When a storm comes through and damages your roof, you count on your homeowners' insurance coming to the rescue to cover the cost to repair or replace it. After all, that’s what you’ve been paying premiums for years. Yet many homeowners are surprised to discover that their claims are denied, delayed, or underpaid by insurers. All of a sudden, something that should have been a no-brainer turns into a fight.
A great roofing company like 911 Exteriors Roofing & Construction can help solve this. Our skilled roofers can do much more than fix shingles and leaks-they stand in as lawyers for homeowners, assisting them in waging battles against denied roof claims and helping to make sure that they’re properly covered for the costs incurred as a result of the roof damage.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into how working with a reliable roofing company can help fight against denied roof claims. Read more below.
Why Roof Claims Get Denied
Common insurance claim denials for the roof include:
- Pre-existing damage: They complain that the roof was damaged before the storm.
- Wear and tear: Regular aging isn’t covered, so insurers have been known to classify wear from a storm as “old damage.”
- Poor installation: They maintain that the problem was simply caused by poor workmanship or a lack of maintenance.
- Late filing: If the rider failed to meet a filing deadline, the claim may be automatically denied.
Insufficient documentation: No pictures, reports, or proof that there was storm damage.
Although some of these excuses may be genuine, a lot of denials are not genuine. Homeowners are fighting an uphill battle - insurance companies lose money when they make large payouts.
How a Roofing Company Helps with Insurance Claims
A good roofing contractor becomes more than a service provider you hire to install or repair your home’s roof. They operate as a friend who gets what both construction and insurance are all about. Here’s how they step in to provide support:
1. Thorough Roof Inspections
A roof contractor will always inspect your roof in detail after a storm. They’re trained to recognize even small indications of hail, wind, or water damage that an untrained person might not see, and they can document the damage right away with photos, videos, and written reports as a foundation for a strong claim.
2. Accurate Damage Assessment
It may downplay the severity of roof damage, claiming that some simple repairs will suffice. A roofing contractor offers a second opinion supported by industry knowledge. Their thorough evaluations typically uncover hidden problems - such as compromised underlayment or structural weakness - that can argue in favor of full swaps rather than patchwork repairs.
3. Helping with Claim Documentation
Sometimes it all comes down to paperwork. Roofing contractors assist homeowners get their estimates correct and gather proof, and track record. It all means those assessments, frequently weighed more heavily because they are written by licensed professionals who understand insurance standards, may be further from the truth.
4. Meeting with Insurance Adjusters
Our team will meet the insurance adjuster at your home. By examining the damage together, they can advocate for needed repairs and make sure nothing is overlooked or brushed aside. This relieves a homeowner from having to decide how to litigate in the event they disagree with an adjuster’s findings.
5. Negotiating Fair Settlements
Roofers are familiar with insurance jargon and policy loopholes. If the insurance company offers a lowball payout or denies coverage, they can push back. As a result, with a roofer “in the loop,” homeowners are substantially more likely to end up getting a settlement that truly covers the price of restoration.
Also Read: How to Respond If Your Roof Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
Advantages of Hiring a Professional Roofing Company
- Peace of Mind: Your homeowners shouldn’t be left to deal with the stressful claims process.
- Quicker Responses: Good documentation and a friend on your side can help speed up insurance answers.
- Higher Settlements: Professional advice can lead to better settlements.
- Durable Repairs: The same company that approved the claim also does the work, guaranteeing your roof is restored to peak performance.
- Protection From Future Problems: Your roofer will ensure that repairs are code-compliant and you don’t have any unforeseen issues.
How to Choose a Roofing Company
Not every roofing company helps with insurance like 911 Exteriors Roofing & Construction, so you want the best one. Here are things to consider when looking for a trusted contractor:
- Insurance Claims Experience: Have they dealt with adjusters before?
- Licensing and Certification: A licensed and insured company makes sure you get professionalism and reliability.
- Reputation in the Community: Referrals, testimonials, and how the community views them.
- Straightforward communication: They should communicate in simple language and keep you informed at all times.
- Work Guarantee: Any reputable firm will guarantee its work.
Steps Homeowners Should Take After Storm Damage
So, despite having a top-notch roofing company by your side, homeowners are quite vital. Here’s how to respond quickly:
- Don’t Delay: Notify your insurance carrier that your property has been damaged right away.
- Document Everything: Get your own photos and videos before any temporary repairs.
- Beware of Scams: Storm chasers may come to your door with offers of “cheap repairs. Stick with trusted local companies.
- Get a Professional Estimate: Call a roofer in to see the damage before the adjuster comes.
- Maintain Records: Save correspondence, reports, and receipts.
Denied roof claims can leave homeowners frustrated, overwhelmed, and financially burdened. At 911 Exteriors Roofing & Construction, we are here to help you throughout the roof insurance claim process. Get in touch with us today for an inspection and professional guidance.
