How Long Do I Have to Replace My Roof After Getting Insurance Coverage?

Are you worried about missing the deadline to use your insurance coverage for roof repairs because the claims process is taking so long? Do you know the steps to take while waiting for repairs to avoid further damage that won’t be covered by insurance?

At RoofSmart, we have negotiated with insurance companies to help our customers get the coverage they deserve and have gotten an increase in coverage during our last 100 negotiations.

We are familiar with the entire insurance coverage process and we’ve seen how long it can take to get coverage.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The timeline for using your roof insurance claim
• Steps to avoid extra damage
• The timeline and structure for receiving insurance payments
• Factors that impact the timeline for receiving payments

By the end, you’ll understand how the insurance payment process works and how long it might take to get full coverage for your damaged roof. You’ll be prepared to protect your home while you wait for your insurance claim to be approved.

Is there a time limit on using the insurance coverage I got for my roof?

Typically you have 2 years after your roof is damaged to use the coverage from your claim. Most of the time you’ll probably end up using it in a few days or a few weeks for a smaller repair. However, if you have a significant amount of damage to the roof, then you might need more time to get the repair work done.

The advantage of having two years is that you have some flexibility when coordinating repairs. But the downside is that if it takes too long to repair the damage to your roof you risk causing further damage.

Your insurance company won’t pay for additional damage that occurs if you choose to wait to repair your roof.

Here are some ways to avoid paying for extra damage:

• Take steps to delay or prevent further damage: If you need more time to make a decision or schedule repairs then you’ll also need to be vigilant about making temporary repairs and doing your best to prevent further damage to the roof. Clean up debris that caused damage to your roof and cover holes in the roof with a tarp. In a rainy area like Seattle, it is crucial that you do not let any water in. Otherwise, it can cause mold and damage your floors or walls.
• Consider hiring someone else to help you coordinate repairs: To avoid delays on your end, you can try to reduce the amount of scheduling and coordinating between contractors that you do by hiring someone who can do many things.
  • For example, if the majority of the damage is to your roof, you’re going to need a roofing contractor. We’d recommend looking for a roofing contractor who offers services other than roofing so that they can do all the work themselves. And if they can’t do everything then they can reach out to a contractor they trust to get the job done. Hiring an experienced roofing contractor can save you a lot of time and hassle.

How do I receive compensation from my insurance company for roof damage and how long will it take?

The timeline for receiving the checks can vary depending on the amount of damage and what the insurance adjustor finds when they do their initial inspection. Typically, this will all happen within a month, but sometimes it can take several months to finish the negotiation process and get approval.

In many of the cases that we’ve seen, the customer gets three different checks. This might be the case for you, but sometimes you only get one or two checks.

Here is the timeline for getting three checks from insurance for your damaged roof:

1. Check #1 covers initial expenses: You’ll get the first check after the insurance adjustor comes out to your house to assess the damage to your roof. The first check isn’t usually enough to cover all of the damage, but it is enough to hire a contractor and get started with repairs. You might receive this the day after the storm, or it might take a few days for the adjustor to get out there.
2. Check #2 covers the rest of the roof damage: Then, if you feel that the check you received isn’t enough you can hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof and share what they found with the insurance company. After negotiating with the insurance company and getting approval, you’ll get a check for the rest of the coverage you need. This can take a few days or a few weeks depending on how long it takes to get a roof inspection and negotiate with your insurance company.
3. Check #3 covers extra expenses (if needed): If there are issues that come up during the repair that nobody was able to see before, then your insurance company will send you a final check to cover those expenses. It can take a few days or even up to a week for your insurance company to process the evidence of initial damage, come to an agreement with you, and send out the final check.

What are the factors that impact how long it takes to get insurance coverage for my roof damage?

When it comes to getting coverage for roof damage and negotiating with your insurance company, you never know exactly how long it will take. But, there are some situations that can increase how long it takes before you get coverage:

• Needing coverage of $10,000 or more: With such a high payout, your insurance company will send coverage checks of $10,000 or more to your mortgage company. They must review the check before they approve it, sign it, and send it back to you. After you receive the approved check and sign it yourself, then you can access your coverage. This will delay your access to that coverage.
• Having extensive damage or potentially uninsurable damage: If your roof has a lot of damage then it can take a while to sort through it and negotiate with your insurance company to get coverage. Sometimes it might be unclear if the roof damage is covered under your policy or not. All of this makes the negotiation process take longer.

Next Steps to Take While Waiting for Insurance Coverage

Repairing your roof after an insurance claim doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your insurance timeline, taking proactive steps to prevent further damage, and efficiently managing the repair and claims process, you can protect your home and avoid unnecessary costs.

Your roof is a critical part of your home’s structure and safety, so don’t wait too long to act. Whether you’re facing extensive damage or minor repairs, following these guidelines will ensure you’re prepared and confident every step of the way.

An experienced and knowledgeable roofing contractor can make a world of difference during the claim process. Not sure how to find a qualified roofer who can help you? We’ve got you covered!

Do you want to know how to assess if a roofer has experience with insurance and can help you with negotiations? Check out our article “6 Steps to Take After a Wind Storm Damages Your Roof” for questions to ask and steps you can take.