In some situations, your home insurance policy may help cover the costs to repair or replace your roof. After a thunderstorm or significant hail storm, you may want to take a closer look at this. The good news is that all it usually takes is to get an
inspection. Your inspection helps the insurer know what caused the damage. Here are some details about how to make this happen.
Calling Your Roofer
It is never advisable to climb on top of your own roof to inspect damage. The risk of falling is too high. For that reason, it is best to call a roofer to learn more about your needs. Quite often, there is no cost to you for a roof inspection. Other inspectors might only charge a nominal fee. Take the time to find a company with a good reputation. You need to trust them with your home’s needs. Then, request a consultation and estimate for repairs.
Let the roofing company know you are hoping to learn the cause of the damage. Many times, the roofing company can work alongside your insurer to file claims if that is an option to do so. The insurer may require their own inspection as well.
Calling Your Insurer
If you are confident the damage on your roof falls under your home insurance coverage, contact your agent as a first step. They will then find a roofing company for you to obtain an inspection. Keep in mind you often still have the right to use the roofer you choose. However, the insurance company may want to choose their own roofer for the inspection. This helps them know the information is accurate.
In both cases, the inspection will provide key information about the coverage for which you will qualify. Most often, this means determining if there is storm damage or other perils that impact the roof. Still, the roof may not have coverage if the cause of the damage relates to poor maintenance and upkeep.
This inspection is important. It also determines if roof repair is an option or if you need to replace it. Your home insurance should provide coverage (up to certain limits) for either situation if the damage occurred as a result of accidental or unavoidable loss.
If you think you have damage, call your home insurance agent. Get a roof inspection to determine the cause. Then, choose a roofer you trust to help you. No matter who you call first, your goal should be to get the roof repair done as soon as it is possible to do so.
Also Read: 3 Costly Home Insurance Mistakes Putting You at Risk