28 Sep. 22
How to Get Roof Damage Covered by Insurance
When a rainstorm or other natural disasters damage your roof, you may wonder how to file an insurance claim and get your roof damage covered. It can also be challenging to determine the types of damages homeowner’s insurance covers. For that reason, you may be hesitant to seek professional help, given the cost associated. That’s why we prepared this post: to help you understand how to get roof damage covered by insurance. Keep reading to learn more.
How to Get Roof Damage Covered by Insurance
Roof damage can occur at any time, in any place. However, no matter the circumstances, it can be a scary experience. Depending on the extent of the damage, there’re a few essential procedures you should follow.
- First, ensure that you and your family are safe. In Chattanooga, TN, high winds are common. Also, you may see hail, tornadoes, and flooding, among other forms of severe weather. Therefore, you should first ensure everyone’s safety.
- Make sure that there is no risk of further severe weather. If there is, seek appropriate shelter. This is more important than fixing roof damage fast. In addition, if your roof has big leaks, putting a tarp on it (when it’s safe to do so) can help prevent further water damage to your property.
- Check your property. Fully document any damage you can observe. Take note if you observe any loose, missing, cracked, or damaged shingles. Then, if you find it safe to do so, climb a ladder and take pics of the visible damage. Otherwise, ask a professional to do that.
Some Tips on Filing a Roof Claim
- It’s crucial to file your insurance claim correctly if you want to get compensation for the roof damage.
- The first step is to call your nearby contractor and ask them to assess the damage. They can provide you with a repair estimate you can use for your insurance claim. In addition, some contractors will actually do some of the hard work of dealing with your insurance company.
- Carefully read your policy to ensure there are no surprises when you speak with your insurance company.
- Don’t put off filing for too long. The sooner you act, the greater your chances of receiving financial assistance for roof repair.
- Also, never let family members or friends perform roof repairs without a qualified contractor’s direct supervision. Making these repairs yourself may lead to more damage, cost significantly more in the long run, and can violate some warranties or insurance coverage.
- Lastly, if you’re unsure of your home’s coverage for insurance purposes, speak to an agent with your carrier. Always confirm your coverage before making a claim.