When a storm leaves your roof in need of repair, you will need to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company and work with an insurance claims adjustor to determine the extent of the qualified damages. Damages could range anywhere from a full roof replacement that costs upwards of $50k, to a few thousand dollars of repairs to the smaller affected areas of the roof or home. Below are some things to keep in mind when filing an insurance claim for roof hail damage or other storm damage.

How Long Do You Have To File A Claim For Hail Damage?

Your roof is a major line of defense against the elements, so it is wise to file your roof replacement insurance claim in a timely manner. Even if your insurance company does not restrict how long you have to file, filing sooner rather than later, will ensure the most accurate information is gathered. Not only that, but if you wait to file your claim, the damages could worsen and create new problems that will not be covered in your claim.

Call In A Contractor To Meet With Your Adjustor

Sometimes, your insurance claims adjuster works for a third party contractor, but sometimes, they work directly for your insurance company. Their first goal is to determine the extent of the damages, if the damages occurred during the storm, and if the roof was in need of repair prior to the storm.

If they determine the storm did create your damage, their next step will be to determine the amount of qualified repairs. Many homeowners have their own contractor present during the inspection, so the contractor and adjuster can discuss all factors and options.

The Key Factors During The Roof Inspection

The amount of hail that occurred during a storm is not what determines if you need a new roof, but instead, the extent of the damage. The age of your roof and the materials your roof are made from will, of course, factor in, but there are some key indicators at which your adjustor will be assessing:

• Missing granules are a sign of hail damage, as missing granules can expose the substrate layer below.
• Areas underneath missing granules often feel soft and spongy, which is a sign of bruising.
• If the fiberglass mats that surround asphalt shingles are cracked or broken, then a roof replacement may be required.
• Collateral damage to fascia, gutters, vents, valleys, windows, siding, and other areas with dents or damage will also be taken into consideration.

Wondering what damage to these key factors may look like? Reference this roof claim resource guide from State Farm, used to evaluate composition shingles during the claim process.

What Should You Expect?

Roof hail damage claims are often processed within 7 to 14 days. The claim will be subject to your deductible, and the amount awarded is subject to depreciation of 30 to 40 percent.

Keep in mind the condition of the roof prior to the storm will be taken into consideration. For example, if the roof and gutters were not in good condition prior to the storm, then the claim any be greatly reduced or even denied.

Have Additional Questions?

Platform Roofing has worked with hundreds of insurance claims adjusters and homeowners on storm damaged roofs. For additional questions about the process, contact our team using the form to your right.

We’ll call you back with our expert advice on how to manage your roof storm damage, and if a claim is appropriate.