In the event of a storm in Tulsa OK, your roofing system is likely to sustain damage. The worst thing that could happen is your roof getting blown off. Whether destruction was due to strong winds or hail, situations like these cause a lot of stress to residents and business owners.
Let’s recall a 2018 news report where it was stated that a storm ripped off the roof of one business. At the same time, it caused a billboard to fall onto the roof of a nearby restaurant. It’s clear a roof replacement is much needed.
What if the next natural disaster takes a toll on your roof? Most homeowners would wonder about how to get a new roof for free. This is possible through insurance claims.
How to Get a New Roof for Free: File a Roof Replacement Insurance Claim
Extensive roof damage calls for an immediate roof replacement. If you have homeowners insurance, make sure to check if the policy covers replacements that result from uncontrollable events like storms.
A homeowner’s policy may not cover certain damages, and this is why some insurance claims are denied. Now let’s proceed with the steps on how to get a new roof for free by using insurance:
1. Take pictures and notes of the damage.
Go outside and check your roof for signs that your roof got affected by the storm. Check for the following:
- Residential roof leaks
- Water stains on the walls and ceiling of your topmost floor
- Missing shingles, cracked shingles
- Bubbles or blisters (if you have a flat roof)
- Dents on the gutters and flashing material
- Hail splatter marks
Your evidence is a crucial aspect of the insurance claim process. Pictures and notes of the damage labeled with the date and time improve the validity of your claim.
2. Report the damage to your insurance provider.
Waste no time in the roof insurance claim process. Immediately call the insurance company to convey the details of the damage. The company may have updated their policy. Ask if your situation is covered under their policy. Having a detailed description of the damage allows you to tell everything the insurer needs to know.
Insurance companies usually send out insurance adjusters to represent them. An insurance adjuster will determine whether your claim is valid. He will visit your home and inspect your roof. Assessments entail the calculation of roofing age, condition, and more.
3. Hire a roofing contractor specializing in roof damage insurance claims.
Part of the process of how to get a new roof for free is working with a qualified roofer. A roofing contractor’s role is to conduct a detailed inspection. Based on the findings, they will come up with a roof estimate. They can work hand in hand with the insurance adjuster to ensure that the adjuster’s findings are accurate.
Because a roofing contractor has a vital role to play, find the right company. While time is of the essence, don’t sacrifice quality. Beware of storm chasers that take advantage of weather incidents. Some unscrupulous contractors pressure you into signing a contract before they start the damage inspection process.
Previously, we wrote a guide on finding the right roofer – better check it out.
4. Wait for approval from your insurance provider.
After you present all the documents and inspection process, all you need is the approval from the insurance company. If you’re approved, the insurer will issue your first check so your roofing contractor can start replacing your roof.
Make sure to discuss with your chosen roofing professional regarding available residential roofing material options. Common types of roof covering materials include asphalt shingles, wood shingles, metal, and tile roofing.
Avoid These Mistakes When Filing a Roof Insurance Claim
We’re done tackling how to get a new roof for free. If this is your first time to be filing a roofing storm damage insurance claim, you may commit errors. Below, we outline four mistakes you should avoid:
1. Providing very little documentation
Once again, documentation is essential. Your insurance company may tell you that you didn’t care for your roof and this aggravated the damage. Not having documentation or little documentation will decrease the likelihood of your claim getting approved.
We would recommend that you take regular photos of your roof from the time it is installed. Should any roofing issue occur, you have pieces of evidence to show. Your insurance provider can see what your roof used to look like before the damage.
2. Not bringing in a roofing contractor for inspection
Never skip the step of hiring a roofing company. You need an extra set of eyes from a professional that carries years of experience. A roofing contractor like us, Ranger Roofing, will be able to provide guidance and education of the claims process.
3. Hiring a shady roofing contractor
While professional roofing help is essential, be wary of bringing in the wrong help. Before you hire a contractor, ask about their license, insurance, and office address. Pay your contractor a visit. Research their reputation online. The Better Business Bureau is an excellent resource. Read online reviews. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors.
4. Starting the replacement process before contacting your insurer
The biggest mistake that you can make is assuming that everything is covered. Some homeowners start the repairs or replacements on their own even before they contact the insurance company. Follow the steps we discussed in the previous section. We emphasize that you should always call the insurance company first.
Did a Storm Damage Your Roof?
If your roof has recently suffered from a storm in Tulsa OK, consider filing a roof replacement insurance claim.
Here at Ranger Roofing, we help you ensure a fair settlement so be sure to check out our roofing insurance claim services. There, we’ve included everything you need to know about the process and what our assistance entails.
Need more advice? Please call us at 918-347-4215. We’d love to help you out as our valued Tulsa Oklahoma client!
