5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Filing A Roofing Insurance Claim

As a homeowner, you rely on your roof to protect you and your family from the elements.

But when your roof is damaged due to a storm, a fallen tree, or other unforeseen circumstances, your roof relies on you – and your roofing insurance policy – to get back in shape.

Unless the damage is almost microscopic, the process of repairing your roof is likely going to include filing a roofing insurance claim. While it can be a daunting task – and it’s a process filled with roofing claim mistakes – it’s still crucial to understand how the process works to ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to. 

Today we're sharing five common mistakes homeowners and contractors make when filing roofing insurance claims, and why avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and stress.

1. Filing A Roofing Claim For A Roof That’s Too Old

Unfortunately, one of the biggest roofing claim mistakes you can make is filing a claim for a roof that's too old. 

Most insurance policies have limitations on how long they will cover a roof, typically around 20-25 years. If your roof is beyond this limit, your claim may be denied.

It's important to review your policy carefully and understand the coverage limits before filing a claim.

2. Not Maintaining The Roof

Neglecting to maintain your roof is not just a bad practice for your home, it’s also a roofing claim mistake that will lead to complications when filing an insurance claim. 

Insurance policies typically require homeowners to take reasonable steps to maintain their roofs, such as regularly cleaning gutters, removing debris, and fixing minor damage. 

If you neglect to maintain your roof and file a claim for damage, your insurance company may argue that the damage could have been prevented if you had taken proper care of your roof.

3. Not Documenting Damage Properly

When you file an insurance claim for roof damage, it's important to document the damage thoroughly – otherwise you risk committing another roofing claim mistake. 

This includes taking pictures of the damage, documenting the date and time of the incident, and keeping all receipts and invoices related to repairs. 

Failure to document the damage properly can lead to a dispute with your insurance company, and you may not receive the full compensation you're entitled to. 

Additionally, your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage, so it's important to have clear documentation to support your claim.

4. Not Knowing Which Roofing Materials Are Covered

One of the most significant roofing claim mistakes contractors and homeowners make when filing a roofing insurance claim is not knowing which roofing materials are covered under their policy. 

Some insurance policies only cover certain types of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, and may exclude others, such as metal or tile. 

If you file a claim for a roof made of materials that aren't covered under your policy, you may not receive any compensation for the damage.

5. Asking For A Replacement Roof (That Isn’t Needed)

Many homeowners assume that if their roof is damaged, they are entitled to a full replacement. That assumption can lead to another costly roofing claim mistake.

Ultimately, this isn’t a guarantee. Insurance policies typically cover the cost of repairing the damage, not replacing the entire roof. 

If you file a claim for a replacement roof, your insurance company may deny the claim or offer a lower settlement amount than what you were expecting.

Avoid Common Roofing Claim Mistakes By Working With US Home Supplements

Any one of these roofing claim mistakes can be frustrating on their own, as they can result in less compensation from your insurance company for the work that needs to be done. It can also lead to delays in the project at a time when your home urgently needs repairs.

At US Home Supplements, we specialize in the insurance supplementing process to help roofing contractors work quickly and efficiently to deliver satisfying results to homeowners. We’ve helped hundreds of roofing contractors with thousands of projects, and we’re happy to help you with yours, too. Drop us a message today to get started.