Insurance Education
Facts and Myths About Roofing Insurance Claims
Consumers often have been misinformed about filing an insurance claim to replace or repair their damaged roof. Here are some facts and myths about the insurance claim process:
Myth: If I find a roofer who does the work cheaper than my insurance company estimated, then I can pocket the difference and make some money.
Fact: According to Texas State Insurance laws, this is considered insurance fraud. Not only is this insurance fraud, insurance companies require the roofing contractor to provide a final invoice to them. Getting the work done cheaper than the insurance estimate actually saves the insurance company money and does nothing for you. If the price of the roof replacement is lower than the insurance company estimate, your insurance company will in turn, adjust your final depreciation check accordingly, making the final depreciation check less by that amount. More importantly, in many cases customers end up with a roof of lesser quality than what they could have received, precisely because they went with the company that had the lowest price.
Myth: My insurance company says I have to get three estimates and go with the lowest estimate.
Fact: You are not required to get three estimates. Plus you can determine which company you want to have perform the work for you. Even though the insurance company is paying for the work, this does not mean that you have to go with the lowest or cheapest estimate just to save the insurance company money.
Myth: It doesn’t matter what company I have fix my roof after a storm.
Fact: Unfortunately during an active storm season, many companies come into an area temporarily as “storm chasers”. These companies ‘work’ an area after a storm then leave to go on to the next storm area. This means that they will not be here to contact for warranty work and/or for service calls. Often these companies replace the roof as fast as they do because they aren’t concerned about backing their work by honoring their warranty.
Myth: My insurance company will cancel my policy if I file a claim.
Fact: Insurance companies cannot cancel your policy for a disaster related claim.
Myth: If I file a claim, my insurance company will raise my rates.
Fact: After a disaster, whether you get a new roof or not, the state board of insurance in Austin, Texas may raise everyone’s rates in your area. You are better off getting a new roof since your rates could go up anyway due to the disaster.
Common Indications that you may need a roof inspection:
- Recent Hail or Wind storm
- Water-stains on the ceiling
- Roof debris on the ground after heavy winds
- Rotted, warping, or curling of existing roof material
- Extreme granule loss from shingles
