Roofing damage can occur suddenly and cause serious harm to your home. Whether high winds have blown a few shingles off or caused a more severe loss by downing a tree, a storm-damaged roof can be scary and sap your peace of mind.
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, you may be worried about what is covered by your homeowners’ insurance and if you should make a claim. Read on for tips to help you through when the storm is over.
Types of Damage Covered By Insurance
There are many different types of damage that may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you are unsure of a particular type of damage, consult your policy directly or your local insurance agent.
Most types of conventional damage are covered by homeowners’ insurance. Some common roof damage covered by insurance includes:
- Hail
- Damage caused by fallen trees or branches
- Wind damage
- Fire
- Accidental damage
More unconventional types of damage like falling electrical poles, vehicular damage and other acts of nature may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance but you should review your policy just to be sure.
Document the Damage
Once you and your family’s safety has been determined, inspect your roof from a safe distance. Be aware of falling shingles and debris as well as structural damage that could cause a roof collapse or further damage. Take photos from multiple vantage points, once you’re certain it’s safe to do so. Having lots of photos may help convey the extent of the damages to your insurer or public adjuster. The more information you document, the better.
Assess the Damage
Even if the damage is localized to your roof, there may be other items that have been damaged. Write down anything that has been damaged from cars, personal items, a neighbor’s property, gutters, or windows and even window screens. Your insurer cannot help to repair or replace items if they aren’t included as part of your claim.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider
Once the dust has settled, get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible. The sooner you get the ball rolling on your claim, the sooner the damage can be repaired and you can get back to normal. This is also the best time to loop in a public adjuster if this is the route you wish to take. Public adjusters can help you during the claims process by working with the insurance company directly, helping to relieve some of the stress that comes with serious property damage.
Take Time to Breathe
Roofing damage can be stressful to deal with so don’t forget to take some time to decompress. Take a walk, call a friend, do something that helps you feel centered. And rely on professionals who can strip away the confusion and complications that may accompany a large homeowners claim. You may deal with this once in a lifetime, but a good public adjuster and your trustworthy contractor deal with it on a regular basis.
If your roof is damaged, Blue Fox Roofing is here to help.
