Roof Insurance Claims: What Homeowners Need To Know
Roof Insurance Claims In McLean, VA: What
Homeowners Should Know To Get The
Roofing Services They Need
Get The Most Out Of Your Claim
By Working With The Experts
No one wants to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. But if a bad storm has recently blown through and you need roofing services in McLean, VA, familiarizing yourself with the process is essential to getting the roof repairs or replacement you need.
We’re no strangers to severe weather here in Northern VA, so many roofers – including us at Shiner Exteriors – are ready and willing to work with your insurance company and provide all the photos and documentation required to get the ball rolling on your claim. We’ve even compiled a list of what homeowners need to know about filing a roofing claim.
Be Wary Of “Storm Chasers” In The Suburban Maryland Area
When a major storm hits the area, many homes – and their roofs – can become damaged. This results in a lot of stress, and many homeowners panic, trying to remember what coverages they have.
It’s times like these when the community is most vulnerable, and the storm chasers come into town.
Inferior, unlicensed roofing companies – also called “storm chasers” – take advantage of people in these times of crisis, promising fast turnaround for your roofing services and charging a (conveniently) non-refundable deposit. Then, on the day they’re scheduled to show up, you never hear from them again!
Understanding the roofing industry and familiarizing yourself with local roofing experts in your community is key to avoiding being swindled by these untrustworthy “roofers.”
Understand Your Coverages When You
Need Roofing Services
Knowing what your homeowner’s policy covers is crucial to finding out how much you need to pay out of pocket for your roofing services. For example, your insurance policy might cover storm damage but not wear and tear, meaning if you need to replace your asphalt shingle roof that’s past its prime, your roof replacement might not be 100% covered.
You should also understand whether your insurance company offers Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value, as these payouts can vary dramatically – especially if you have an old roof.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
ACV refers to the depreciated value of your current roof. What does this mean? Well, say you have an asphalt shingle roof that’s 15 years old. Your insurance company will evaluate the cost of the roof and how much it has depreciated and give you a payout that reflects that.
Certain roofing materials – such as asphalt shingles – depreciate quicker, meaning the older your roof is, the less money your insurance company will pay. However, some materials – such as slate and tile – have much higher lifespans and don’t depreciate very quickly at all, meaning you could get a much higher payout for your roof.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Replacement Cost Value is generally better than ACV because it covers the replacement of a new roof, usually regardless of age. This means they cover the cost of a new roof without factoring in your roof’s depreciated value.
However, the RCV only applies to the original roof. This means if your original roof was asphalt shingles but you want a tile roof, you’ll have to pay for the difference out of pocket.
Know Your Deductible And The Cost
Of Your Roofing Services
If your insurance company approves your claim, you will have to pay your deductible, whether that’s $100 or $2000.
Depending on what your roof needs, this might not be a big deal. However, if after a thorough roof inspection by a professional it looks like you just need a repair, it’s important to weigh the cost before filing a claim.
If you have a $2000 deductible but your roof repairs will only cost you $800, it may not be worth it to file a claim.
Every Second Counts When Filing Your
Roofing Claim In McLean, VA
Timely documentation is everything when it comes to filing a roofing claim. After the storm has cleared and it’s safe to leave your house, take pictures of everything related to your claim. This means torn shingles that have blown off into your yard, fallen tree branches that have caused part of your roof to cave in, and even hailstones.
This also means calling a trusted local roofing company ASAP to schedule an inspection. At Shiner Exteriors, we work with your insurance company and provide them with the necessary documentation, making the whole process much smoother.
If you need roofing services in Northern VA or the Suburban Maryland Area, call Shiner Exteriors at (703) 560-7663 for your free estimate!
