Experiencing roof damage due to wind? Here’s my situation: my house, built in 2011, has a roof that’s only 14 years old. Back in April 2021, a windstorm took off several shingles, prompting me to contact my insurance company. They advised me to get estimates from a few roofing contractors. All agreed that the roof needed replacement due to issues like fish mouthing. However, when my insurance adjuster sent their own roofer, he insisted the roof was fine and only required a shingle replacement, which he then completed.
Fast forward to this week, and after another windstorm, I found more shingles on the ground. I called my insurance agent, who suggested that I might be better off paying for the repairs myself since filing a claim could negatively impact my record, and my deductible is $1,000.
Given that this has happened before, I was hoping that this time I could qualify for a full roof replacement. Is that too optimistic? I’ve never filed a claim before and I’m uncertain about what to expect in these situations.
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and it’s understandable to want the best outcome for your home. Given that you’ve had issues with the roof before and the shingles blowing off in multiple storms, it does seem reasonable to consider that there might be underlying problems.
In general, insurance companies can be quite cautious when it comes to approving claims, especially if they feel the damage is due to wear and tear rather than storm-related events. Since your adjuster’s roofer deemed the roof repairable last time, that might make it more challenging to get them to approve a full roof replacement this time, even with the additional damage.
Your insurance agent’s advice to pay out-of-pocket may be worth considering, particularly if the cost of the repairs is lower than your deductible and a claim could impact your premium. However, it might still be worth documenting the damage and your previous issues, especially if you suspect there is a greater risk to your roof in the long run.
You could also consider getting a third opinion from a different roofer or an independent adjuster to see if they agree with your concerns about the roof’s integrity. If they do, it might provide you with additional leverage when discussing your situation with your insurance company.
Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons of making a claim versus paying out of pocket, and consider the larger picture of your roof’s condition and potential future claims. Good luck!