If you are living in the NY Bronx, roof replacement is something that can happen at any time. Roofs are often damaged by hail storms or heavy winds. If your roof has been destroyed and insurance isn’t covering it, then you may be looking for a roofing company to help pay for roof repair costs. That’s why we’re here! We will work with your insurance company to get them to cover roof repair or even replace your roof if they won’t do so on their own. Whether it’s wind damage or hail storm damage, get estimates from us today!
How to Get Insurance to Pay for Your NY Bronxtica Roof Replacement?
Some homeowners who have gone through the horror of dealing with roof damage and trying to get their claim approved by the insurance company would agree that it can be challenging to get paid at times. So, how can you get your insurance carrier to pay for a roof replacement near me? The solution entails a combination of information, preparation, paperwork, and engaging a professional roofer to work on your behalf.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Power comes from knowledge. Don’t let your insurance provider tell you what’s and isn’t covered.
Most of us don’t read the policy’s fine print until something goes wrong. This is the moment to do it. If you don’t have a copy of the policy, which is a common problem, ask your agent for one. A paper copy or electronic file should be made available as soon as possible. There are two types of coverage in most states: repair coverage and roof replacement cost coverage.
- Replacement policies are more common, but they are more expensive. When an event covered by the insurance policy occurs, replacement coverage restores the roof to its original state.
- Roof depreciation is typically factored into repair coverage. This implies you will receive a percentage of the replacement cost depending on the material and age of the roof. It could be as low as 15% for a roof nearing the end of its useful life.
We propose that you speak with:
- Your agent – if you have a strong relationship with them and trust them, they should be able to explain your coverage honestly and plainly. That is their responsibility.
- A roofing contractor who has dealt with insurance claims in the past. Call two or three professionals, explain your situation, and seek guidance.
Many roofers will provide an honest assessment of your policy because they understand that giving homeowners a few minutes of their time is a tried and true approach to generating new business.
Find a Reputable Roofing Contractor
A licensed roofing contractor, not an attorney, will be your best ally in a struggle over roof repair (if it comes to that). Check to see if they have:
- A wonderful reputation
- Working knowledge of insurance claims
Before repairing the roof, a qualified roofer will assist you with the following measures. Prevent further harm! Most homeowner’s insurance policies require you to cover the damaged roof as soon as possible. Storms wreak havoc on hundreds or thousands of homes in their path. Roofers are unable to conduct timely repairs as a result of this. Instead, your roofing company will cover and secure the damaged areas to safeguard both your property and your cash. Once this is completed, the roof should be safe to use until repairs can be performed.
File a Claim with your Homeowner’s Insurance within 30 Days
A homeowner must file a claim within 30-60 days in most areas. Failure to file a claim on time is grounds for claim denial.
When there is a high volume of claims, your lawsuit will be processed the sooner you file your documentation. Considered from roofing contractors along with the roofing material and the roof replacement cost.
Get a Detailed Report from an Independent Roofing Contractor
We’ll seem cynical, but we prefer to think of it as being a sensible homeowner. “Insurance companies aggressively evaluate claims for roof repair and replacement,” says one experienced roofing contractor. They will need unequivocal proof that storm damage is to blame for the roof leak.”
The insurance company will send out its adjuster — someone who works for the insurance company to determine this. If the storm damage is extensive, “independent inspectors” are called to handle the claims. They are, however, hired and paid by the insurance company as well. That’s a powerful incentive to find outcomes that benefit the insurance company – reasons why your claim isn’t legitimate and shouldn’t be paid.
Request a formal review from the roofing contractor that addresses the following issues: the degree and cause of the damage and the overall condition of the roof.
The examination and report may cost up to $500, but it will be money well spent if it helps you have your homeowner’s insurance claim settled. It will be an inspector’s word against a roofer’s if it comes down to arbitration or court. But, you’ll be fine if your roofing contractor’s report is credible.
Hire a Roofer that Will Fight for You
What a roofer should document for you is as follows: The roofing materials on the entire roof are correctly installed and not defective, indicating that the problem is not with installation or materials.
Anything else contradicts the previously listed common reasons for refusing claims – the rest of the roof is in good shape, the attic is adequately vented, the damage is more than cosmetic, and so on.
They are, however, hired and paid by the insurance company as well. That’s a powerful incentive to find outcomes that benefit the insurance company – reasons why your claim isn’t legitimate and the roofing costs shouldn’t be paid.
Be Willing to Change Companies
This is rarely the case, especially if you’ve followed the instructions offered here. However, an insurance company may make an unfair settlement and refuse to compromise for the new roof. This is the time to figure out how much money you’ve paid the corporation in insurance premiums over the years. Most homeowners combine their insurance policies – home, auto, boat, liability, and other types of insurance – with the same firm. This can quickly build up to $7,500 or more in yearly premiums.
Calculate how much you’ve paid since joining the insurer vs. the cost of the claims you’ve made. For many homeowners, the ratio of premiums paid for roof replacement estimate to claims is 5 to 1 or higher. Inform the agent of your findings.
“We’ve paid $40,000 in premiums over the last eight years and had only one claim for $5,500 for vehicle damage,” is a typical result. Are you going to lose our business by offering us $12,000 for a roof repair when we need $16,000?” If you believe you’ve been taken advantage of, threaten to leave and then switch companies once the issue has been handled. Of course, quitting will not help you with your present claim, but it may make the insurance more receptive to customer claims.
Preparing for Future Claims
Filing a claim is a wake-up call for any homeowner, as well as a lesson for the future. So here’s what we propose for the future:
Have your roof inspected regularly. Maintain it and fix it as needed. You’ll have a solid case if you can demonstrate that you kept your roof in good shape and that it suddenly became a shambles after a storm. Request that the inspector photograph your roof and provide you with a written, signed appraisal of its condition. Here’s a checklist for inspections:
- Asphalt roof or asphalt shingles should be replaced yearly once the roof is five years old.
- After ten years, wood shingles and shakes should be replaced every 2-3 years.
- After ten years, clay and concrete tiles should be replaced every 2-3 years.
- After 15 years, metal roofs and composite shingles should be replaced every two years.
Conclusion
If you’ve had trouble getting your insurance company to offer you a fair settlement, following these suggestions may contact your insurance company to pay for roof repair if you file a future claim and will make your roofing process more accessible and more reliable.
