3 Things You Need To Know About Filing A Roof Replacement Insurance Claim
If your room is damaged during a storm or other weather-related event, you can file an insurance claim to repair the damage or replace the entire roof (in cases of severe damage). Remember, should you decide to file a claim on your homeowner's insurance to fix the damage, you will still be responsible for your deductible. Here are a few other things you need to know about filing a roof replacement claim.
1. Your Insurance Adjuster Will Need Details Regarding the Damage
When you start the claim process, be prepared to provide your insurance adjuster with details regarding the storm or weather-related event that damaged your roof. Some items that you want to know are the date of the storm and the date that you first noticed the damage.
It isn't uncommon for time to pass before homeowners notice that their roof was damaged, especially if the damage is relatively minor or located on an area of your roof not easily visible from the ground. Should this happen, don't worry. Just call your insurance company as soon as you do notice the damage and explain your situation.
2. You May Not Receive the Entire Insurance Payment at One Time
How you receive payment for your roof depends on the details of your insurance policy. Some insurance policies use recoverable depreciation when issuing payments for damage. The first payment is equal to your roof's replacement cost value. You have to spend the initial payment and complete the repairs before you can receive the second payment. This second payment is the recoverable depreciation.
If your insurance policy uses recoverable depreciation when making payments, make sure you select a roofing contractor who accepts payments based on this process. This will prevent you from having to pay money out of pocket or take out a loan while you wait for your second insurance payment.
3. The Amount of Your Payment Will Cover the Type of Roof That You Had
You can expect your insurance payment to cover a replacement roof comparable to the type of roof that you had. For example, if your old roof had asphalt shingles, your insurance payout will cover a new asphalt shingle roof. There may be limitations regarding what color of shingles your insurance will pay for. The policy will not cover upgraded roof options, such as architectural shingles or a metal roof.
However, you do have the option to pay the cost to upgrade your roof out-of-pocket. For example, some homeowners decide to pay extra for architectural shingles due to their distinct appearance or longer lifespan. Check out a website like http://gateway-insurance.com for more information and assistance.