Homeowners insurance is something you have but hope you never need. When you do need to file a claim for something major, like roof damage, do you know the right steps to take?
Roofing Damage Covered by Insurance
Every insurance policy is different, and there may be exclusions. As a general rule, homeowners insurance tends to cover:
- Fires
- Wind or hail damage
- Vandalism
- Lightning
- Falling trees or other objects
- “Acts of God” (defined as natural disasters and other events beyond your control)
Assess and Document Damage
As soon as possible, check things out. You can either inspect from the ground or hire a roofing contractor who can climb up there and check everything out for you. Since there are many insurance scams out there, make sure any contractor you choose is a licensed professional, like we are at Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
Be sure to document the damage, so you can initiate the claims process. This includes photos and a written description of what’s wrong.
Contact Your Insurer
Check your insurance policy for any exclusions. If your damage isn’t listed as excluded, give the insurer a call to initiate the claim. It’s important to do this ASAP, as the claim needs to be filed within a certain time period to be covered. If your roof was damaged in a natural disaster, you’ll want insurer approval as soon as possible. This allows you to quickly schedule the roof repair instead of waiting for reputable contractors to have the availability to handle your job.
Find a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Given the number of scammers out there, trust is essential. Ask your local home improvement center, friends, or family for recommended contractors. Look for roofing companies that have licenses and affiliations with industry organizations. Check their reputation on consumer review sites. These extra steps take time, but you can do this research while you wait for the claim to be approved.
Replace the Roof
Schedule an appointment with your chosen contractor. They’ll replace the roof. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being protected.
At Brandstetter’s Kanga Roof, we repair and replace residential and commercial roofs throughout the Cincinnati area. We enjoy a great reputation online, we belong to the National Roofing Contractors Association, and we have a satisfaction guarantee for materials and labor. Give us a call today to learn how we can help repair your roof.
