7 Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Roof Damage Insurance Claim

After a strong hail storm, roof damage can be distressful, but dealing with the insurance claim process can be even more overwhelming. To navigate this challenging situation with ease, it’s essential to find a reliable roofing contractor who understands insurance claims. However, with numerous roofing companies available, selecting the right one can seem daunting. Here are seven crucial tips to help you hire a reputable roofing contractor for your roof damage insurance claim, ensuring a successful and stress-free experience.

Choose a Local Contractor

Prioritize local roofing companies with a physical office in your area and a local phone number. This ensures their presence throughout the claim process and easy accessibility for any issues that may arise. Local contractors safeguard against storm chasers, out-of-state companies that offer low prices but may deliver subpar work and disappear without accountability. It is important to choose someone who has been in the business for over 15 years.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Make sure the roofing contractor is licensed and insured to guarantee your protection and proper completion of the job. Verify that the contractor possesses the required licenses for the specific scope of the project. Adequate insurance coverage, encompassing general liability and workman’s compensation, is imperative. Projects. This is to protect you as the homeowner. If the contractor isn’t properly insured and is injured or falls off the roof, the homeowner becomes liable.

Prioritize Experience With Insurance Claims

Hire a roofing contractor experienced in handling insurance work, specifically for roof damage insurance claims. Experienced contractors know how to read and supplement your claim, ensuring compliance with your insurance company’s requirements and avoiding insurance fraud. Contractors should be helping you through the insurance claim process. Their expertise leads to a positive experience during a stressful period.

Check Recent Reviews

Look for reviews from the last six months or more to assess a roofing contractor’s reputation and ability to handle insurance claims. Patterns in reviews, such as positive interactions with customers and a commitment to quality work, indicate reliability. Consider both positive and negative reviews but focus on consistent themes.

Accurate Insurance Claim Paperwork

Before revealing your insurance paperwork, it is crucial to obtain a bid from a roofing contractor. Many roofers rely on insurance proceeds and exploit unsuspecting customers, which you should be cautious of and avoid falling victim to. Finding a roofing company that doesn’t want to see your paperwork is the best-case scenario. 

Walk away from anyone who suggests covering your deductible, as this constitutes insurance fraud! Such companies may aim to secure the job and then compromise on the quality of work to offset the costs. Remember that this practice is illegal and could result in additional expenses for you if the job is not done correctly. This behavior raises concerns about their integrity and the potential for further unethical practices once they start working on your roof. Always prioritize honest and ethical contractors who uphold legal practices throughout the project.

Like-to-Like Products

It’s essential to ensure you are getting a like-for-like product. This means that if you currently have a wood shake roof, make sure the contractor is offering a replacement product that costs the same. Unfortunately, there are unethical roofing companies out there that might take advantage of this situation. They could quote you for a more expensive shingle but end up using a cheaper alternative, pocketing the difference as profit. This is another reason to always be vigilant and work with reputable contractors who prioritize transparency and honesty in their dealings. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the specific materials they plan to use for your roof to ensure you’re getting the quality and value you deserve. It’s good to familiarize yourself with “The Consumer Protection/Residential Roofing Bill of Rights” (also known as SB38) to make sure you know your rights as a consumer and don’t get taken advantage of.

Communicating With Your Insurer

Choose a roofing contractor that maintains effective communication with your insurer. This ensures they can address any follow-up questions or clarify the details of the job, making the claims process smoother

Finding a reputable roofing contractor for your hail damage insurance claim is crucial to a successful and stress-free process. You can and should look into different companies through the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding high ethical standards and enhancing the reputation of the roofing industry in Colorado. It is crucial to collaborate solely with companies that are members of this organization and have undergone thorough vetting by the CRA.

At Horn Brothers Roofing, we have been assisting homeowners and business owners all over Colorado with their insurance claims for over 25 years. Contact us today for reliable service and support throughout your insurance claim process.