Filing an Insurance Claim for Roof and Siding Damage
/
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofs and siding, threatening the integrity of your home's safety while leaving you vulnerable to unexpected repair or replacement costs. Therefore, knowing when and how to file a roof or siding damage claim is essential.
Hail Damage on Siding or Roofing? Follow These 5 Steps!
Learn how to effectively deal with hail damage and protect your home from further harm. From identifying the early signs of damage to getting an accurate assessment so your insurance pays out, this guide has you covered!
Step 1: Assess the damage
After a hailstorm, your first step is looking for signs of damage to the exterior of your home.
Common examples of hail damage include:
Dents
Cracks
Holes
Missing shingles
Broken shingles
Roof leaks
Water damage
Another important sign that your home experienced hail damage is an influx of contractors swarming your area. It goes without saying, but if your neighbors experienced roof damage, you probably did, too!
Some common signs of siding damage caused by hailstorms include:
Cracks
Holes
Dents
Dings
Chipping
Peeling
In more severe cases, storms may rip shingles and siding entirely off the home.
If you see any signs of damage, document it with photos and notes to provide to your insurance company.
Step 2: Review your home insurance policy
Unfortunately, many of us only review our insurance coverage when we need to file a claim. Therefore, getting familiar with what is and isn't covered is a vital next step.
Your policy should outline what type of damage your provider will cover and identify any specific requirements or limitations of the claim's process.
Examples of limitations:
Some policies may cap the coverage you receive for hail damage, while others may exclude certain types of damage altogether. For example, a policy may not cover damage that occurs due to wear and tear or neglect, or they may require that you take specific steps to protect your roof from hail damage to be eligible for coverage.
Additionally, some policies may only cover damage during certain seasons or under specific weather conditions. Therefore, to ensure that you have the coverage you need in the event of hail damage, it's essential to carefully review your policy and speak with your insurance provider about any questions or concerns you may have.
Important note: Do not allow anyone onto your roof if that isn't the person you want working on it. Also, never back down because it's complicated and let an out-of-state con artist force you to sign something and then walk away with your money.
Need help making sense of your coverage?
You're not alone! Understanding the rules and regulations of your policy can be difficult. It's only natural that you'll have questions or need help collecting the documentation your provider requires. And since you typically have a limited amount of time to file an insurance claim for hail damage, navigating this step can create additional stress.
Step 3: Contact your insurance company
After reviewing your policy, it's time to contact your insurance provider to begin the claim process.
Your provider will most likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. However, their schedules are generally tight and specific, meaning they have little room to move.
Step 4: Call a local roofing contractor
Once your adjuster is scheduled, contact your local roofing contractor to see if they can meet the adjuster at your home, if possible.
Working with a reputable roofing contractor during the insurance claim process for hail damage can be highly beneficial. For one thing, after receiving the claim, your contractor will review it to ensure everything is included and talk through any perceived gaps with the claim agent on your behalf.
Most importantly, a roofing contractor can assist with navigating the complicated insurance claim process, including collecting photos and documenting the damage to help you fulfill your provider's requirements for processing the claim.
In fact, many contractors have established relationships with insurance companies and adjusters, which can help streamline the process and ensure a fair settlement.
Need clarification on the extent of your home's damage or require an accurate estimate? We can help!
Step 5: Get your roof and siding back to optimal condition
Because you're already working with a reputable roofing contractor, this next part is easy!
Your contractor can get to work replacing your roofing or siding to prevent further damage to your home.
At Steve the Window Guy, we have years of experience working with insurance companies to help manage claims on our customers' behalf. In addition to being your local window replacement experts, we specialize in roofing and siding replacement services. In fact, since 2012, we've been an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.
When you invest in a new roof for your home, you want to ensure it stays protected. That's why Owens Corning has designed a total protection roofing system that is specially designed to work together to provide the highest level of protection for your home.
From the self-sealing ice and water barrier to the impact-resistant hip and ridge shingles, each layer is designed to perform at its best. With Owens Corning, you can know that your home is protected from the elements.
Need to file an insurance claim for roof damage?
Did your home recently get hit by hail? If so, our team can help! Midwest storm season is nothing new, but having the peace of mind that our team is there to support the integrity of your roof and siding is something we believe every homeowner deserves.
We'll work to get your home back together in no time! So why wait? ContactSteve the Window Guy today so we can get the process started!
Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to the 10th largest* remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.
We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.
*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2019.
