No homeowner wants to deal with a damaged roof and be forced to invest in repairs. Unfortunately, weather can be unpredictable and accidents are bound to happen in South Carolina. But just because your roof is seriously damaged during a storm doesn’t mean you should be forced to pay for the repairs. In many cases, roof insurance claims in Columbia will cover the costs of the repair.
Even with a strong policy, insurance providers may try to avoid payments or claim that the costs of repairs are significantly lower than they are. The good news is that you don’t have to negotiate with those insurance companies on your own. Here at Midlands Roofing, we deal with insurance providers on your behalf to ensure they understand the full extent of the damage and the cost of roof repairs in Columbia.
If your roof has been damaged by a storm or other disaster covered by your insurance, then you need to begin the repair process as soon as possible. Our trained experts have more than 10 years of experience in the Columbia region and we have worked with all types of roofing systems. We will inspect your roof, negotiate with the insurance provider, and then get your home back in working order.
Call us immediately at 803-414-6801 if you’re in need of serious roofing repairs.
What Are the Types of Roof Damage Covered by Insurance?
Every South Carolina homeowner should be familiar with their insurance policy and the type of roof damage that is covered. Not all sources of damage will be covered and in some cases, you may be forced to pay for the repairs yourself.
Here are the primary types of roof damage that are almost always covered by homeowners’ insurance. Keep in mind that there may be some differences in your policy and the type of coverage you are provided.
Fire Damage
This is every homeowner’s worst fear. A small fire can quickly spread and damage your entire home, including the roof. Homeowner’s insurance will generally cover accidental fire damage or fire caused by an extreme weather event. It will not cover the cost if you intentionally start a fire in your home.
Wind Damage
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers all types of roof damage that are caused by severe weather events. One of the most common examples of this is severe wind damage that tears shingles from the roof. If your roof was damaged during a storm or hurricane, then we can work with the insurance company to cover the costs and begin fixing your roof.
Hail Damage
Similar to wind damage, this is another common occurrence after a severe storm. Hail can cause visible damage even to high-quality shingles. It may even tear holes in your shingles causing them to no longer protect the sub-surface from water. If your roof has been severely damaged in a hail storm, then it’s time to call a roofing contractor.
What Are the Types of Roof Damage Not Covered by Insurance?
Insurance companies are less interested in the type of damage and more interested in the source of the damage. More expensive policies may cover a wider array of damage sources. Here are the most common types of roof damage that are rarely covered by an insurance policy.
Intentional Damage
This should go without saying, but some homeowners intentionally damage their roofs in hopes that the insurance company will pay for a new one. If they determine that the damage was caused intentionally, then they will not pay for repairs and it may be considered a crime.
Lack of Maintenance/Old Age
If your roof is falling apart simply because it’s too old or it has not been maintained, then the damage will not be covered by an insurance policy. In many cases, even accidental damage that would normally be covered will be considered exempt from coverage if the roof is too old. That’s why it’s important to regularly maintain your roof and replace it when needed.
Pest Damage
Are you aware of a rodent or termite infestation? Then you should take immediate action to remedy the problem before they damage your roof. Most insurance policies will not cover roof damage that is caused by a pest infestation.
What to Do if Your Roof Has Been Damaged?
Your first step should be to contact the provider of your homeowner’s insurance. They will either send an adjuster to your property or tell you to first have it inspected by a roofing contractor. You won’t know which option they prefer until you’ve made contact.
In either scenario, our contractors will still eventually inspect the roof and ensure that our estimate of the damage and the insurance company’s estimate are in sync. We will let the insurance company know if we find anything different or if their estimate is too low.
What to Do if Your Roof Damage Insurance Claim Has Been Denied?
You have options available for appealing a denial from your insurance provider. In most cases, you can schedule a second inspection of the roof with the insurance adjuster.
We will be present during this second inspection to document the roof damage alongside the adjuster and determine exactly why the claim was denied. It may be possible to have your denial overturned depending on our findings and the cause of the damage.
We Can Help With Roof Insurance Claims in Columbia, SC!
Roof repairs can be very expensive depending on the extent of the damage and the type of materials used. While most homeowners eventually need to replace their roofs that doesn’t mean they are financially able to do so every time there is a severe storm. That’s why homeowner’s insurance policies are designed to cover these unexpected costs.
Every insurance company is a little different from the next and they may vary in the type of policies and coverage that they offer. They might also differ in how they handle the claims process. It’s important to review any documents you have or speak with the company directly to determine exactly what is covered.
The next step is to contact our qualified Columbia roofing contractors at Midlands Roofing. Call us today at 803-414-6801 if you have spoken with your insurance provider or require further assistance.
