Key takeaways:
– You can file a small claim for roof damage if you have the right insurance coverage.
– An older roof doesn’t always mean you can’t get repairs covered.
– Filing a claim does not raise your rates, and you can still get discounts for having a good record.
– A reliable roofing contractor can help you navigate the claims process and get the roof repairs you need.
There’s no denying that roof damage can be an immense pain to deal with. When you experience storm-related roof damage, it can be challenging to know your next steps. In addition to dealing with the cost of repairs and potentially waiting for your insurance claim to be approved, you may also encounter some common misconceptions about roof damage and insurance.
Fortunately, there are ways to debunk these misconceptions and get the help you need. If you’re someone who cares about their roof and is looking for information on debunking roof damage insurance misconceptions, this blog is for you.
In this blog post, Curvelo Restorations will discuss some of the most common misconceptions about the roof damage and insurance and help you understand how to debunk them.
1. Myth: Your homeowner’s insurance will cover any damage to your roof.
Fact: Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your roof if the cause is listed in your policy, such as fire, wind, or hail. However, it does not cover wear and tear or routine maintenance and repairs. So whether your roof was damaged by a storm or needs to be replaced due to old age, you’ll need to have it fixed on your dime if it’s not mentioned in your insurance.
2. Myth: Filing a claim for roof damage will automatically raise your rates.
Fact: Filing a claim for roof damage will not necessarily raise your rates. Insurance companies look at many factors when determining rates, including the type of claim, the amount of damage, and the history of claims filed by the policyholder. For roof insurance, it’s essential to have as much proof as possible that the damage was not caused by normal wear and tear. You can also help avoid a rate hike by having your roof examined every few years to ensure you do not need to file any claim.
3. Myth: You need to wait until your roof is completely damaged before you can file a claim.
Fact: You can file a claim for partial roof damage. However, the amount of coverage you receive may be limited based on the extent of the damage. We recommend you revisit your homeowner’s insurance to see the extent of coverage you can receive for partial damages. Consider reviewing your policy regularly to ensure you have what you need.
4. Myth: It’s not worth filing a small claim for roof damage.
Fact: Any money you can get from an insurance company can help with roof repairs or replacement costs. Additionally, filing a claim can help document the damage in case you need to file a more significant claim. Where you cannot achieve any of this without regular roof inspections, you can also achieve this by filing small claims to add documentation of damages.
5. Myth: You must use the insurance company’s preferred contractor for roof repairs.
Fact: You do not have to use the insurance company’s preferred contractor for roof repairs. However, if you choose to use another contractor, you may be responsible for any additional costs not covered by your policy. The contractor your hire for your roof inspections may or may not be on the insurance company’s preferred list. It is your right to choose a contractor of your choice so long as they are reputable, licensed, and offer a warranty on their work.
6. Myth: It will take forever to get your roof damage claim approved.
Fact: The length of time it takes to get a roof damage claim approved varies depending on the insurance company and the severity of the damage. Typically, companies process your claims within 30 days. You can only know the exact amount you will receive once they process your claim, but you will be informed of the extent of coverage early in the process.
7. Myth: Your deductible is the only out-of-pocket expense for roof damage repairs/replacement.
Fact: Your deductible is not the only out-of-pocket expense you may have for roof damage repairs/replacement. Sometimes, your insurance company may require you to pay a portion of the roof repair or replacement costs even after your deductible has been met. During the roof inspection, if the contractor has found any hail or wind damage, your insurance company may require you to pay a portion of the repair/replacement costs.
8. Myth: All roofs are covered by insurance policies.
Fact: To break it to you, you will not get coverage for all kinds of roofs by insurance policies. Some roofs are not eligible for insurance coverage, such as flat roofs and slate/tile roofs.
The best thing that you can do is to speak with your insurance agent or the roofing contractor who will be handling your roof repairs and ask about the insurance coverage for your roof. Doing so can help avoid unnecessary costs and disappointment later on.
9. Myth: Roofs over a certain age are not eligible for coverage under most policies.
Fact: Some insurers will not cover roofs over a certain age (usually 20-25 years old) because they consider them too risky. However, some insurers offer coverage for older roofs. Since roof damage on older roofs is usually more severe, the cost of repairs will be higher. If you need clarification on your policy or a specific roofing contractor, ask about their roof age policy and discuss your options with an agent. This can help avoid confusion or disappointment later on.
Ending Note:
So, as you can see, there are several misconceptions regarding roof damage and insurance coverage. By being informed and asking the right questions, you can avoid confusion and ensure you receive the coverage you need.
Roofing Contractor in Melissa, GA
Looking for a roofing contractor that helps with insurance claims? Look no further than Curvelo Restorations, serving Melissa, GA. We are dedicated to providing quality roofing services and are fully equipped to handle any roof damage issues you may have. With our top-notch insurance claim assistance and repair services, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in good hands. Get your free estimate today.
