A view of a house with a brown roof and solar panels from above.

Roofing Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know After Storm Damage

When a major storm hits, the damage to your home’s roof can be devastating. From high winds to hail and heavy rain, storm damage can cause immediate and long-term issues for your roof, potentially leading to leaks, structural weaknesses, and more. Fortunately, if your roof is damaged in a storm, your homeowner’s insurance may help cover the cost of repairs or even a full roof replacement.

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Understanding the roofing insurance claims process can make a big difference in how quickly and efficiently your claim is processed. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about filing a roofing insurance claim after storm damage, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation that arises.

1. Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Before you file a claim, it’s essential to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what’s covered. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof damage caused by storms, such as hail, wind, or fallen trees, but there may be specific exclusions or limitations based on your policy.

Key factors to consider in your policy:

2. Document the Damage Immediately

House with visible hurricane damage, including debris and collapsed wooden structure in the driveway.

After the storm has passed and it’s safe to inspect your property, document all the damage to your roof and home. Take clear photos and videos of:

The more detailed the documentation, the stronger your claim will be. You can also note any visible leaks or water damage inside your home caused by the storm. This documentation will be crucial when filing your insurance claim and working with your roofing contractor.

3. Install Roof Tarping and Secure Your Property

Example of Roof Tarp

Insurance policies often require homeowners to mitigate further damage to their property. Covering holes or exposed areas with tarps or other waterproof materials prevents additional water damage and demonstrates that you’ve taken steps to protect your home.

Failing to secure your roof could lead to:

4. Contact Your Roofing Contractor

White house under roof repair with Sabal truck and trailer parked in front.

Before you file your insurance claim, it’s a good idea to contact a professional roofing contractor like Sabal Construction and Roofing, LLC to conduct an initial inspection. A contractor can help assess the damage, take photos, and provide a written estimate for repairs.

Having a professional opinion on the extent of the damage is helpful in determining the next steps and will support your insurance claim. Your contractor will also work with your insurance adjuster to ensure the damage is accurately documented and that you receive the necessary coverage.

5. File Your Insurance Claim

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, it’s time to file your roofing insurance claim with your insurance company. Depending on your provider, you can file a claim online, over the phone, or through an insurance agent.

Make sure to provide:

It’s important to file your claim as soon as possible, as most policies have time limits for storm-related damage claims. The sooner you act, the faster the process will be.

6. Insurance Adjuster’s Assessment

After your claim is filed, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage. The adjuster will inspect the roof and other areas of your home affected by the storm, comparing their findings with the documentation you’ve provided.

In some cases, the adjuster may not catch all the damage, or they may not agree with your contractor’s assessment. If this happens, you can request a second opinion or work with your contractor to provide additional evidence to support your claim.

7. Understanding Your Insurance Settlement

Once the insurance adjuster completes their assessment, the insurance company will provide you with a settlement offer. This offer will outline what the insurance company is willing to pay for roof repairs or replacement.

There are two main types of settlements:

If you’re not satisfied with the settlement offer, you can negotiate with the insurance company or seek legal advice. A roofing contractor can also help provide additional evidence to support your claim.

8. Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor for Roof Replacement or Roof Repair

The team of workers in orange attire and safety harnesses.

After you’ve received your insurance settlement, it’s time to hire a contractor to complete the necessary repairs. It’s crucial to choose a reputable, licensed, and insured roofing contractor who can ensure that the repairs meet both your insurance company’s and your home’s needs.

At Sabal Construction and Roofing, LLC, we specialize in working with insurance companies to streamline the claims process and provide high-quality roofing repairs. We can help you navigate the claims process, work with your insurance company, and ensure your roof is restored to its best condition.

9. What to Do if Your Claim is Denied

In some cases, insurance claims may be denied. If this happens, don’t panic. You have options. First, review the reason for the denial—sometimes claims are denied due to insufficient documentation or missed deadlines. You can file an appeal, submit additional information, or seek assistance from a public adjuster or attorney.

If you believe the insurance company made an error, you can work with your roofing contractor to address the issue and potentially reopen your claim. In many cases, the right documentation and professional assistance can help turn the situation around.

Most Trusted Roofing Contractor in Fort Myers and Cape Coral

Dealing with storm damage to your roof can be stressful, but understanding the roofing insurance claims process can help make the experience much smoother. By reviewing your policy, documenting the damage, and working with a trusted roofing contractor, you can navigate the claims process and get your roof back in shape as quickly as possible.

Sabal Construction & Roofing, LLC, an experienced general contracting and roofing company, is family-owned and locally operated by a second-generation Floridian contractor. We are a State Certified General Contractor and fully insured company. We responsibly adhere to all job specifications, manufacturer requirements, and safety codes to provide premier service to our valued customers.

Call Sabal Construction and Roofing, LLC today at 888-591-8559 to schedule a free inspection and get expert assistance to ensure your home is protected and your roof is restored after storm damage!