Products and ServicesRoof ReplacementRoof Insurance Claims: What Homeowners Need To Know

October 3, 2022
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The Homeowner’s Guide To Roof Insurance
Claims In Central Massachusetts

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know

When your roof is damaged during extreme Central Massachusetts weather, you don’t want to play games with getting an answer from your insurance company about a roof replacement or repairs. Many essential factors go into handling roof insurance claims, but if you don’t know the ins and outs, you can be left feeling frustrated and confused.

Several factors determine whether your insurance will pay for the damage and whether filing that claim is right for you. To make the whole process easier for you to understand, here is a breakdown of what affects a roof insurance claim, when you should avoid filing one, and why you should have a professional roofing contractor assess your roof.

What’s In The Policy

First, evaluate your policy, which will typically cover unexpected losses, such as fire, water, and weather. It is important to note that some fire and water damage is avoidable, so it will not be covered in every situation.

Storm damage is not evaluated like the rest of the losses as there is no way to prevent it from happening, period. So if you have to file a claim for this damage, your rates will not likely increase in response.

The Factors That Affect Your Claim

As you might have guessed, some factors can affect any claim you attempt to file for roof damage. Five main factors will affect your ability to file a claim.

1. How Many Claims You Have Filed In The Last 5 Years

Did you know that filing too many claims can result in higher rates or even losing your insurance? One or two claims in ten years are expected, but your insurance company considers more than this excessive. If you can handle repairs yourself or they aren’t that expensive, you might not want to file a claim with your insurance.

2. Your Deductible

Another thing to consider is your deductible. If your damage costs only $1,000 to repair, but your deductible is $3,000, you won’t be able to file a claim. On the other hand, if your damage will cost $3,500 to repair, you may still want to avoid filing a claim because it will stay on your record for three years.

3. The Extent Of The Damage

Again, consider the extent of the damage. Can you fix it yourself? Will it cost less than your deductible? Ensure you only file a claim when it’s essential, so that you don’t hurt your risk profile with your insurance company.

4. The Value Of The Roof Today

Roofs decrease in value as they age. If your roof was rated for 20 years and is 15 years old, it’s worth much less than when your last roofing company installed it.

At this point, it is imperative to determine what kind of coverage you have in your policy, as there are two types. One is Actual Cash Value (ACV), and the other is Replacement Cost Value (RCV). Many homeowners opt for ACV because it offers lower premiums.

Unfortunately, with this option, you will only be paid for the value of your roof when assessed for damage. If you need a total roof replacement, this may leave you high and dry.

5. Your Ability To Get The Claim Approved

You should have a trusted roof replacement expert while dealing with your insurance company. In many cases, your agent will not have enough roof experience to see all the problems you may be facing truly. In contrast, a roofing contractor will do a thorough inspection to find everything.

Additionally, if you are not a roofing or insurance expert, it can be a difficult road to navigate on your own. Seeking advice from a professional can mean the difference between partial and complete coverage for your damage.

When Can An Insurance Company Deny A Claim?

You have a certain amount of time to file a claim with your insurance company. Depending on your specific insurance company, you will have one to two years from the date of the storm damage to file your claim. Anything beyond this will result in an automatic denial.

Your claim will be denied if the insurance adjuster finds any signs of faulty installation during their damage inspection. They’re not going to cover you for shingles that blew away in a windstorm if they weren’t even attached correctly in the first place. You’ll be left going back to the roofing contractor and requesting they honor their workmanship warranty.

When you stop and think about it – they didn’t install it right to begin with, so what are the odds they will stand behind the warranty?

Find A Reliable Central Massachusetts Roofing Contractor

Once you’ve gotten through your policy, met with the adjuster, and had your claim approved, it’s time to find a reliable roofing contractor. It’s essential to be upfront with them and share your insurance paperwork. This is key for them to complete your roof replacement or repairs correctly.

When choosing your roofing contractor, ensure you choose someone who will give you peace of mind before, during, and after your roofing project. 

For A High-Quality Roof Replacement With No Compromises
Allowed, Rely On Solid State Construction

When you need a reliable roofing company to handle your roof replacement following an insurance claim in Central Massachusetts, call Solid State Construction.

We operate on a strict set of core values that will ensure your project is completed perfectly with the highest level of professionalism and respect for you. 

Call us today at (508) 714-7438 to schedule your free estimate.