as possible for every one of our clients.

Legend Roof is owned and operated by Adam Stevens, whose family has been long-time residents of Hillsborough County. Following in his father’s footsteps, Adam operates Legend Roofing as a family-focussed, community-centric business. There is no roofing issue that Adam and his highly experienced team have not seen.

For a roofing estimate, please contact Legend Roofing. At Legend Roofing, we’ve got you covered!

HELPFUL RESOURCES REGARDING ROOF INSURANCE CLAIMS

Consumer Reports: How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim After a Storm

Florida Public Adjusters