What Mistakes Do Homeowners Make When Filing an Insurance Claim for Their Roof?

Are you concerned that you might make a mistake on your insurance claim and lose coverage for your expensive roof repair? Are you frustrated about the claims process and wondering what resources are available to help you do it right?

At RoofSmart, we are committed to getting you the best coverage possible to help you fix your roof damage. In fact, the last 100 customers of ours who filed for coverage got an increase on their claim after we helped them negotiate with their insurance company.

In this article, you’ll learn about common mistakes homeowners make when filing insurance claims for roof damage and the resources available to help you if you have trouble filing the claim.

By the end, you’ll know how to avoid these mistakes and decide which resources would be most helpful for you as you file your insurance claim for roof damage.

What mistakes should I avoid when filing a claim for roof insurance?

Filing a claim for insurance is a tough process, and it’s easy to get things wrong. You’re already stressed about the damage to your roof, and on top of that, you have to go through a lengthy negotiation process to get coverage for roof repairs.

To help ease your burden as you go through this process, check out the things that homeowners commonly mess up that make the claim process much more difficult:

1.) Filing for Damage That Is Not Included In Your Policy

Insurance policies always have several exclusions, and they can be confusing to figure out. Before filing your claim, it’s a good idea to check your policy to make sure that what you’re filing for is covered.

For example, if your roof was damaged in a storm or in a fire, then it’s very likely that you will get coverage. However, if you have mold in your attic caused by poor ventilation, that is not likely to be covered by your insurance.

2.) Thinking the Insurance Company Is On Your Side

The insurance company’s top priority is to get your claim resolved as quickly as possible at the lowest possible amount needed. This does not mean that insurance companies are bad or dishonest. But the reality is that their priorities are different than yours.

Do not immediately accept your insurance company’s first offer. Take the time to review the claim, the damage to your home, and the offer they gave you. Don’t be afraid to ask for more coverage if you think their offer was too low to pay for repairs.

You should approach your claim knowing that you might have to fight for the coverage that you want. It might also be necessary to hire a public adjuster or an experienced roofer to help you with negotiations.

3.) Choosing the Wrong Roofing Contractor

If your insurance company is covering the cost of the repair, then that might change how you search for roofing contractors because you don’t have to worry about the price. But if you need repairs on your home, you want to make sure that the roofer who is doing them does a good job so that you don’t have to do more repairs in a few years.

Ensuring that your roofer is qualified by looking at reviews and seeing what type of roofing projects is a fairly quick and easy process. We recommend looking for a roofer who is competent and honest.

Most of the damage might be to your roof, but if your siding or internal framing was damaged you might want to call more contractors.

You can save yourself a lot of time and energy by finding a roofing contractor that can do more than just roofing. That way, they can help you fix ALL of the damage to your home. And even if there is something they can’t do, they’ll probably be able to recommend a contractor.

An experienced roofing contractor can even help you during the claims process to make sure that you get full coverage for your repairs. They are a great resource because their interests align with yours: you want great coverage and your roofer knows that the work they do will be covered by your insurance company.

A roofer who is experienced in working with insurance can also help with negotiations. But if your roofer cannot help you or you’d like an outside opinion, you can also hire a public adjuster. You do not have to go through negotiations alone!

4.) Not documenting the damage properly

The most important thing to do while filing your claim is to submit evidence of the roof damage. It is best to submit pictures taken right after the damage occurred (or as soon as it is safe for you to inspect the damage).

You can pair the pictures you submit with detailed notes describing what happened and the damage that you can see. Keep track of dates, times, and any changes that you notice. Without pictures and other information, your insurance company has nothing to go on.

They should know what the damage looks like before an adjuster comes out to your property. Failing to document and submit evidence or not providing enough documentation of the damage can mean that your claim won’t get approved.

Who Can Help Me Prevent Common Mistakes While Filing an Insurance Claim for My Roof?

If you feel confident in your ability to navigate the insurance claim process on your own, then we encourage you to go for it. Our advice is to remember that you are not alone in this process and it is okay to change your mind and ask for help.

Do your best to read and understand your insurance policies. If you don’t understand them, ask your insurance company for clarification.

If you need help with negotiations, hiring an experienced roofing contractor or a public adjuster can be very helpful.

An experienced roofing contractor can make this process easier by:

• Helping you understand your insurance policy coverage
• Negotiating with your insurance company on your behalf
• Doing work on your home aside from just the roof

Just because you choose to do this on your own does not mean that you’ll make mistakes or that you won’t get coverage. But, using your resources can help make the process much smoother and take some of the burden off of you.

Filing a Roof Insurance Claim? Here’s How to Get It Right

Filing an insurance claim for roof damage doesn’t have to be a stressful or overwhelming experience. By avoiding common mistakes—like filing for damages not covered in your policy, assuming the insurance company is on your side, or selecting an unqualified contractor—you can streamline the process and maximize your coverage.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Resources like experienced roofing contractors or public adjusters can make a significant difference in your claim’s success. A contractor familiar with insurance processes can clarify your policy, negotiate on your behalf, and handle multiple repairs on your home, saving you time and effort

Looking for help on how to file an insurance claim for your damaged roof? Check out our article “Steps For Filing An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage In Renton, WA” for a step-by-step guide.