Alyssa Lane
If your roof has been damaged, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. They will then send an adjuster to evaluate the damage. The adjuster works for the insurance carrier, not for you, and their job is to assess the damage, determine whether it was caused by a peril covered in your policy, and ensure that your insurance company pays out only what is owed according to the terms of your policy. It is important to know what the insurance adjuster's role is and what they are looking for during an inspection, as this can help you prevent denied claims or dropped coverage in the future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should I allow an insurance adjuster to look at my roof? | Yes, if you want to make a claim for roof damage, an insurance adjuster will need to assess the damage. |
| Role of an insurance adjuster | To determine if roof damage exists, what caused the damage, and if the damage is covered under your insurance policy. |
| What to do if your roof is damaged | Call your insurance company, who will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. |
| What to do before an insurance adjuster visits | Inspect your roof for damage, take photos, and get an estimate for repairs from a roofing contractor. |
| What an insurance adjuster looks for during an inspection | Depending on the type of roof and the damage incurred, an adjuster may look for broken tiles, missing shingles, light creasing in a shingle, small dents, etc. |
| What to do if your roof damage insurance claim is denied | You can appeal the decision and ask for a second adjuster to come and inspect. You could also hire a public adjuster to work on your behalf. |
What You'll Learn
- The insurance adjuster works for the insurance carrier, not the homeowner
- The adjuster assesses the damage, determines its cause, and whether it is covered by the policy
- They are not trained in construction or engineering, so a roofing expert should be present for the inspection
- The adjuster decides on the claim and possible payout amount
- The homeowner can choose their roofing contractor
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance carrier, not the homeowner
When dealing with roof damage, it is important to understand the role of an insurance adjuster. While they assess the damage and determine if it is covered by your policy, they are not there to be your friend or do you any favours. The insurance adjuster works for the insurance carrier, not the homeowner.
The insurance adjuster's primary role is to assess the damage and determine whether it is covered by your insurance policy. They are not on your side and are not there to be your friend. Their job is to ensure the insurance company only pays out what is owed according to the terms of your policy. While they are knowledgeable about roofing structures, they are not experts in construction or engineering. Therefore, it is always advisable to have a roofing expert by your side during these inspections to ensure your interests are represented.
The insurance adjuster will look for signs of damage, such as broken tiles, missing shingles, or small dents. They will also assess the age of your roof, as older roofs may be subject to inspection due to the increased risk of damage. Improper installation and lack of maintenance are also red flags for insurance adjusters, as these issues can lead to costly claims.
It is important to understand that the insurance adjuster's assessment may differ from that of an independent roofing contractor. Disputes may arise over the cost of repairs or the cause of the damage. In such cases, it is beneficial to hire a public adjuster or roofing contractor, who can provide an independent assessment and advocate for your best interests.
Remember, the insurance adjuster works for the insurance carrier and may not have your best interests at heart. To protect yourself, it is crucial to have a roofing expert by your side and consider hiring a public adjuster if disputes arise.
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The adjuster assesses the damage, determines its cause, and whether it is covered by the policy
The insurance adjuster's job is to assess the damage to your roof, determine its cause, and whether it is covered by your insurance policy. They are not there to be your friend or do you any favours, and they are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on your insurer's behalf.
Adjusters are looking for signs of damage, such as broken tiles or missing shingles, or something less obvious like light creasing in a shingle or small dents. They will also be looking for signs of wear and tear, as home insurance doesn't cover damage from a lack of maintenance. They will also check the age of your roof, as older roofs are more vulnerable to damage and may not be covered.
The adjuster will then assess the value of the damage against the current value of your roof to determine how much to pay out. If the damage is due to a covered event, like a windstorm, hailstorm, or a fallen tree, then your insurance policy should cover the cost of repairing your roof to its pre-loss condition. However, some policies have strict rules about maintaining your roof and may stipulate that you only receive the full value of your roof if it is under a certain age.
It is important to prepare for the adjuster's visit by compiling an itemized list of your belongings, understanding your policy's exclusions, and keeping meticulous notes of your meeting. You should also avoid suggesting that you are to blame for the damage and be aware that you don't have to be present during the adjuster's investigation, although it may be beneficial to ensure they don't miss any damaged areas.
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They are not trained in construction or engineering, so a roofing expert should be present for the inspection
When it comes to roof inspections, it is important to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance carrier, not the homeowner. Their job is to assess the damage, determine its cause, and decide whether it is covered by the insurance policy. While they see a lot of roofing structures, they are typically not trained, certified, or licensed in construction or engineering. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a roofing expert present during the inspection to ensure that your interests are represented and someone with construction expertise can speak for your roof.
A roofing expert can provide valuable insights and expertise during the inspection process. They can guide you through the insurance claim process, ensuring that your claim is accurate and comprehensive. Roofing experts are trained to identify different types of roof damage, such as broken tiles, missing shingles, or subtle signs like light creasing in a shingle or small dents. They can also determine whether the damage is due to wear and tear, improper installation, or external factors like high winds or hail.
By involving a roofing expert, you can gain a better understanding of the extent and nature of the damage. They can assess whether the damage is recent or the result of long-term maintenance issues. This distinction is crucial in determining whether the damage is covered by your insurance policy. Roofing experts can also help you navigate the often tricky process of roof insurance claims, where disputes between the insurance company and the homeowner are common.
In addition, a roofing expert can provide an independent assessment of the damage. They can offer a second opinion if there is a disagreement between the insurance adjuster and the homeowner about the extent of the damage or the necessary repairs. This can help ensure that the claim is processed based on accurate and sufficient information, reducing the likelihood of delays or additional costs down the line.
Overall, having a roofing expert present during the insurance adjuster's inspection can provide valuable expertise, protect your interests, and help ensure a smooth and efficient repair process for your damaged roof.
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The adjuster decides on the claim and possible payout amount
The adjuster's job is to determine if roof damage exists, what caused the damage, and if the damage is covered under your insurance policy. They are not there to be your friend or do you any favours but to ensure that your insurance company pays out only what is owed according to the terms of your policy.
The adjuster will look for visible signs of internal and external damage. They will also check for the age of the roof as older roofs are more vulnerable to damage and could be subject to a roofing inspection. The adjuster will also check for proper installation and maintenance, as an improperly installed or poorly maintained roof could cause problems that cost the insurance company thousands in claims.
The adjuster's evaluation of the damage will determine how much the insurance company will pay out after you submit a claim. The first check you get is often an advance against the total settlement amount, not the final payment. If you find other damage later, you can reopen the claim and file for an additional amount.
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The homeowner can choose their roofing contractor
Once your insurance claim is approved, you can choose any local roofing contractor you want. However, it is important to hire one that is local to your area and has experience working with insurance claims.
- Check online reviews and testimonials: Look at Google reviews and other online resources, such as the Better Business Bureau, "Best of" lists, and other recommendation websites like Nextdoor. Take these reviews with a grain of salt, as some people may take their reviews to the extreme.
- Get multiple quotes: Contact at least two or three local roofing contractors and ask for quotes. This will allow you to compare prices and determine which contractor is the best fit for you. Avoid choosing a contractor solely based on the lowest price, as this may indicate the use of cheaper quality materials and labour.
- Ask for references: Ask each potential roofing contractor to provide references from jobs completed in the past 3 to 6 months. This will allow you to see the final product and contact the homeowner to ask about their experience.
- Check licensing and insurance: Verify that the roofing contractor is licensed and insured in your state. This will protect you in case of any injuries or damage that may occur during the project.
- Get a written contract: Obtain a written contract that stipulates the services to be provided, the cost of service, and the payment method. This will help ensure that you and the contractor are on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings.
- Don't be pressured into making immediate decisions: Take your time to consider your options and don't feel pressured to make an on-the-spot decision. A reputable contractor will allow you the time you need to make an informed choice.
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Frequently asked questions
An insurance adjuster is looking for signs of damage, such as broken tiles or missing shingles, to determine if there is damage, what caused it, and if it is covered under your insurance policy.
Yes, you should allow an insurance adjuster to look at your roof if you are filing an insurance claim for roof damage. The adjuster works for the insurance company and is responsible for assessing the damage and determining if it is covered under your policy.
If you don't let an insurance adjuster inspect your roof, your insurance claim may be denied or delayed. The adjuster needs to verify the damage and its cause to process your claim.
Yes, you can be present during the insurance adjuster's inspection. In fact, it is recommended that you have a roofing expert or a public adjuster present to represent your interests and ensure an accurate assessment of the damage.
If you disagree with the insurance adjuster's assessment, you can request a second opinion from another adjuster or hire an independent roofing contractor or public adjuster to provide an alternative estimate. You can also appeal the insurance company's decision if they deny your claim or offer less than you believe you deserve.
