Storm damage claims are challenging. Insurers will find ways to undercut you of your rightful benefits. Fortunately, you can ensure you receive your full claim by knowing the typical reasons why insurers reject storm damage claims. Learn more about it in this post.
Insurance Deductibles
An insurance deductible is the time your insurer pays after you've spent an amount to repair or replace your roof. For instance, if you have a $100 deductible for roof damage, it means your insurer will only cover any repairs after you've spent $100.
Coverage Limitations
All policies have coverage limitations. If your roof's storm damage goes beyond the coverage limit, you will only get the limit amount. You can know your precise coverage limitation by reading your policy's terms and conditions.
You won't have to worry about insurance for larger roofs – your insurer should have advised you to use higher coverage that pays enough to cover any large roof damage.
Exclusions
Policies won't give you any benefit if the situation is within their exclusions. Most policies exclude minor damage and previous damage to the roof that the storm only made worse and did not cause. For example, if you have a roof with an existing minor damage then the storm made it worse, the insurer won't cover it.
Storm damage is a serious issue that needs immediate replacements from reliable roofing professionals. Here are some steps you need to address as soon as possible, according to Total Home Roofing.
1. Assess the damage.
The first step after you experience severe weather is to assess the damage. Approximate damage assessments can help you discuss your needs with your insurance company or contractor and avoid unforeseen costs or discrepancies. (This is usually only possible in daylight, so in some cases you may want to skip to step #2 listed below before assessing the damage.)
When looking at your roof to identify damaged areas, use a pair of binoculars. Estimate the general square foot area and specific details of the area that has been damaged. Note the severity of the damage, and look carefully to see if there are areas of missing shingles. In some cases, only a few random shingles will be missing.
Document the materials that are visible or exposed. Check for signs of exposed plywood, tarpaper, or the ends of missing shingles. Take note of the color of the material and the approximate shade. (Additional shingles from a roof replacement project in the past will have the shingle color stamped on the end of the package.)
2. Make temporary fixes to minimize property damage.
If the roof is severely damaged in an area directly above a living space, interior property can be damaged by leaking water. Be sure to place a bucket or garbage can under leaks and remove any valuables in the area in order to prevent further interior damage. Serious damage may need to be waterproofed quickly using a strapped tarping method, while smaller repairs can be shingled immediately.
3. Contact your insurance company.
Contact your insurance company. Evaluate if the damage is large enough to be covered through home insurance, or whether it would be more economical to hire a contractor directly for any necessary repairs. In times of natural disaster, when large residential areas are hit by a storm or other severe weather, it can be beneficial to use your homeowner’s insurance as contractors can become busy.
4. If necessary, contact a reliable contractor to repair the roof.
If you decide to hire a private contractor, always hire a professional certified roofing contractor. Avoid contractors who are in the area because of a natural disaster. Traveling contractors who follow storms have no reputation to uphold and may provide substandard workmanship. (Continue reading here to learn more)
You want a severe storm roof damage fixed up as quickly and efficiently as possible, so trust experts to do the job well. Miller's Home Improvement is a dependable roofing company with decades of experience and knowledge. Call us today to learn more about our products and services.
Learn More Here: Why Do Insurers Reject Storm Damage Claims?
Miller's Home Improvement
42383 Garfield Rd Suite 381300
Clinton Township, MI 48038
248-266-4657
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