Roof damage in Downriver Michigan is never something you want to deal with as a homeowner. But even with regular maintenance and ideal materials, something can still happen. Whether it is from an accident, an act of god, or just a stupid mistake, you will need to know how to file an insurance claim for the damage. There are a few things that you should do to make sure your insurance will cover the damages to your home. Miss these simple things and you will likely end up paying much more out of pocket for repairs.
Steps for Filing an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage in Downriver Michigan
With so many storms lately, many homeowners are beefing up their insurance to make sure they are covered. Storms can happen at any time and when they do they can completely destroy your roof and more. Making sure you can get the home back into working order quickly is important and can end up saving you money in the long run.
Here are some tips to help make sure you get the best coverage possible if your home has been impacted by a storm and you have roof damage present:
Know Your Policy
It is important to really pay attention to your insurance policy and make sure you are covered for both the basics and the more uncommon issues. You should do this both when signing up for insurance, and whenever your policy is renewed. Take time to read over the documents they send you to make sure there are no changes to what you are covered for.
Identify the Damage
To know there is damage to report, you will need to first identify that there is a problem. You should have a professional inspection done at least once every three years on your roof and attic, and do your own visual inspections at least once a year. After storms, strong winds, or some other kind of disturbance, you should take the time to look at your roof once the threat has passed. You should also look in your attic for any signs of moisture getting in.
Document the Damage
You should both write down exactly what you noticed is going on and where it is, as well as taking pictures of the issues. Taking pictures that are time stamped will show when they were taken and how the damage looked when you first noticed it. Because of where the roof is located, the damage can quickly escalate, making it important to show how the damage started out.
Get an Inspection
You will also need to have an inspection done by a certified professional to both confirm the damage you spotted, and look for anything else going on. They will document their findings as well, and give you the information to pass on to your insurance company. This is an important step because you want to have the whole picture when filing your claim to make sure everything is repaired at once and nothing gets left to worsen.
Fill Out the Forms
Most insurance companies have switched to an online format for submitting claims, either by visiting their website, or using their app. You will need to follow their prompt and upload all the necessary information. If you are not comfortable with this, or you’re having trouble, you can also call your insurance agent to see how to send them in manually.
Have the Adjuster Over
Once your claim has been submitted, your insurance company will then send out an adjuster to survey the damage. This will both act to confirm the findings of the inspection, and determine how much money you will be getting. The adjuster will make the final call on whether you will get your claim approved, or they will disclaim. If they do approve your damage, you will get a check for half the amount that the insurance company finds an appropriate sum to fix the damage. The second half will be sent after you secure a contractor to do the work for the cost.
Call a Qualified Roofing Contractor
You’ll also need to make a call to a roofing contractor who is qualified to make repairs. At Downriver Roofers, they have insurance experts on staff that can help you navigate the process and make sure your home’s roof is repaired correctly. Give them a call today at 734 548 9919.
