Experiencing roof damage from wind?
To give you some context, my home was built in 2011, so the roof is only 14 years old. Back in April 2021, I discovered several shingles had blown off during a windstorm. I contacted my insurance company, and they advised me to get estimates from a few roofers. All of them recommended a full roof replacement due to issues like fish mouthing. However, my insurance adjuster insisted on sending their own roofer, who assessed the roof and concluded that there was nothing majorly wrong—just a shingle replacement was needed. I ended up hiring him directly for the work.
Fast forward to this week, and after another windstorm, I noticed more shingles on the ground. I reached out to my insurance agent, who suggested that I might be better off paying for the repairs out of pocket since filing a claim could negatively impact me, and my deductible is $1,000—perhaps even more than the repair costs.
Given that I’ve dealt with similar damage in the past, I was hoping this time might warrant a full roof replacement. Is that expectation realistic? I’ve never filed a claim before, so I’m unsure about the typical process.
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot with your roof situation. Given the history of wind damage and the previous claims, it’s understandable that you might want a full replacement this time to avoid ongoing issues.
Here are a few things to consider:
Claims History: Insurance companies typically look at the history of claims when determining whether to approve new claims. Since you’ve already had issues with wind damage, they may be hesitant to approve another large claim, particularly if the adjuster previously determined the roof didn’t need full replacement.
Deductible vs. Repair Costs: It’s worth calculating the cost of repairs versus your deductible. If the repairs are close to or exceed the deductible, you might want to consider filing a claim regardless of the potential impact it could have on your insurance record.
Documentation: Make sure to document the damages thoroughly this time around. Take plenty of pictures and keep records of any previous repairs, estimates from roofers, and any communication with your insurance provider. This evidence can be helpful if you decide to pursue a claim.
Second Opinions: If possible, consider getting another independent roofing expert to inspect your roof and give you their opinion. If they also suggest that the roof should be replaced due to deterioration, this could strengthen your case with the insurance company.
Insurance Agent’s Advice: While your agent is right that filing a claim can affect your premiums, they also have your best interests in mind. Trust their advice, but weigh it against the potential benefits of having your roof fully replaced, especially since wind damage can lead to bigger issues down the line.
Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh the financial implications of making a claim versus paying for repairs out of pocket, and consider whether you believe your roof truly warrants full replacement. Whatever you decide, make sure to keep a record of everything moving forward!