Are you scrambling to figure out how long you have to file an insurance claim after recent damage to your roof? Worried that your insurance company will deny your claim if you don’t notice the damage right away?
You’re not alone. After a windstorm or sudden damage, most Seattle homeowners feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. And when it comes to insurance claims, even one small mistake or missed deadline can cost you thousands out of pocket.
At RoofSmart, we offer our customers assistance with their insurance claims. As a result, we are familiar with all the right things to include in your claim and what deadlines you need to follow so that you don’t get denied for falling behind.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how fast you need to act after your roof is damaged, what your insurance company is required to do by law, and how to avoid the most common claim mistakes.
You'll also learn what to do if your claim is denied and how to push back if the process feels unfair.
How soon do I need to file a claim for damage to my roof?
As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to file a claim for damage “promptly” after you notice it. You should file a claim at most 1 to 2 weeks after noticing damage. Every insurance company has a specific process for filing a claim, either by phone, web, or app. Usually all 3 are available.
Ideally, you’ll be able to file a claim on the same day that the damage occurs, but sometimes that isn’t possible. Some roof damage is hidden within the roof, but it isn’t noticeable for a very long time.
Another example is when there are circumstances that prevent you from filing the claim right away. In the Seattle area, it is common for the windstorms that damage your roof to also take out power lines. If the power is out or you are in a dangerous situation, you won’t report the damage right away.
But once you are safe and have access to power, you should make sure to file an insurance claim so that repairs can begin as soon as possible.
What should I include in my roof damage claim to avoid slowing down the process?
The most important thing to include in your insurance claim for roof damage (or any kind of damage) is evidence. Take plenty of pictures or videos that clearly show the damage from a variety of angles and submit them with your claim. Make sure it’s clear in the pictures where the damage is. Do your best, but don’t rely on the insurance company to document things.
Take pictures of the damage as you inspect it, and then take pictures after you’ve done your best to clean up and minimize any further damage. Insurance companies expect that you’ll do this, so it’s helpful to show them this step.
You can also take detailed notes describing
- The damage you find on your roof
- Where the damage is
- When and how the damage happened
- When you first noticed the damage
How quickly does my insurance company need to respond to me about my roof damage claim?
Just like you have an obligation to submit a claim as soon as you can, your insurance company is also required to respond to your claim in a timely manner.
In Washington State, your insurance company must respond within 10 business days of receiving your claim (or 15 business days for group insurance). This includes acknowledging that your claim was received and answering any questions that you have as your claim progresses. And WA state has regulations in place requiring a prompt decision about your coverage.
As you’re filing your claim, your insurance company must also assist you with the process and provide you with the right paperwork as needed, as well as relevant coverage.
How long does my insurance company have to pay me after accepting my payment?
There isn’t a set timeline for getting your insurance payment after your claim has been accepted. Usually, you should receive your payment within a few weeks of getting your claim approved.
The check should be sent to you, but if it’s more than $10,000, your insurance company will send it to your mortgage company to sign off on it. Either way, they should notify you that your payment has been sent.
However, if your insurance company accepts your claim and then withholds your payment, you may be entitled to take legal action for unreasonable denial of payment of benefits.
How quickly does my insurance company need to make a decision about my roof damage claim?
Your insurance company must tell you if your roof damage claim has been either accepted or denied within 15 business days of receiving the fully completed claim.
If they need more time, they must notify you within 15 business days about why they need more time. Then, they are required to continue to update you if they need additional time.
If they choose to deny your claim, they must specifically state why your claim does not meet the requirements of your insurance policy.
How long do I have to resubmit my claim if it gets denied?
If you want to resubmit your claim, you can. There isn’t necessarily a set timeline for resubmitting a claim after you’ve already submitted one.
Make sure you understand why your claim was denied before you attempt to resubmit it. Ask your insurer if there’s anything you can do differently. You can bring in a roofing contractor to help you assess your roof’s needs more accurately.
If you feel that your roof damage claim was denied unfairly, you can take legal action. If your insurance company is truly being unreasonable in denying your claim, you might even be able to get coverage for your legal fees after winning the lawsuit.
What are the steps for filing an insurance claim for roof damage?
Now that you understand how deadlines and timelines work in the insurance claims process, you're in a stronger position to protect your home (and your wallet) after roof damage.
Acting quickly and documenting everything is key, but knowing your rights and responsibilities is only the beginning. The next step? Learning how to file a claim the right way.
Read our article “4 Steps For Filing An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage After a Storm” for a clear, step-by-step guide that shows you exactly what to do after discovering roof damage, from documentation and contacting your insurer to getting estimates and securing repairs.
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