Any homeowner who has ever attempted to get a damaged roof replaced by insurance knows it can be quite a headache. Hopefully, you never have to be in this position, but if you are, there are a few things you should know about getting your roof claim covered. Luckily, the Shamrock Roofing and Construction team in Bentonville has done the research for you.
Here’s what we’ve learned about filing insurance claims for roof damage.
Understand Your Policy
Every homeowner’s policy is different, but there are a few red flags to look for when you’re shopping around for an insurance carrier. You need to become familiar with key phrases like “repair coverage,” “replacement cost,” and “maintenance requirement.” These clauses specify the conditions under which your policy will provide coverage. They also indicate whether the company will pay for the actual 1:1 cost of a roof replacement or the depreciated value of your existing roof. If you feel like the verbiage is too confusing, you can always contact your agent or a trusted roofing company in Arkansas. They’ll simplify the language so you can feel comfortable with the coverage you’re considering.
Complete a Roof Inspection
If you’re filing a roofing claim, your insurance provider will likely ask for proof that you need a roof replacement on your Arkansas home. While they may send out their own adjuster to assess the damage, it’s a good idea to have a local roofer provide a roof inspection as well. Make sure you pick a Bentonville roofer that has good reviews and a solid reputation for dealing with insurance claims. You’ll want to make sure they are extremely thorough, providing plenty of photo evidence and a detailed report containing estimates for the replacement job. If you pick the right roofer, they’ll go to bat for you. They’re the experts on the topic of roofing, so leave the negotiating to them!
Establish a Timeline
Another thing to consider is the timeline for repairs. You want to get your roof replacement completed before any more damage can occur. Unfortunately, if your home is damaged by a storm and your roof is not repaired before another one blows through, your insurance carrier has more reason to deny your claim. Make sure that the roofer who completes the inspection can also tackle repairs in a timely manner. Otherwise, you run the risk of having the claim denied.
Invest in a Maintenance Routine
Remember those red flags in the fine print we mentioned earlier? Maintenance clauses are becoming all too common in homeowners insurance policies. Under these clauses, insurance carriers can deny your claim if you can’t prove that you’ve kept up with regular maintenance on your roof. The best way to win this battle is by hiring a local roofing company in Arkansas to complete routine maintenance. This way, you have the documentation to turn your claim into a payout if the need arises. Plus, your existing roof gets a little TLC along the way. It’s a win-win!
Need Help Navigating Insurance? Shamrock Roofing Has You Covered!
If you need help filing a claim for your roof replacement in Arkansas, it’s time to contact us at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We are experienced in working with a wide range of home insurance carriers and know the ins and outs of getting your claim paid. Give us a call today to schedule your free inspection. You’ll be glad you did!