New Roof Insurance Claim Guide for Homeowners

If you're a homeowner facing a new roof insurance claim, don't worry, you're not alone. According to the American Insurance Association, homeowners file over 1 million insurance claims for roof damage each year.

The first step in filing a new roof insurance claim is to document the damage. Take photos and videos of the affected area, including any missing or damaged shingles, to provide evidence to your insurance company.

Most insurance policies require homeowners to notify their insurance company within a specific timeframe, usually 30 days, after discovering the damage. This is why it's essential to act quickly and report the issue promptly.

The average roof insurance claim takes around 30-60 days to process, but this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the insurance company's workload.

Understanding your policy is crucial when filing a new roof insurance claim. You need to know what's covered and what's not.

Check your policy declarations page to find your coverage limits for dwelling and other structures. Most Illinois homeowners insurance policies include both types of coverage.

Deductibles can range from 2% for inland homes to 5% for coastal homes. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

Replacement cost coverage gives you enough to replace the roof with similar materials, but actual cash value (ACV) factors in depreciation due to age, meaning you may pay a significant amount yourself.

Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know about your policy:

If your roof damage is a result of neglect or wear and tear, it likely won't be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. But if the damage is a result of a covered peril like hail or wind, your insurer may pay to repair or replace it, up to the limits of your coverage and minus your deductible.

Document everything, including photos and videos, to support your claim. Take wide shots of the whole roof and close-ups of damaged areas.

Safety first: if your roof is steep and damaged, don't attempt to climb on it yourself. Most roofers in Illinois offer free inspections, which can provide good documentation.

Keep receipts for emergency repairs, materials, and hotel stays if your home is temporarily uninhabitable. Save receipts for any DIY fixes.

Get at least two detailed written estimates from roofers, and ask if they provide insurance claim assistance. This will make your insurance claim process much easier.

If you suspect roof damage after a storm, contact a reputable and licensed roofing contractor to inspect your roof. Even if your roof appears intact, there could be internal damage that only a trained roofer can spot.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to verify that necessary repairs are covered by your policy. Be sure to get in touch with them before the time limit to file claims.

Here are some essential documents to have ready for your claim:

Choosing a contractor for your new roof insurance claim is crucial. You want to make sure you're working with someone who knows what they're doing.

Local experience is a must. A contractor who's familiar with Illinois weather patterns and common types of roof damage will be able to assess your roof more accurately.

Ask about their experience assisting homeowners with roofing claims and their process. You want to know if they've handled similar situations before.

Make sure your contractor is properly licensed, bonded, and insured in Illinois. This will give you peace of mind and protect you in case something goes wrong.

Here are the key qualities to look for in a contractor:

Working with us is a straightforward process. We'll guide you through each step to ensure a smooth experience.

To initiate your claim, simply follow our procedure, which usually involves a phone call or online form. This is the first step in getting your new roof insurance claim processed.

Our adjuster will conduct an inspection to assess the damage and determine coverage. It's highly recommended that you have a roofing contractor present during this inspection to advocate on your behalf.

The adjuster will provide an estimate for necessary roof repairs or replacements. Compare this estimate carefully to the one from your roofing contractor, and question any significant discrepancies that may exist.

Be prepared for the adjuster's decision, which can be approval, denial, or partial approval. If your claim is denied, don't give up! Ask for specific reasons in writing, and you may be able to appeal your claim with additional evidence or the help of a public adjuster.

Here's a summary of the key steps to keep in mind:

Your first step after roof damage is to document the damage once it's safe to do so. Take photos or video of the damaged sections and include them in your insurance claim.

Get repair estimates and include them in your filing as well. This will help your insurer assess the damage and verify the loss.

You can submit emergency repairs for reimbursement with your homeowners claim, but be sure to keep receipts for the work and add them to your claim filing.

Loss of use coverage can reimburse you for travel and lodging expenses, up to your policy's limits, if you must stay elsewhere while waiting for repairs.

If you're dealing with a new roof insurance claim, it's essential to understand the process and what to expect. The insurance company will typically send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the cause of the issue.

The adjuster will consider factors such as the age and condition of your roof, as well as the type of damage sustained, to determine the extent of the coverage. The average roof replacement cost in the US is around $7,500.

You'll need to provide documentation, including photos and receipts, to support your claim. The insurance company will review this information to determine the validity of the claim and the amount of compensation you'll receive.

A typical roof insurance claim can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to process, depending on the complexity of the case. This timeframe can vary significantly depending on the insurance company and the specific circumstances of the claim.

It's crucial to keep detailed records of all communication with the insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of the people you speak with. This will help you track the progress of your claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

Policy Coverage is crucial when filing a new roof insurance claim. Your policy may include dwelling coverage, which protects the main structure, and coverage for other structures like sheds and detached garages.

Typical deductibles for inland homes are 2%, while coastal homes have a 5% deductible. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

To ensure you're prepared, read your policy declarations page carefully to find your coverage limits. This will give you a clear understanding of what's covered and what's not.

Here's a breakdown of the types of roof damage that may be covered under your policy:

Keep in mind that some policies may have separate deductibles for hurricanes and windstorms, which can be a percentage of your home's total dwelling coverage.

Homeowners insurance may cover leaks from rain if your roof is damaged by a covered peril, such as a storm, but not if the damage is due to neglect or wear and tear.

If you live in a storm-prone area, your insurance may not cover wind or hail damage to your roof, even if it's a covered peril.

You might be able to fix minor roof damage for less than your deductible, so it's worth considering the risk/reward of making a claim.

If your roof is damaged, your insurer may pay to repair or replace it, up to the limits of your coverage and minus your deductible.

Homeowners insurance policies typically cover sudden and unavoidable damage, such as hail or wind damage to a roof.

These types of losses are often unavoidable, like a sudden storm that causes damage to your roof.

In general, homeowners insurance may cover storm damage and other common perils, including windstorms, hail, snow, sleet, or ice damage, lightning strikes, fire, and falling objects.

If you live in an area prone to certain perils, insurance companies might raise rates or exclude certain coverages.

If you file too many water claims, your insurance company may drop you or raise your rate.

Here are some common covered losses:

Keep in mind that filing a claim for unavoidable damage, like hail or wind damage to a roof, doesn't count against you in the same way as avoidable damage, like neglecting to maintain your property.