How To File an Insurance Claim on a Weather Damaged Roof
Filing a claim with the insurance company can be a very frustrating and daunting process. However, understanding the process prior to making that call can make it less overwhelming.
10 Simple Steps to File an Insurance Claim:
- It all starts with the initial phone call to the insurance company. Locate the claims number on your policy and just let them know you need to file a claim on your roof.
- Call a reputable roofing company for an initial inspection. A good roofing company will be honest and let you know whether you have a claim.
- Set up an appointment for the insurance adjustor to inspect the property and let your roofing contractor know when the adjustor will be arriving at the property.
- Once you receive the initial claim settlement from the insurance company, share it with your roofing project manager so that you can discuss deficiencies and schedule installation of the new roof.
- The insurance company will send a partial payment to you with the settlement and the balance will be in a second check. (This includes the depreciation and supplemental claim amounts). Once you have decided what material and color you want for your roof, your roofing contractor will order the material to be delivered and stacked on the roof. At this point, and NEVER before, should you ever give a roofing contractor money. NEVER GIVE ANY CONTRACTOR MONEY PRIOR TO THE MATERIAL BEING IN YOUR POSSESSION.
- Day 1 of your roof installation is the tear off of the old roof. Be sure to clear the driveway of vehicles and any other items that could be in the way during tear off and installation. Most residential roofs will be removed and replaced in one day. A good roofing contractor will never leave a roof open to the weather overnight.
- Some counties require a mid-roof inspection. Your project manager will schedule that with the county or city entity responsible.
- Upon completion of the roof, there will be a final inspection by the city or county entity as well. Your Project Manager will schedule it and set the ladder for the inspector.
- Once the project is complete and all punch items have been repaired, a final supplement will be sent by the roofing contractor to your insurance company to make sure you get fully paid for the roof replacement. These additional items that you are entitled to, but are not limited to, include depreciation and supplemental items such as permit fees and any code upgrade items. NEVER ALLOW THE CONTRACTOR TO RECEIVE THE CHECKS FROM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. YOU NEED TO BE IN CONTROL OF THE MONEY.
- Once you have been paid out in full from your insurance company, we issue you a final bill for the balance due. The final bill, in most cases, will only be for the amount the insurance company has paid you plus your deductible.
NOTE: It is against the law in Colorado for a contractor to pay, offset or reduce your deductible. If a contractor offers to waive your deductible or asks for partial or full payment up front, be very wary of this contractor.
Again, the insurance claim process is not difficult and with a good roofing contractor that specializes in insurance claims, you will be sure to get the full amount you are entitled to.
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