In 2022, property damage accounted for nearly 98% of filed homeowners insurance claims. If, for instance, roof damage is covered by insurance, the insurer should pay for the full or partial replacement of the roof. Unfortunately, many insurance agencies attempt to negotiate with their clients over the coverage that applies to their situation, denying claims or issuing a partial roof replacement. Insurance companies are well-versed in negotiating for their profit margins, but the average homeowner may not know the ins and outs of the process.
By partnering with an experienced insurance restoration contractor, homeowners can get the full roof replacement they deserve. If you are wondering how to negotiate roof replacement with insurance companies, continue reading for our tips on the challenges and strategies of working with insurers after sustaining damage to your roof.
The Challenges Of Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance negotiations present a variety of challenges that can prevent homeowners from obtaining the roof replacement they need. Some of the most common roadblocks include:
Complex & Confusing Insurance Policies
Insurance policies are often filled with confusing fine print that redefines what is and is not covered in a specific event. For example, wind, ice, hail, and falling tree damage may not be covered under the same liability limit.
Homeowners should review their insurance policies, noting their deductible and any exclusions to ensure their roof is covered against predictable types of damage. In many cases, insurance negotiations become necessary because the homeowner did not understand their policy’s exclusions.
Little To No Expertise In Assessing Damages
Most homeowners cannot accurately assess the damage to their homes. In some cases, this results in an underestimated claim, which may be approved by the insurance company but fails to cover the real cost of the repairs. In other cases, homeowners overestimate their claims, resulting in insurance negotiations.
While relying on insurance adjusters to conduct official damage evaluations sounds advantageous, many adjusters undervalue the damage or recommend repairs when a replacement is needed, resulting in greater costs to the homeowner down the line.
Hassle Of Dealing With Claims Processing
Most homeowners are unaware of how insurance claims are processed in their states, including the required documentation and the process for submitting evidence of damage. As a result, many homeowners miss their window for claim approval with their insurance company, misfile their claim, or delay the process until proper documentation is submitted.
Denial Of Claims Or Under-Funded Payouts
Insurance companies often deny claims or alter them to pay for only partial roof replacements. This shoulders the homeowner with the remaining costs, even when their policy should have covered the damage. In many cases, homeowners’ lack of experience in negotiating claims results in an underfunded payout and additional out-of-pocket costs for their repairs.
Why Homeowners Should Work With An Insurance Restoration Contractor
Experienced insurance restoration contractors understand the claims process and help homeowners avoid unnecessary hassle. They can perform labor-intensive and confusing tasks related to claim negotiation, including:
- Documenting damage
- Gathering additional evidence
- Submitting required documents
- Meeting claim deadlines
- Speaking with adjusters
- Advise claim process
- Conducting repairs
With knowledgeable claims experts on their side, homeowners can successfully negotiate with their insurance companies or avoid negotiation altogether. Insurers cannot take advantage of a homeowner who has an experienced advocate in their corner.
The Steps to Negotiating a Roof Replacement (and How Contractors Simplify Each Step)
Homeowners can follow these simple steps to begin insurance negotiations, but an experienced insurance restoration contractor can help clarify the process and encourage a more successful outcome.
Step 1: Inspect & Document Damage
The first step in an insurance claim is to inspect and document the damage. Unfortunately, most homeowners miss critical details, leading to an undervalued claim. Restoration contractors provide professional assessments that accurately assess the damage and calculate the repair or replacement cost.
Step 2: File The Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim requires meeting important deadlines to submit sufficient documentation. Many homeowners lack experience with the claims process that accredited insurance restoration contractors can provide.
Step 3: Work With The Adjuster
The insurance adjuster will inspect the roof to verify your claim. Many insurance adjusters undervalue the claim or recommend a simpler repair to save the insurer money. Restoration contractors help ensure that the adjuster documents all significant damage and files an accurate report with the insurance company.
Step 4: Appeal Denied Or Partial Claims
When the insurance company denies or undervalues a claim, public adjusters and third-party reports can be crucial to repealing their assessment. Contractors will often communicate with third-party adjusters and can quickly organize an accurate damage assessment to counter the insurance company’s claim denial.
Step 5: Complete The Restoration Project
In addition to providing guidance for the claims process, top insurance restoration contractors also complete the roof restoration or replacement in-house, preventing homeowners from taking a risk with an outside provider.
Connect with Our Roof Replacement Insurance Experts
Contact Expert Exteriors today to learn how our team of insurance restoration contractors can help you with your claim for roof repair or replacement. We participate in the process from documentation to restoration to save homeowners stress and prevent their inexperience from costing them the insurance claim they deserve.
Visit our website or call Expert Exteriors today to learn how our experience can help you overcome the difficult claims process for your roof restoration.