When it comes to submitting a roofing insurance claim, it’s best to treat it like everyone’s favorite part of 3rd grade: show & tell.
This is why. After a storm, for example, if the insurance adjuster does not fully capture the scope of the work, it can lead to a roofing claim needing to be submitted to request additional funds for the insurance company.
Many homeowners and roofing companies fail to fully document the roof that’s being replaced beforehand, meaning it’s difficult to prove that further work needs to be paid for.
This is where show and tell comes in. By showing (photographs) and telling (documenting), you create solid evidence that can increase the likelihood of a successful claim and protect you in case of a dispute with the insurance company.
And that’s just the beginning. Today we’re diving into six reasons why photos and documentation are essential for a roofing insurance claim.
Six Reasons Why Photos & Documentation Will Improve Your Roofing Insurance Claim
1. Proof of damage
Documentation and photographs provide solid evidence of the extent of the damage to the roof.
This helps to support the claim and ensure that the insurance company pays out the appropriate amount.
2. Before and after
Taking photographs of the roof before and after the damage occurred allows for a clear comparison to be made. This can help to identify the specific areas of damage and ensure that all necessary repairs are made.
Though it may not be possible to take before photos if you’re already in the midst of a claim, keep this in mind once the job is finished.
Pro tip: it can also help to set a reminder in your calendar to take yearly photos of your roof. You may never know when you need them.
3. Transparency
In addition to helping you get the right amount of money for your claim, sharing thorough documentation is important for transparency.
Being transparent in your claim lets your insurance company know that the claim is an honest one, and should increase the likelihood of it being successful.
4. Faster processing
Keeping the roofing crew working depends on the money coming in to pay the bills. When you submit a thorough claims process that’s supported by photos, you make a clear case.
Once the insurance company has all the necessary information upfront, they can determine the appropriate amount to pay out.
5. Accurate estimates
If you only want to go through the claims process once, documenting it well will keep you from having to keep going back time and time again.
Show exactly where the problems are so that the insurance company pays out the appropriate amount. Once you get the necessary repairs made, you can close the book on this project.
6. Legal protection
While we hope it doesn’t get to this, a long and drawn out claims process could eventually result in some sort of dispute with your insurance company.
Should that happen, having the proper documentation to support your case is critical. This will show the judge that you accurately portrayed the extent of the damages and the amount needed to repair them.
Getting A Helping Hand With Your Next Roofing Insurance Claim
By documenting the damage, both roofers and homeowners can increase the likelihood of a successful claim and protect themselves in case of a dispute with the insurance company. They provide solid evidence of the damage, help to speed up the claims process, and ensure that all necessary repairs are made.
For as critical a step as documentation and photographs are in the roofing insurance claim process, it is just one step. You’re likely dealing with other projects and other obligations, so handling the claim can be one complication too many. That’s where the team at US Home Supplements is happy to step in and support.
Over the years, we've supplemented thousands of projects, and we know exactly what the insurance carrier needs to justify paying for the critical construction items required to get the job done right. For assistance with your roofing insurance claim, get in touch with our team today.
US Home Supplements : Dec 8, 2023 2:34:34 PM
