Because of its weather and location, the United States sees thousands of roofing insurance claims each year. In fact, weather-related damage from wind, rain, or hail make up nearly 80% of all homeowners’ insurance claims each year. If you have damage to your room in the San Antonio area, you need to know how to file a roofing insurance claim. Here is a how-to guide on filing a roof insurance claim in the San Antonio area.
1. Check Your Policy
Before you even begin the paperwork process for a roof claim with your homeowner’s policy, you need to read your policy carefully. While you may think you have a claim for damage to your roof, your policy may not agree with you. There are general roofing damage claims that most homeowner’s insurance policies will agree to cover:
- Damage to your roof caused by a fire
- Damage caused by hail hitting your roof
- Wind from storms in the San Antonio area
- Damage from vandalism to your home
- Damage due to lightning strikes during thunderstorms
- Roof damage caused by falling objects, which could be anything from a meteor to tree branches.
- Anything out of your control, which are usually called “acts of God”.
You also need to check your homeowner’s policy for things that are not covered. In most cases, these are the reasons insurance companies don’t pay for roof damage:
- Your roof is too old
- Your roof has not been maintained well
- Your damage is caused by you or someone in your home accidentally or on purpose.
By checking your policy before you begin the claims process, you’ll be able to save yourself time and headaches.
2. Check Your Deductible
If you think your policy will cover the damage to your roof, the next step is to check how much you will have to pay for your roofing damage yourself. This is usually called a deductible. Most homeowner’s policies have a deductible between $500 and $2000.
3. Have Your Roof Inspected
Your insurance company will want an expert to have a look at your roof and determine how much a roof repair or replacement will cost. Look for a reputable roofing company to come and inspect your roof. Ask them for pictures or video you can submit to your insurance company. Also, you will want to ask for a written estimate.
4. Do Your Paperwork
Whether you file a claim electronically or with paper, you will need to make sure you have all the documentation possible and fill out the claim forms correctly. It is tempting to rush this part, but the more thorough you are with paperwork, the more likely your insurance company will begin to process your claim.
5. Find Time to Meet with the Adjuster
Your insurance company will want to send an adjuster out to take a look at your roof, determine the amount of damage you have on your roof, and verify your claim. You will need to be available for the adjuster if they have questions.
6. Wait
Waiting is hard for many homeowners with roof damage, but it is essential that your insurance company has time to process your claim. In most cases, you can expect a check between 30 and 60 days after your claim in verified. Some states, such as Texas, require the check to be processed within five days of the insurance company processing your claim.
Conclusion
If you have a problem with your roof, you need to get it taken care of right away. If you leave roof damage untreated, your roof may deteriorate, and your insurance company won’t be willing to pay your claim at all. Not sure whether you have a claim or not? You need a trusted company in the San Antonio area to look at your roof, work with your insurance company, and get the necessary work done. Why not call or contact Roof Fix in San Antonio today, and let us help you with your roofing problems?
