Everything to Know Before Filing a Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim

Just as storm season rolls in early spring, many homeowners struggle in the event that their homes acquire damage from heavy winds/tornadoes, hail, and hurricanes. Do you have a plan in place to guarantee that your property is covered through your homeowner’s insurance? Homeowners in the Shreveport/Bossier area are aware of roof damage with frequent severe weather events which often result in storm damage roof insurance claims. Many homeowners find themselves questioning “What is a storm damage roof insurance claim?”

A storm damage roof insurance claim is a type of claim filed under the homeowner’s insurance with their provider. There are 3 primary types of claims that are filed when roof damage occurs: Wind damage, hail damage, or hurricane damage. During a roof inspection, an experienced roofer can inspect the roof of the home and label with chalk to determine the probable cause of damage and obtain the date of the most recent event of severe weather to provide the homeowner and their insurance company with details regarding the claim prior to the adjuster meeting.

1. Wind damage is filed when heavy winds/tornadoes produce damage to the roof of the home. The results of wind can produce damage such as missing or loose shingles which expose the felt of the roof, missing or torn felt on the roof, or tree limb punctures.
2. Hail damage is filed when an event of severe hail occurs. Hail events that cause damage to roofs are often due to size of the hail (often 1” or greater) or the longevity of the span of time that hail events occur (over 5 minutes). Even .5” hail can damage a roof if the event happens for an elongated period of time. These are the concerns that the roofer may question the homeowner about during the initial inspection. Hail reports for the address along with a thorough roof inspection can provide the roofer information to give the homeowner to make the decision to file an insurance claim. Hail strikes can be significant (from large hail) or the quantity of smaller hail strikes can also damage a roof and cause extensive damage to the home.
3. Hurricane damage is filed during the event of a hurricane which is similar to wind damage, but could be more severe than your typical severe wind threat. Since hurricane season is extremely active along the coast of Louisiana (especially in recent seasons), many homes are devastated by the event of severe and destructive winds over a longer period of time. Prior to filing a claim for hurricane damage for homes north of the Louisiana coast (central/north Louisiana), a roofer can inspect to determine what type of insurance claim would be best for the type of damage the home received. Typically hurricane damage insurance claims have a much higher deductible than others, and your roofer will understand and know the process to help guide you through to ensure that you are filing the right claim for the damage on your roof.

The Process of Filing a Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim

The process begins with the observation of leaks/superficial damage to the roof of the home by the homeowner following a severe weather event. Following this observation there are 8-steps to follow in the insurance process.

1. Contact your preferred roofer to inspect your roof for damage. Your roofer will be able to determine the extent and probable cause of the damage to the roof and be able to relay the information and break it down for you.
2. File a storm damage roof insurance claim based on the information provided.
3. Schedule a time for your insurance adjuster to meet, contact your roofer to provide the time for him to be there as well.
4. The roof insurance claim will be approved or denied based on findings of the insurance adjuster.
5. If the roof insurance claim is approved the homeowner will receive payment (usually half) determined by the cost of value of the home and their insurance policy.
6. The roofing contract is signed and the construction process for a new full roof replacement begins.
7. The Certificate of Completion is sent by the construction company to the insurance company.
8. The second (depreciation) check is released to which you pay the roofing contractor to cover the full costs of the new roof.

Your preferred roofer will be able to guide you through the storm damage roof insurance process and work with your insurance provider to take care of your home.

Call us today for assistance in filing a roof insurance claim!

Priority Roofing LLC provides homeowners with peace of mind in addition to a 5-year labor warranty on full roof replacements. We are here to guide you through the process of insurance and construction. We work with your insurance provider to take care of you. Please call us today with any questions or a free roof inspection at 318.202.2123!