Friday, July 20, 2012

How Do You Get Your Homeowners Insurance To Pay For Your Leaking Roof

Homeowners Insurance Often Covers Leaky Roofs


Homeowners insurance is a popular way to protect yourself against large financial losses from unexpected damage to your home. Leaky roofs are commonly covered in these policies, and understanding get your homeowners insurance to pay for your leaky roof can help to expedite the claims process and repair the damage in a timely manner.


Instructions


1. Check your policy to ensure that water damage or leaks in your roof are specifically covered. According to solveyourproblem.com, homeowners insurance policies may include roof exclusions for certain types of roof damage. If you do not have a copy of your policy handy, contact your insurance company and ask a representative to speak with you about your roof damage coverage.


2. Take pictures of the damage from a variety of angles. As with any insurance claim, proper and timely documentation of damage is crucial. Take pictures from inside and outside of the house, if possible, and even in the attic if the leak or any water damage is visible. You may be required to send copies of these pictures when you file your claim.


3. Obtain a third party estimate for the cost of repairs. Find a contractor who is willing to perform a free estimate, or ask a public adjuster, and keep a copy of the quote he gives you. This will serve as a way to check the accuracy of any estimates performed by your insurance company.


4. Contact your insurance company to begin the claim filing process. You will likely be required to navigate through an automated voice menu, and will eventually be assigned a representative to handle your claim. Your representative will walk you through the process of filing your claim, providing you with all necessary forms and submission procedures.


5. Allow your insurance company to conduct an estimate using their own contractors if necessary. You will most likely set this up with your claims representative, and will have to agree to be home on a certain day to allow the contractor to perform the estimate. Remember to mention to the company's contractor that you have obtained an independent estimate, and request a copy of the quote this contractor provides to your insurance company.


6. Use the contact information you have gained throughout the claims submission process to check weekly or bi-weekly on the progress of your claim. The claims process can proceed slowly at times, but your assigned representative should be able to to inform you of the status of your claim throughout the process.

Tags: insurance company, your claim, your insurance, your insurance company, assigned representative