Homeowners insurance can provide financial support when your house suffers damage due to fire, smoke, water, or natural disasters. Before you call a roofing contractor to get started on the project, it’s important to understand the insurance claim process for a new roof. Here are three steps to expect while undergoing this process.

How to Get Your Insurance to Pay for Your Damaged Roof 

1. Avoid Further Damage

If you don’t protect the roof immediately, your insurance company may deny your claim. Prevent further damage of the structure by using tarps to protect against weather and boards to close holes. 

2. Understand Your Coverage and Make a Claim

Some homeowners insurance policies offer repairs while others cover replacements. Contact your agent to learn about your coverage. Then, call a roofing contractor who works with insurance to gain a better understanding of what your home needs.

Many roofs that are under 10-years-old are eligible for full coverage of roof replacement or repair. If your roof is older, the insurance company will likely assess the value based on age of the roof and then inspect the damage based on that number. This means you’ll receive lower compensation to fix or replace the roof than the original cost of installation. Most companies require homeowners to make a claim within 30 days, so don’t hesitate to call.

3. Schedule an Inspector and a Roofing Contractor 

The insurance company needs proof of the damage to determine how much to payout. Set up an inspection with an insurance assessor to document the issues and take photos. They’ll look into potential causes of the damage and any problems with the structure. They should also note what parts of the roof are still intact and whether they are in good shape. 

Have the inspector send the report to the insurance company to set the claim in motion. The insurance payout may take days or weeks. Hire a roofing contractor who works with insurance to smooth this process. They’ll advocate to ensure you are reimbursed for the same quality materials as the rest of the roof. They’ll know how to work with the current policy while ensuring the roof is safe as you wait for the claim approval.

If you need a roofing contractor to address damage on an insurance claim, contact Elite Contracting & Consulting in St. Louis, MO. Their dependable team has experience providing professional fire, storm, and disaster relief. Call (314) 797-5220 or visit the website for information on the company's licensed and insured staff who offer regular residential and commercial remodeling as well as 24/7 emergency services.