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The house we live in is often the most valuable, and often the most expensive, possession we own. Therefore, when something goes wrong with the roof, the only option is to hire someone to repair it or replace it completely.
We specialize in shingle roof replacements and new construction at Roof Crafters of Louisiana. At affordable prices, we install the highest quality roofs. Before we begin, we need to determine if excessive damage to the roof entitles clients to file a claim with their insurance company. This guide will explain the claims process and help everyone know when to file a claim and when not to.
How to figure out the extent of the damage
Roofs need to have weather resistance during construction. Even the best ones cannot remain damage-free when bad weather comes to town. Hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions can damage roofs and cause leaks, broken shingles, etc.
The homeowner must then determine what damage has occurred before submitting an insurance claim. Determining the type of damage requires a professional estimate. It is possible that a seemingly huge issue might not be all that significant. In the same way, a few broken parts may appear easy to repair. As it turns out, though, the damage may be beyond our ability to repair.
After determining that there is much to be fixed, contacting the insurance company, and preparing to file a claim is the next logical step.
To claim or not to claim
Homeowners must now factor in the deductible they’ll be required to pay if their claim is approved. As a result, they need to determine if the total cost of the repair will be more than that amount before going through the whole process.
Our premiums won’t be affected if we file only a certain number of insurance claims. An insurance company may be suspicious if we file too many claims. It might not be necessary to file a claim if the roof only needs minor repairs. However, the only logical next step is to remove the debris if the damage is severe.
Can the company reject the claim?
Insurance companies can reject claims if they deem the damage could have been prevented. This isn’t the case in some situations, such as high winds and hail. The insurance company could reject a claim if we had low-hanging branch damage our roof, but we had a chance to trim it before the damage occurred. We would not accept the claim if anything we could have prevented occurred, such as termite damage, leaky pipes, or mold.
What should they do when a homeowner realizes the damage is severe but isn’t knowledgeable enough to prove it? Getting the right roofing contractor is crucial then since he or she can prove to the insurance assessors that you are entitled to a full settlement. Oh, and while we’re at it…
Types of coverage and deductibles
You will inevitably have to pay the deductible when filing an insurance claim for your roofing. However, we will get money to repair the roof depending on two types of coverage.
RCV stands for replacement cost value. According to this type of policy, the company will cover the cost of roof repair, minus the deductible, without taking depreciation into account.
Homeowners are most concerned about the other type, ACV. It accounts for depreciation. We will get money from the insurer after subtracting the depreciation value and deductible from the full amount. For instance, if the owner pays $9000 for a new roof, he could get as little as $3000.
Checking the estimate
As soon as the insurance company receives the assessment, it will send the claim estimate. Reviewing this estimate and seeing if something is wrong is of the utmost importance for both the homeowner and the contractor. In general, getting the estimate changed before the roof is even touched is always a good idea. A homeowner will know they are fully covered, giving them peace of mind.
How Roofing Insurance Claims Work
The company will send the first check to the owner once the claim is approved and listed damages. This check will cover most of the repair costs. A roof can be repaired within a specified period once it arrives.
It is usually the contractors who receive the first check to get the materials. After they fix the roof and create an invoice, the insurance company will receive it and give the homeowner a final check. After that, it is the contractor’s responsibility to collect the remainder of the total cost from the homeowner.
For more information, contact Louisiana Roof Crafters in Baton Rouge, Covington, Denham Springs, Hammond, Mandeville, and Slidell, LA at 985-241-8045.