Here in Minnesota, we can get some pretty extreme weather, and a strong summer storm can strike with very little warning. After you’ve made sure your family and home are safe, it’s time to assess the damage and file an insurance claim. But navigating the insurance process can be a challenge, especially if you’ve never had to file a homeowners insurance claim in the past.
At Anderson Exteriors, we work with Twin Cities homeowners to help them recover from storm-related roof damage, and we’re experienced at navigating insurance claims. In this post, we’re breaking down what you need to know to file your storm damage insurance claim and get the roof repairs you need faster. To schedule your storm damage roof inspection, give our roof contractors a call.
Understand What’s Covered
On average, an asphalt roof replacement can cost around $25,000, while a metal roof averages around $40,000 for replacement. However, due to the location, style, material, and size of your roof, the amount can vary greatly. While insurance may cover all or part of storm-related roof damage, understanding what is included in your policy can help you
Be sure to keep a copy of all your home insurance information on file before you need it, and take some time to understand what your policy covers. Insurance industry experts also recommend auditing your policy every year to make sure it meets your current needs.
Prioritize Roof Maintenance
Anytime you file a claim on your home insurance, your insurance company will evaluate whether the issue was partly caused by a failure to keep up with roof maintenance. If your insurance company concludes that significant roof damage was partly caused by owner negligence, you may have a hard time getting them to pay out.
Additionally, be prepared to pay a deductible. A deductible is the cost that a homeowner is responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance company pays out.
Insurance policies will typically cover roof issues caused by the following:
● Hail damage
● Wind damage
● Fire damage
● Snow damage
Beginning the Process
Whether you’ve got obvious roof damage or you’re concerned about a few errant shingles on your lawn, it’s important to get a professional roof inspection. Follow these steps to start the claims process:
1. Make sure your property is safe and there are no downed power lines or low-hanging branches before looking around.
2. Take as many photos as you can while safely on the ground. Leave the professional inspection to a licensed and insured roofing contractor.
3. Contact your insurance company to let them know you have roof damage and you’ll be scheduling a roof inspection.
4. Call a roofing contractor and schedule your inspection as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Storm Damage Inspection
Stay ahead of storm damage by keeping a list of important contacts ready during storm season. Right next to your home insurance company’s information, be sure to add our roofing contractors at Anderson Exteriors and then call us when you need an inspection.
Call our roofers for your free estimate at 763-323-0970 or contact us online for your convenience. We’ll help simplify the repair process so you can move on from storm damage as soon as possible!