When it comes to residential roof insurance claims in Ohio, the process can oftentimes be confusing and lengthy. So, we thought it might be helpful to explain how roof insurance claims work:

1. Research and Document
2. Call a Roofing Contractor
3. Call Insurance & File a Roofing Claim
4. Have Roof Replaced
5. Frequently Asked Roofing Claim Questions

1. RESEARCH AND DOCUMENT

It’s always advisable to be proactive before anticipated storms or unexpected roof damage. A yearly roof inspection is something we always highly recommend. If initially inspecting the roof yourself, look for missing or lifted shingles. Then, check the shingles for any cracks or missing granules. Many granules in your gutters or on the ground is a good indication you’ll need your roof inspected by a professional. Additionally, always check for water spots both inside and outside your home.

If you live in Ohio, a roof inspection should always be conducted after severe weather. When that happens, document the condition of your roof through pictures and/or videos. This will help you prepare in case you ever need to file a roofing insurance claim.

Additionally, check your insurance documents to see what your insurance policy covers and what your deductible and coverage limits are.

2. CALL A ROOFING CONTRACTOR

The very first thing you need to do after a significant weather event, or anytime you think your roof sustained damage, is to call us. We offer Ohio homeowners and business owners free roof inspections and give you an estimate of what will need to get done. If you decide to work with another roofing company, make sure whoever you call is licensed, insured, and experienced! Otherwise, you potentially run the risk of additional and costly damage later on from the neglected repair or replacement.

A quality roofing contractor should be a reliable source of assistance and advice for you to lean on during this process. They should be able to advocate for the best solution for your situation. At Midtown Roofing, we give you a complete and accurate estimate of any damages, if the roof will need to be replaced, and other costs and the amount of time it will take to complete the job.

3. CALL INSURANCE & FILE A ROOFING CLAIM

After a roofing contractor comes to evaluate your roof, you’ll want to report the incident to your insurance provider. Insurance will then appoint a claims adjuster to come to your house to see the damage. Then, they’ll input data and give you an estimate of what insurance will cover.

It’s important to have your roofing contractor there when the claims adjuster is doing the evaluation. A professional roofing contractor will know what is consistent with storm damage. They will ensure the adjuster is fair and covers all the damage to the property caused by the storm. A contractor can also catch any errors that might be made by the adjuster. It is still likely that the adjuster will not find everything that needs to be done. Your roofing contractor can submit some of these missed “code items” later as supplementals to your insurance.

4. HAVE ROOF REPLACED

Once you have everything documented and approved by the insurance company, it’s time to have your roof replaced. Whether you need a residential roof replacement, we remind you to only work with a skilled roofing contractor that will ensure your investment will be protected.

5. FREQUENTLY ASKED ROOFING CLAIM QUESTIONS

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive on how roof insurance claims work in Ohio:

• Why is there depreciation on my insurance claim?
  Depreciation is the amount of money that is held back by the insurance company. This is per item and not on the total claim amount. The depreciation is based on how much life expectancy is left in the damaged item. If something is worth $100 brand new and there is 10% of its life expectancy left, the insurance carrier would pay you 10% of the new price ($10) and hold back 90% ($90). Depending on the policy the depreciation can be recovered once the work is completed and documentation is sent in. Read what’s the difference between RCV vs ACV below to understand if you can recover your depreciation?

• Why is it essential to have my roof inspected after a major storm or another event?
  Roofing systems are an integral component of a building. Damage can occur from hail, high winds, and storms. Often to an untrained eye, there looks to be little or no damage. However, if you ignore a roof that needs repair or replacement, it will get worse over time, and cost you more to fix. Additionally, most insurance policies only give you 12 months to file a claim to catch damage early. Hail, in particular, can cause small imperfections that get worse over time. Storm damage isn’t likely to cause leaks immediately, but later, as the roof gets exposed to the elements, leaks start to occur.

• What is the difference between RCV vs. ACV?
  Insurance coverages often have two different ways of evaluating how much you’ll receive for your roof. One is the replacement cost value (RCV). This is a more traditional type of coverage. The insurer will pay enough to cover the full cost of a roof replacement, minus your deductible. ACV is the actual cash value. This factors in the age of your roof and is more common in states with high wind and hailstorms. You’ll receive the amount of the roof replacement minus deductible and depreciation.

• What don’t some roof insurance policies cover?
  • Wear and tear on an older roof
  • Damage from a neglected maintenance issue
  • Wind and hail exclusions on some policies
  • Damage caused by not taking immediate action after storms

Remember, the insurance process can often be lengthy and involve a lot of follow-up, documentation, and research. Work with an experienced roofing contractor to save you time, stress, and money.

At Midtown Roofing, we have top-notch experience with roofing replacement for Ohio homeowners and business owners. Additionally, we give you an accurate and detailed roof inspection and quality service. So, when you file your insurance claim, you’ll know you’re in the best hands. Call us first and let us do the heavy work for you.