When your roof gets damaged by a storm, hail, or falling tree, your first instinct might be to call your insurance company right away. But hold that thought! As roofing professionals who've handled thousands of insurance claims, we at Best Roofing Now have seen firsthand how this common approach can actually work against homeowners.
Contacting your roofer before your insurance company isn't about trying to pull a fast one on your insurer. It's about protecting your interests and ensuring you receive the proper coverage you're entitled to under your policy. Let's break down why this approach can save you headaches, time, and potentially thousands of dollars.
The Insurance Claim Process: What You Need to Know
Before diving into why you should call a roofer first, it helps to understand how roof insurance claims typically work. Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage caused by "acts of God" or sudden accidents – things like storms, hail, fire, or falling trees. However, they typically don't cover damage from normal wear and tear or lack of maintenance.
The standard process looks something like this:
- Damage occurs to your roof
- You file a claim with your insurance company
- An insurance adjuster inspects the damage
- The insurance company approves or denies your claim
- If approved, they issue payment for repairs (minus your deductible)
- You hire a contractor to complete the work
Sounds straightforward, right? Unfortunately, it rarely is. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses with a financial incentive to minimize payouts. This is where having a professional roofer on your side from the beginning can make all the difference.
Expert Damage Assessment: Seeing What Others Miss
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals, but they're not roofing experts. They may not catch all the damage that an experienced roofer would identify.
"I've seen numerous cases where an insurance adjuster missed significant damage that wasn't obvious to the untrained eye," says James Turner, owner of Best Roofing Now. "Hidden damage like compromised decking or subtle impact points can lead to leaks months later, long after your claim is closed."
A professional roofer will perform a thorough inspection, documenting all damage – both obvious and hidden. This comprehensive assessment ensures that your insurance claim accurately reflects the full extent of the repairs needed.
Documentation That Makes Your Case
When you file an insurance claim, evidence is everything. A professional roofing contractor will:
- Take detailed photos of all damage
- Document measurements and specific damaged areas
- Provide a professional assessment report
- Create an itemized estimate for repairs
This thorough documentation makes it difficult for insurance companies to dispute the existence or extent of damage. When you call your insurance company first without this documentation, you're essentially starting the claims process at a disadvantage.
Your Advocate During the Adjuster Visit
One of the most valuable benefits of calling your roofer first is having them present when the insurance adjuster arrives to inspect your roof.
Your roofing contractor can:
- Point out damage the adjuster might miss
- Explain the technical aspects of the damage
- Discuss repair requirements based on local building codes
- Address potential objections in real-time
Think of your roofer as your advocate in what can otherwise be an unbalanced negotiation. Insurance adjusters handle dozens of claims weekly and know exactly what to look for to minimize the company's liability. Having a roofing expert by your side levels the playing field.
Preventing Claim Denials and Underpayments
Insurance claim denials are frustratingly common in the roofing industry. Some of the most frequent reasons for denial include:
- "The damage is due to wear and tear, not a covered event"
- "The damage doesn't exceed your deductible"
- "The damage was pre-existing"
- "The damage isn't severe enough to warrant replacement"
A professional roofer who documents the damage properly can help refute these common denial reasons. They can distinguish between storm damage and normal wear, provide evidence of when the damage occurred, and demonstrate why repairs are necessary.
Additionally, many homeowners accept the first settlement offer from their insurance company, not realizing it might be insufficient to properly repair the roof. Your roofing contractor can review the settlement and advise if it's adequate or if you should push back.
Navigating the Supplemental Claim Process
Often, additional damage is discovered during the repair process that wasn't visible during the initial inspection. This requires filing a supplemental claim with your insurance company – a process that can be complicated and time-consuming.
Roofing contractors who work regularly with insurance claims know exactly how to document and submit supplemental claims to maximize your chances of approval. Without their expertise, you might end up paying out of pocket for these additional repairs.
Ensuring Code-Compliant Repairs
Building codes change regularly, and your insurance company is typically required to pay for upgrades needed to bring your roof up to current code requirements. However, if you don't know to ask for this, you might not receive the full compensation you're entitled to.
Professional roofers stay current with local building codes and can ensure that your insurance claim includes all necessary code upgrades. This alone can save you thousands of dollars on your roof replacement.
Avoiding Common Insurance Claim Pitfalls
When homeowners file claims directly without professional guidance, they often make mistakes that can hurt their chances of approval:
- Missing deadlines: Most policies have strict timelines for reporting damage.
- Inadequate documentation: Smartphone photos might not capture the damage effectively.
- Accepting lowball estimates: Insurance companies might use general pricing that doesn't account for your specific roof's needs.
- Starting repairs too soon: Beginning work before approval can give insurers grounds to deny your claim.
- Signing away rights: Some insurers ask homeowners to sign documents that limit their ability to claim certain types of damage.
A reputable roofing company like Best Roofing Now will help you navigate these potential pitfalls, ensuring you don't accidentally undermine your own claim.
What to Expect When You Call Your Roofer First
If you experience roof damage, here's what the process looks like when you call a professional roofer first:
- Free inspection: A thorough evaluation of your roof damage with no obligation
- Detailed documentation: Comprehensive photos and written assessment of all damage
- Claim assistance: Help filing your insurance claim with proper documentation
- Adjuster meeting: Your roofer attends the insurance inspection to ensure all damage is noted
- Estimate review: Professional analysis of the insurance company's settlement offer
- Supplemental claims: Assistance with any additional claims that may be needed
- Quality repairs: Professional roof repair or replacement to restore your home's protection
This process maximizes your chances of receiving fair compensation and quality repairs.
Choosing the Right Roofing Partner
Not all roofing companies are experienced with insurance claims. When selecting a contractor to help with your insurance claim, look for these qualifications:
- Several years of experience handling insurance claims
- Positive reviews specifically mentioning insurance claim assistance
- Certification from major roofing material manufacturers
- Knowledge of local building codes and requirements
- Clear communication and willingness to explain the process
- No requests for upfront payment before insurance approval
At Best Roofing Now, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate the insurance claim process. Our team has the expertise to ensure you receive fair treatment from your insurance company and quality repairs that restore your home's protection.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Biggest Investment
Your home is likely your largest investment, and your roof is its first line of defense against the elements. When damage occurs, getting proper repairs isn't just about aesthetics – it's about protecting your entire home from water damage, mold, and structural issues.
By calling a professional roofer before contacting your insurance company, you're taking a proactive step to protect that investment. You're ensuring that the claim process works as it should, with all damage properly documented and addressed.
Remember, you pay your insurance premiums for exactly these situations. You deserve to have your claim handled fairly and completely – and having a professional roofer as your advocate is the best way to make that happen.
If your roof has recently experienced damage, or if you're unsure and would like a professional assessment, contact our team for a free inspection. We'll help you determine if you have an insurance claim and guide you through every step of the process.
Don't leave your roof's fate to chance. Call the experts first and ensure your home gets the protection it deserves.
