characteristics
Posted on March 19, 2023 | by Jerry Doby
Every year there are dozens of storms that can damage your roof. No matter what time of year in Texas, a storm is brewing: ice storms, hailstorms, debris, or hurricane-force wind and rain are the culprits. Once your roof is damaged, there is a risk of leaks, which can only lead to worse problems: internal damage and possibly even compromising the structural integrity of your property.
No one really likes dealing with their insurance company, but sometimes there is no avoiding it. If your roof was damaged by a storm, you will need to call them to make a claim and get the compensation needed for repair or replacement. But many property owners are unfamiliar with the process, the right steps, and their options if they don’t get the answer they’re looking for. Here are the 5 most common mistakes homeowners make when working with insurance companies to get a new roof:
- You call your insurance company first.
After talking to the experts at BuildAlignedwho have been replacing and repairing roofs in Texas for over 20 years, it is clear that you should call a contractor before contacting your insurance company:
“We always recommend choosing your contractor before calling your insurance company. Not all damage warrants filing a claim and a good contractor will address the damage honestly and will not recommend speaking to your insurance company if there is insufficient damage. Having your contractor lined up before your insurance company shows up gives you the opportunity to meet your insurance adjuster and show him any damage he found. After a storm, many insurance adjusters are very busy. Without an extra pair of eyes, even the best will miss things. Because this customization is so important, we always recommend hiring your contractor first.”
- They schedule their surveyor without their contractor present.
It is important that your contractor is on site while the surveyor inspects your roof; Storm damage is often “hidden damage” that does not show up immediately. It is important that a qualified specialist company that deals exclusively with insurance damage examines the roof and property. You will need someone to stand up for you.
“Most of the time we recommend being there at the time of the fitting. It’s important that you have someone by your side during these meetings to act as another pair of eyes and ears.”
- If her claim is denied, that’s the end of the story.
When your claim is denied, many owners are unaware that there are other options they can pursue, including a re-inspection, an engineer’s report, hiring a public surveyor, and an appraisal. BuildAligned Experts can provide recommendations on when which is appropriate and advise you on how to proceed.
- They think it’s okay to wait to submit their claim.
In many cases, damaged roofs go unnoticed because leaks are not immediately recognized by property owners. However, claims must be made 6 months to 1 year after the damage occurred, so it is incredibly important to have your roof checked for damage immediately. BuildAligned offers free in-person inspections to determine if you should make a claim.
- They wait until major damage occurs to make their claim.
If you don’t replace or repair your roof in a timely manner, your insurance company may deny future claims because of your negligence in avoiding a replacement. Waiting is not the answer.
“If you live in Guymon, Oklahoma; the Austin metropolitan area; the Houston metropolitan area; the Dallas subway area; the San Antonio metro area; or Salado, TX area and have questions about roof repair or replacement due to a severe storm, the experts at BuildAligned are here to help,” says the owner Phil Stodola. Waiting for more damage or too long after a storm can cost you money and create unnecessary headaches.
Remember that filing a claim should never cause your insurance premium to increase. Most claims are considered ‘acts of God’ and it would be illegal to charge an individual premium as a result. Rather, insurance companies typically increase premiums for an entire zip code due to “higher risk” after a storm.
A simple phone call and a quick and painless inspection is all that stands between you and having your roof damaged. Once you’ve selected a contractor to work with, they should help you through the entire process, from calling your insurance company to choosing your shingle colors. Experienced contractors like BuildAligned make the claims process seamless for their clients, so don’t hesitate to make that call.
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About the author
Jerry Doby Journalist, Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine. PhD in Communications Member of the US Department of Arts and Culture and the United States Press Agency. Partner at THM Media Group, Inc. Connect with Jerry on Twitter and Instagram at @jerrydoby_
www.thehypemagazine.com
https://www.thehypemagazine.com/2023/03/houston-roofing-experts-reveal-the-top-5-mistakes-by-property-owners-when-filing-a-claim-for-a-new-roof/
