My home was hit by a bad hailstorm last night! I noticed large hailstones overflowing in our gutters. I know for sure that the sheer amount of hail has damaged my roof because I found broken pieces of shingles and granules in the gutters and all over my yard. How much time do I have to get everything inspected and repaired? Is there a time limit for filing an insurance claim?
If you live in the Bossier City or Shreveport area, chances are you are quite familiar with this scenario. In fact, you may have experienced a similar situation and dealt with the same questions.
In this post, our roofing and insurance experts at Alpha Roofing shed light on the time limit for filing an insurance claim and why it is important to act immediately. We are going to cover everything you need to make the most of your insurance claims and get the maximum coverage you deserve.
Should I File an Insurance Claim?
Once you have found hail damage on your roof after a thorough roof inspection by a trustworthy roofing contractor, you should file your insurance claim without wasting any time. After all, you have insurance specifically for this purpose. You have already paid a lot in premiums over the years to make sure you are well covered in a situation like this.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim?
First, make sure you have reviewed your insurance policy properly. This will help you know your exact deductible. You will also need to ensure that the amount of your insurance payout is more than your deductible by a sufficient amount to make your claim worthwhile.
Gather the following before filing:
- Your policy number
- Photos of all roofing damage
- The exact date and time the damage occurred
- The extent of damage and affected items
- The severity and size of the hailstones
When your documents are in order, file the claim by phone or online. You will receive a claim number and a claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. The adjuster will visit your home and inspect your roof along with other damaged areas — siding, windows, and even outdoor items like a barbecue grill. Based on the extent of damage, you will receive a repair estimate from the insurance company.
Should My Roofing Contractor Be Present with the Claims Adjuster?
Yes. It is always a good idea to have your roofing contractor accompany you during the inspection. Your contractor has already performed a roof inspection, so they are the best professional to provide a well-informed second opinion throughout the insurance process.
Having a trustworthy roofer by your side can help you demonstrate the full extent of the damage. Both parties can discuss their findings so that you receive the coverage you deserve. If the adjuster disagrees with your contractor, you can request your insurance provider to send another adjuster to re-examine the damage.
Will Filing a Claim Increase My Premiums?
It depends on several factors, including your insurance provider, your location, and the number of claims you have filed within a specific period. Since roof damage from hail is classified as a weather hazard and is not your fault, your home insurance premiums should not change. However, it will depend on your specific insurance company and policy.
How Long After Roof Damage Can I File a Claim?
In general, most standard insurance policies have a time limit of one year after you discover that your roof has suffered weather damage. However, time limits vary by carrier, so check with your insurance provider about any specific deadlines in your policy.
Why Is It Crucial to Act Immediately?
Waiting to get your roof repaired only leads to more widespread damage that will be time-consuming and expensive to fix. Broken shingles can result in roof leaks and severe water damage, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
Getting your roofing problems fixed while they are still in their initial stages helps you avoid complications later. Weather is a natural phenomenon you cannot control — but by choosing a reliable roofing contractor in the Bossier City and Shreveport area, you can make sure your roof and home are prepared for anything.
Alpha Roofing is the leading roofing contractor in Bossier City, Shreveport, and the surrounding areas of Louisiana. Our experienced roofers have helped numerous homeowners make their claim filing and approval process fast and hassle-free. Call (318) 518-8844 today for your free roof inspection.
