Filing a Roof Claim After Policy Nonrenewal
I find myself in a bit of a tricky insurance situation and could use some advice.
Back in October, my insurance company notified me that they would be conducting an exterior inspection of my home. I live in Georgia, and this was shortly after Hurricane Helene. The inspection took place in November, and by late January, I received a letter informing me that my policy was nonrenewed due to overhanging tree limbs (from my neighbor’s oak trees) and granular loss on my roof, which is only six years old (I still have the original receipt).
As a result, I switched to a new insurance company. Since then, I’ve had the trees trimmed back, so that issue has been resolved. I also brought in a couple of independent roofers who assessed my roof and found hail damage. Thankfully, the roof doesn’t leak and is in generally good condition. Both roofers, along with my insurance agent, confirmed that there was a 1-inch hailstorm in my neighborhood this past July, which typically would qualify me for coverage on the hail damage. They believe there’s a strong chance of a successful claim that could lead to a full roof and gutter replacement.
Now I’m wondering if it’s worth filing a claim with my old insurance company for the hail damage. My old policy expires at the end of this month, and my new one will take effect then. The roofers are confident that the insurance would approve the claim, but I’m unsure if filing would jeopardize my new policy. On the other hand, it would be great to get a new roof for just the cost of my deductible.
I have a few weeks to figure this out, so I’d appreciate any thoughts or insights!
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, but you’re not alone. Here are some things to consider:
Claim with Your Old Insurer: Since the damage occurred during the period you were insured and you’ve documented the hail damage with independent roofers, filing a claim with your old insurance company might be a good option. If they approve the claim, you could potentially get a new roof for just the cost of your deductible.
Impact on New Policy: Generally, filing a claim with your old insurer shouldn’t negatively impact your new policy, especially since your new policy won’t actually be in effect yet while you file the claim. However, you should check with your new insurance company to clarify their policies regarding claims made on a previous policy.
Timing: Since your old policy ends soon, make sure to file the claim before it does. Keep in mind that the insurance company may take some time to process the claim, so it’s best to act quickly.
Consider Your Deductible: Think about your deductible and how it will impact the overall cost of your roof replacement. If the roofers are confident in the hail claim, it may be worth it.
Consult with Your Agent: It’s always a good idea to keep your insurance agent in the loop. They can provide insight into the process and help you understand the implications of filing the claim.
Document Everything: Make sure to have all necessary documentation ready when filing your claim. This includes estimates from the roofers, the inspection report, and any correspondence with your insurance company.
Ultimately, it seems like filing the claim could be beneficial, especially if not doing so means potentially missing out on a new roof. Just ensure that you understand any potential ramifications for your new policy. Good luck!