Understanding My Insurance Deductible
I’m currently navigating an open claim for my roof repair and have recently been approved for a full roof replacement. However, it appears that the check I received is more than the total contract amount. From what I understand, I’m supposed to pay my deductible for the roof and receive the remaining funds from the insurance company.
I still have some interior work that needs to be addressed, but I’m uncertain about how to pay my deductible or where it should go. My insurance company hasn’t provided clear answers, and I want to make sure I’m handling everything correctly to avoid any issues later on. If anyone has insights or can clarify what I should do with my deductible, I would greatly appreciate your help!
Thank you! Homeowners Choice, Pasco County, Florida.
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation, but I can help clarify a few things regarding your insurance claim and deductible.
Understanding Your Deductible: You are correct that your deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. Typically, your deductible should be deducted from the total amount covered by your insurance company for the roof replacement.
Check Amount: If you received a check that exceeds the total contract amount, it might include your deductible, which is not typically how it would work. You would usually need to pay the contractor directly for their services, which should be the amount of the contract minus your deductible. So, if the total contract is $XX and your deductible is $YY, your insurance would cover $XX – $YY.
Communicating with Your Contractor: It’s a good idea to talk to your contractor about how they prefer to handle payment for your deductible. Many contractors will require you to pay your deductible directly as part of the total payment for the job.
Future Interior Repairs: Since you also have interior work that needs to be done, make sure to clarify with your insurance agent if your policy covers these repairs. Some policies do provide coverage for interior damage resulting from roof leaks, while others do not.
Contacting Your Insurance Company: If your insurance company is not providing clear answers, consider requesting to speak to a supervisor or asking for a claims adjuster to walk you through the process. Remember to keep detailed notes of all your communications.
Documentation: Keep records of the checks received, the contract with your roofing contractor, and any correspondence with your insurance company. This can be very helpful if you encounter any issues down the line.
I hope this helps clarify your situation! It’s always best to get direct answers from your insurance provider, so don’t hesitate to follow up with them.