I think my roof has storm damage, what next?

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Experiencing storm damage on your roof can be quite distressing.  Severe storms can wreak havoc, causing floods, displacing outdoor furniture, damaging vehicles, and, notably, inflicting significant damage to your roof.

Strong winds have the potential to dislodge aging shingles, while heavy rainfall accelerates wear and exposes vulnerable areas to leaks.  Furthermore, debris propelled onto your roof during storms can exacerbate the situation, leading to extensive damage and numerous potential leak points.

Fortunately, having a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy can alleviate the financial burden of repairing storm-related damages.  In fact, depending on your coverage, you may be eligible to have your entire roof replaced at the expense of your insurance provider.

In this Roof Rescue, we'll delve into:

• Understanding the insurance claim process
• The benefits of supplementing your insurance claim
• Why sharing your estimate with a roofing contractor is crucial

So, let’s dive in!

How Does the Insurance Process Unfold?

Following a severe storm, concerns about your roof's condition are understandable.  If you're covered by homeowner’s insurance, initiating a claim with your insurance company can facilitate the necessary repairs.  After providing all pertinent details, an adjuster will be dispatched to assess the damage to your roof.

Navigating the insurance process may become more intricate if the cause of damage isn’t immediately apparent.  For instance, in cases where a tree collapses onto your roof, ensuring insurance coverage for the replacement becomes imperative.

However, in less evident scenarios, securing assistance from your homeowner’s insurance provider might pose challenges.  If you believe your roofing project qualifies for insurance coverage, it’s advisable to directly engage with your insurance company to explore potential claims.  Upon approval, you'll receive an insurance check reflecting your roof’s Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV), each representing distinct coverage aspects:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV): Although less prevalent nowadays, ACV denotes the depreciated value of your roof, resulting in a payout equivalent to its current value.
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Under this coverage, your insurance company finances the roof replacement.  Initially, you'll receive a check corresponding to the ACV, with the depreciated amount withheld.  The balance, termed recoverable depreciation, is disbursed upon completion of the repairs.

Once you obtain these checks, you can either transfer them to your roofing contractor or deposit them into your account for payment via various methods accepted by the contractor.  While the insurance process may seem intricate, it ultimately facilitates the installation of a durable roof.  A proficient roofing contractor adept in insurance matters can guide you through the process and liaise effectively with your insurance provider.

Why Supplement Your Insurance Claim?

Upon receiving an estimate from your insurance company, it’s time to engage a local roofing professional.  However, with an active insurance claim, soliciting quotes from multiple contractors isn’t necessary.

Your insurance provider might suggest obtaining quotes from various contractors, anticipating lower bids than the insurance estimate.  Conversely, contractors often provide lower quotes to secure business.

As a homeowner, maximizing compensation from your insurance company is paramount.  Opting for the cheapest contractor won’t serve this objective.  Instead, prioritize contractors capable of supplementing your insurance claim.

Supplementing a claim entails installing the roof up to code, incorporating additional repairs not covered initially.  An experienced roofer can navigate this process efficiently, ensuring additional funds beyond the initial settlement from your insurance company.

After identifying a suitable contractor, furnish them with all relevant insurance paperwork.  Upon verification, they'll commence the roof replacement process.

Why Share Your Estimate with Your Roofing Contractor?

After your insurance claim is sanctioned, meeting with a roofing contractor becomes imperative.  During this interaction, they'll likely request access to your insurance paperwork, essential for determining requisite repairs.

Your insurance estimate contains vital information ensuring your roof receives comprehensive repairs at a minimum.  This includes details regarding your roof’s ACV or RCV, along with an itemized list of identified damages.

Sharing this paperwork enables your contractor to align their work with insurance requirements, prevents inadvertent insurance fraud, and expedites contractor selection.

 Failure to disclose your insurance paperwork deprives your contractor of crucial information regarding covered repairs, potentially leading to cost discrepancies.  Additionally, omitting code-required repairs specified by your insurance may inflate the contractor’s quote, unaware of the insurance coverage.

Sharing your claim with your contractor guarantees precise repairs in compliance with your insurance policy, mitigates fraud risks, and streamlines the contractor selection process.

Our Conclusion

Having navigated the effective utilization of an insurance claim for storm-damaged roof replacement, you’re now equipped to initiate your claim process confidently!

For residents fortunate enough to dwell within a 25-45 minute drive of the Greater Lansing area, the services of Lifetime Roofing await!  With decades of industry expertise and strong affiliations with major and minor Home Insurance companies servicing Mid-Michigan and beyond, Lifetime Roofing stands ready to assist.

Contact Lifetime Roofing in East Lansing, Michigan at (517) 550-0070 or email info@lifetimeroofingmi.com.  You can also visit our website at www.lifetimeroofingmichigan.com.