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Strong storms are a common occurrence in the DFW metroplex. From pounding rains to blustering winds to hail, your roof fends off a lot to keep you and your family out of harm’s way. Over time, your roof will experience wear and tear. Missing shingles, impact damage, and even roof leaks can leave your home and family at risk.
Thankfully, homeowners insurance can typically help you cover the damage to your roof from a strong storm or other natural disasters. If you’re wondering how to file a roofing insurance claim, just read on. Your trusted team of roofers at Acme Roof Systems has put together this guide to help you file your next claim.
What Is Typically Covered Under Homeowners Insurance
Most insurance companies will cover the following when it comes to damages on your roof:
- Fire Damage
- Wind Damage
- Hail Damage
- Vandalism
- Lightning Strikes
- Falling Objects, such as tree limbs during a storm
- “Acts of God.” This refers to natural disasters that are outside of human control.
It is important to note that all insurance companies are different. If you want to know what exactly is covered by your plan, it is important to go over your policy information. Your claim may also be denied if the following is true for your roof:
- Your roof is older (typically anywhere from 10-20 years old)
- The roof has not been maintained properly
- There are signs of intentional or accidental damage caused by the homeowner
- Your policy has exclusions for windstorms and hailstorms because they are so common (Double-check your policy to see if this applies to you)
Steps to File an Insurance Claim
Knowing how to file an insurance claim for your roof can make you feel more secure and confident about your claim. Here are the steps you need to take to successfully file a roofing insurance claim:
Document the Damage
First, find out exactly how much damage your roof sustained during the storm or natural disaster. A quick inspection of your roof can tell you a lot about whether or not it took a beating.
- Take pictures of any noticeable damage from the ground, such as missing shingles, damaged gutters, or even branches or debris on the roof.
- Next, contact your local roofing company for a more thorough inspection and an estimate of your roof damage. They will be able to safely check your roof for signs of further damage that cannot be seen from the ground.
- Never try to walk on your roof yourself. If you do not know what you are doing, you could fall and seriously injure yourself.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After the inspection, contact your insurance company immediately and let them know that your roof took damage. Let them know the extent of the damage and the cause, whether it was hail or a falling branch. Next, they will confirm with you whether or not the damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. If your roof was damaged by an act of crime, such as vandalism, be sure to also file a police report.
Filing the Paperwork
Your insurance company will probably send you some paperwork to fill out. Submitting the paperwork will begin the rest of the process and set you on the right path to getting your roof fixed.
An Insurance Adjuster May Come to Inspect Your Roof
An insurance adjuster is a specialist from the insurance company that takes a close look at the damage on your roof. This allows the insurance company to get a clearer picture of the damage sustained. Whatever the adjuster reports to the insurance company will determine how much of the repairs will be covered by the insurance company.
A Roofing Company That Puts You First
Acme Roof Systems has been providing excellent roofing repairs and replacements for the DFW metroplex since its founding in 1995. Our roofers are highly certified and continue to maintain a solid working relationship with our clients, real estate against, insurance companies, and property management companies.
We know that quality starts at the top, which is why we work hard to make sure your roof looks beautiful and resilient enough to handle whatever life throws at it. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule your roof inspection or repairs.