On average, roof repair can cost anywhere between $400 and $1,200. If the damage is extensive, the cost can go as high as $15,000.
Key Takeaways
Not sure if you need a roof replacement? You'll need to get your hands dirty and check things out.
Examining the roof from the ground level |
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Looking at the actual roof |
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Take photos of the roof (you would also want to have a few ‘before’ photos) and write down any signs of damage that you have noticed during the assessment.
You would have to call a professional to conduct a roof inspection if you have discovered:
The opinion of a professional would add more weight to your arguments during the insurance claims process.
Ideally, you would want to have at least 3 or 4 bids from various roofing companies in your area. Those will be provided to the insurance agent to act as a base cost of the required roof repairs.
Even if you have hired a professional to inspect the roof, the insurance company will perform its separate inspection. The adjuster will ultimately determine how much the company is willing to cover.
Only after having a chat with your own contractor and insurance adjuster, you can finally proceed to file a claim.
Don’t be afraid to consult your insurance agent – the expert will help you meet the proper requirements and deadlines.
If the claim is approved, you must pay your deductible and find a trustworthy roofing company that can do the job.
Depending on the type of your insurance policy, you’ll get paid either for what your roof is valued at (the Actual Cash Value policy), or you’ll get what it costs to repair the roof after the work has been done (the Replacement Cost Value policy).
Do bear in mind, however, that even if you have the necessary documents on hand that does not mean you’ll get the exact sum mentioned in the papers. The adjuster has the final say, and the expert will use special software, Xactimate, to determine the amount based on the average price of the materials in your area.
Unfortunately, the chances are high that they will leave off the various markups that businesses often have to add to the final price of the materials. So, even if you do win your insurance claim, you might not get paid enough money to fully cover the roof repair. If you urgently need some extra cash to take care of the issue, you might want to consider taking out a loan offered by Simple Fast Loans.
In a majority of cases, insurance companies will pay only for the damage caused by specific weather conditions. These usually include:
Do bear in mind that such natural disasters as floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes typically require separate coverage.
When you are preparing your roof, it would be best if your insurance company foot most of the bill. Of course, you could reach out to Simple Fast Loans for an online installment loan to help you cover the cost, but it is always wise to do your due diligence on any home improvements, especially those as vital as the roof over your head.
That said, if you want to get as much money as possible from your carrier, here are the basics.
You should give your policy a thorough read before filing a claim. Look for the section where it mentions the cases that the insurance company does not cover.
Most companies will not take care of the necessary repairs if the damage to the roof is caused by:
Once you file a claim, the insurance company will send over an adjuster who is going to assess the damage and determine what can be done further.
It would be much easier for you to get the best possible outcome if you have the necessary documentation:
Though the adjuster would certainly be looking for any damages caused by weather-related conditions covered by your insurance, the expert would also try to find a reason to reject your insurance claims.
You might have trouble getting paid if your roof is too old or poorly maintained.
If the adjuster finds granule loss, exposed underlayment, or dark streaks that indicate the presence of algae, you might not be able to get a full reimbursement.
So, you are taking the road of filing a claim, let's go over how to get this approved.
It would be nearly impossible to file an excellent claim without a professional inspection.
Be cautious about the companies that offer free roof inspections, as scams typically begin with such an unsolicited offer. A physical roof inspection can cost between $75 and $600. If you’d prefer a drone inspection, be prepared to pay $150–$400.
Tip: Double-check your policy, as some insurance companies might cover the cost of the inspection as well.
Make sure that the claim that you’re about to make is included in the policy.
Once you have verified that damage caused by a storm, for example, is covered, start looking for any stipulations.
If you’re the type of person who keeps all his documents in one place, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding records of past repairs and home inspection reports.
In case you do not have these papers on hand, you can try getting a copy from the company that performed the inspection or repair.
Most companies would allow you to file a claim within a year of when the damage occurred, but you should bear in mind that the longer you wait, the more factors affecting the condition of the roof the adjuster might be able to find during the inspection.
It is not something that you must do, but keeping a log of your interactions might prove to be helpful in the long run.
Simply don't forget to write down the names of the individuals you spoke to, the dates, and a summary of the meeting.
Here are some helpful tips to secure a greater roofer after you nail that claim.
Roof Type |
Recommended Replacement Schedule |
Composition shingles |
12-20 years |
Wood shingles |
20-25 years |
Asphalt shingles |
15-30 years |
Rubber roofs |
30-50 years |
Metal roofs |
50-75 years |
Remember that if you manage to take proper care of your roof and replace it according to the schedule, you will increase your chances of winning an insurance claim, in case there is ever such a need.
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