Filing an insurance claim after your roof suffered damage isn’t as straightforward as it seems. That’s why it’s not uncommon for homeowners to make a few mistakes, some of which can reduce your insurance payout.
To help you maximize your insurance claim, here are the steps you need to take.
Immediately Take Pictures of Storm Damage
As soon as it’s safe to go outside, take photos of the roof damage from ground level. These photos will serve as proof your roof was damaged by an extreme weather event, not due to any neglect on the homeowner’s part.
Try to Mitigate Damage
Take the necessary measures to prevent roof damage from affecting other parts of your home. For instance, if a pipe is leaking, you need to turn off the valve to keep your interior from getting soaked. If there’s a hole in your roof, cover it with a plastic tarp to prevent water from getting inside. But don’t attempt to fix roof damage no matter how minor it may seem as this can lower your insurance payout. Remember: it’s best to let qualified professionals handle the roof repair work.
Examine Signs of Damage Before the Adjuster Arrives
Once your insurer receives and processes all the necessary requirements, they’ll send an insurance adjuster who’ll assess the roof damage to determine your insurance payout. Insurance adjusters often have busy schedules so there’s a chance they might miss something. If you have examined your home for signs of damage before the adjuster arrived, you can point out the signs of damage they might have missed.
Here’s a tip: you don’t need to climb onto your roof to examine roof damage. You can inspect your attic instead. Since it’s directly below your roof, the attic is where the first signs of moisture damage usually appear.
Having trouble filing a claim? Consult a roofing contractor.
New View Roofing offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including roof repair and insurance claims processing assistance. To schedule a free inspection, call us at (469) 232-7220 or (972) 265-7977. You can also fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Dallas, TX, as well as the surrounding communities.
