You may be making this very statement. Is there a time limit for filing roofing insurance claim?
My home was hit by a bad hailstorm last night! I noticed large hailstones overflowing in our gutters after this unexpected hailstorm. 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, LA areas, chances are that you would be quite familiar with the above scenario. In fact, you might have experienced a similar situation and dealt with the same questions.
In this blog post, our roofing and insurance experts here at Alpha Roofing have decided to shed some light on the time limit you have for filing an insurance claim and why it’s important to act immediately rather than waiting too long. We are going to reveal everything you need to make the most of your insurance claims and get the maximum coverage you deserve.
Let’s hit the ground running.
Should I File An Insurance Claim? Why It’s Important?
Once you’ve 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 your insurance specifically to serve this purpose. You’ve already paid a lot in premiums over the years just to make sure that you’re well covered in a situation like this.
How Do I File An Insurance Claim?
First and foremost – make sure that you’ve reviewed your insurance policy properly. This will help you know your exact deductible. Secondly, you’ll need to ensure that the amount of your insurance payout is more than your deductible and by a sufficient amount to actually make your claim worthwhile. Write down your policy number and get photos of your roofing damage and necessary notes properly organized for easy and accurate reporting.
While you’re at it, make sure that you have the exact date and time when the damage occurred, the extent of damage, affected items, and the severity and size of the hailstones that have damaged your roof.
When all the required documents are in proper order, it’s time to file the claim. These days, you can do it either by phone or online. You’ll be provided with a claim number and then a claim adjuster will be assigned to your case. The adjuster will visit your home and carefully inspect every part of your roof along with other areas of your home that were damaged. In many cases, siding, windows, and even the barbecue grill might have been damaged. Depending on the extent of damage, you’ll get a repair estimate from the insurance company.
Should My Roofing Contractor Be Present with The Claims Adjuster?
Yes! It’s always a good idea to have your roofing contractor accompany you during the inspection. In general, the contractor has already performed a roof inspection for you. So, they’re the best professionals to get a well-informed, second opinion in all insurance-related processes.
Having a trustworthy and reliable roofer by your side can also help you convince the claims adjuster about the extent of the damage. Both of them can discuss their findings so that you can receive the coverage you deserve. In case, the adjuster disagrees with your roofing contractor, you can request your insurance provider to provide another adjuster to re-examine your roofing damage.
Will Filing A Claim Increase My Premium Rates?
Well, it depends on several factors such as your insurance provider, your location, and the number of claims you’ve filed within a specific period. Since the damage that occurred to your roof is classified as a weather hazard and wasn’t exactly your fault, the premiums for your home insurance should not change. But again, it will largely depend on your insurance company.
How Long After Roofing Damage Can I File A Claim?
In general, most standard insurance policies have a time limit of one year after one discovers that their roof has suffered weather damage. However, to be certain, make sure to ask your insurance provider about any specific time frame requirements in your policy. They certainly very carriers by the carrier.
Why Is It Crucial To Act Immediately?
Waiting any longer to get your roof repaired will only lead to widespread damage that will be time consuming and expensive to repair. That’s why you need to take action immediately. Otherwise, the 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’re still in their initial stages can help you avoid numerous complications later. Weather is a natural phenomenon that you have no control over. However, by choosing a reliable roofing contractor in the Bossier City, and Shreveport, LA areas, you can make sure that your roof and home are well prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you.
Alpha Roofing is the leading roofing contractor in Bossier City, Shreveport, and the surrounding areas of Louisiana. Give us a call today for your free roof inspection. Over the years, our experienced roofers have helped numerous homeowners and businesses in the area to make their claim filing and approval process fast and hassle-free. We can also help you get the maximum coverage for your roof repairs. To learn more about our services, get in touch with us today.
