How To Get Insurance to Pay Roof Replacement

Florida does not have the best track record with the insurance company when it comes to claims due to the excessive amount of claims throughout the state. Many of the claims are related to “how to get insurance to pay roof replacement”. Don’t let this deter you from placing a claim if you have valid damage that should be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

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If you are a homeowner that is considering submitting a claim because someone knocked on your door and asked to inspect your roof for free and told you that your roof is damaged then you may want to reconsider. In many cases, these claims are not valid. The blog will discuss the steps to get your insurance company to pay for your roof replacement for valid claims.

Steps: How to Get Insurance to Pay Roof Replacement

Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and deductible: Before filing a claim, it’s important to review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what your deductible is. Your policy may cover certain types of damage, such as wind or hail damage, but not others. You’ll also want to know what your deductible is, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Document the damage to your roof with photos and videos: Take photos and videos of the damage to your roof, including any shingles that are missing or damaged, as well as any other visible signs of damage. This will help provide evidence to your insurance company of the extent of the damage.
File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible: Contact your insurance company and let them know that you need to file a claim for damage to your roof. Most insurance companies have specific procedures for filing claims, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
Schedule an inspection with your insurance adjuster and make sure to point out all the damage to your roof: Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage to your roof. Make sure to point out all the damage you documented and provide any additional information that the adjuster requests.
Obtain estimates from licensed and reputable roofing contractors for the repairs or replacement needed: Get estimates from licensed and reputable roofing contractors for the cost of repairing or replacing your roof. You can use these estimates to negotiate with your insurance company and adjuster.
Provide the estimates and documentation of damage to your insurance adjuster: Provide your insurance adjuster with the estimates you obtained and the documentation of the damage to your roof. This will help your adjuster determine the amount of the claim.
Negotiate with your insurance company and adjuster to ensure the repairs or replacement costs are covered within your policy limits: Your insurance company may offer you a settlement that is lower than the amount you need to repair or replace your roof. If this happens, you can negotiate with your insurance company and adjuster to ensure that the repairs or replacement costs are covered within your policy limits.
Once you reach a settlement, hire a qualified roofing contractor to complete the work: Once you and your insurance company have agreed on a settlement, hire a qualified roofing contractor to complete the work. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured and has a good reputation for quality work.
Pay your deductible and any other out-of-pocket expenses required by your policy: You’ll need to pay your deductible and any other out-of-pocket expenses required by your policy, such as the cost of upgrading to a more expensive roofing material or a different color shingle. Your insurance company will provide you with the details of what you need to pay.

How much does it cost to replace a roof?

The cost to replace a roof can vary depending on a few factors, such as the size of the roof, the type of material used, the complexity of the job, and the region you’re in. Here are some rough estimates of the cost to replace a roof:

Asphalt shingle roof: $3 to $5 per square foot, or $4,500 to $7,500 for a 1,500 square foot roof.
Metal roof: $7 to $12 per square foot, or $10,500 to $18,000 for a 1,500 square foot roof.
Tile roof: $10 to $15 per square foot, or $15,000 to $22,500 for a 1,500 square foot roof.
Flat roof: $3 to $7 per square foot, or $4,500 to $10,500 for a 1,500 square foot roof.

It’s important to note that these estimates are just rough averages and can vary depending on the specific factors of your roofing project. For example, a roof with a steep pitch or multiple chimneys may be more expensive to replace than a simple, flat roof. It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes from reputable roofing contractors to get a more accurate estimate for your particular project.

How long do residential roofs last in Florida?

The lifespan of a residential roof in Florida can vary depending on several factors such as the type of roofing material, climate conditions, and the quality of installation and maintenance. Here are some approximate lifespan estimates for common roofing materials used in Florida:

Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15-20 years
Metal roofs can last 30-40 years
Tile roofs can last 25-35 years
Flat roofs (often made of modified bitumen or TPO) can last 10-20 years

Florida’s hot and humid climate accelerates roof deterioration, especially for asphalt shingles. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and repairing leaks, can help extend the lifespan of a residential roof. If these roof types where in other parts of the country that do not have similiar weather conditions then the life expectancy would may look like this:

Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20-30 years
Metal roofs can last 50-70 years
Tile roofs can last 30-40 years
Flat roofs (often made of modified bitumen or TPO) can last 15-25 years

Maybe your roof doesn’t need to be replaced and can be repaired.

If your roof is damaged, here are some steps to take:

Document the damage: Take photos or videos of the damage to your roof, including any missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or other visible signs of damage. This will help you provide evidence to your insurance company or roofing contractor.
Make temporary repairs: If there are any holes or leaks in your roof, cover them with a tarp or plastic sheeting to prevent further damage. You can also use a bucket or container to catch any leaking water.
Contact your insurance company: If the damage is severe, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to provide the documentation and evidence of the damage to your roof.
Get an inspection: Have a professional roofer or contractor inspect your roof to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repairs or replacement.
Hire a qualified roofing contractor: If your roof needs repairs or replacement, hire a qualified roofing contractor to do the work. Make sure they are licensed and insured, and have a good reputation for quality work.
Stay safe: If you decide to climb onto your roof to inspect the damage, be sure to take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing slip-resistant shoes and using a safety harness.

I hope this has been helpful. If you have additional questions and want to get in contact with GGR Home Inspections please send us a note, text, or call.