Although the process of an insurance claim is relatively simple in its structure and flow, we understand that a homeowner may need more information before making any decisions. Below are common questions that we find ourselves being asked by our customers regularly, and we hope these answers can assist you!

 

Q - Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

 

A - Your insurance rates will not go up after filing one claim! There are a multitude of factors that comprise your premium rate (geographical location, property value, weather risks, crime rate, etc..). Filing one claim, especially your first, has little to no bearing on your rates. Insurance is based on risk; a 25 year old roof with discontinued shingles and no underlayments carries much higher risk than a brand new, up-to-code roof system. Should a homeowner be so inclined, they can register their warranty with the shingle manufacturer once the project is complete. Once that process is completed, the homeowner can send all relevant warranty documentation to their insurance provider, and ask/demand a lower premiums rate based on this premise!

 

Q -  May I choose what shingles are used to repair/replace my roof through an insurance claim?

 

A - Yes, you absolutely can! If you live in an HoA, they typically do not have a say in what brand of shingles you use, but they may require you to use specific colors. We typically install Tamko shingles, namely the Titan XT line. When you go through the claim process, the insurance company is paying for you to repair/replace “with materials of like kind and quality”.  This means that while we cannot “upgrade” you from shingles to a metal roof, or from basic shingles to top-of-the-line and custom varieties (unless the homeowner decides to pay the difference out of pocket), we strive to provide you with a code-approved, modern, reliable shingle. We also have experience installing Owens Corning, GAF and Certainteed products!

 

Q - Will a permit be needed in order to replace my roof, and do I have to apply for it?

 

A - This question mostly depends on your location and the type of home you live in. For instance, in New Jersey, no single or two-family dwelling requires a construction permit to replace their roof, after 2018 when the Department of Community Affairs reclassified roofing, siding, and other jobs as minor work and ordinary maintenance. However, in Pennsylvania, the need for a permit depends on your township/municipality. Pennsylvania has left the decision of following IRC building codes to each municipality, and as a result, the need for a permit varies greatly. When completing works in Pennsylvania, we ALWAYS check with your municipality to confirm whether or not a permit is needed, and we take the liberty of applying for the permit ourselves.

 

Q - Is there any out-of-pocket expenses for me if I decide to file a claim?

 

A - Unless you want us to perform work that was not detailed in the agreed upon scope of loss, or want upgraded materials, the answer is NO! Your only obligation is your deductible, which works the exact same way as a copay at your doctor's office. A typical deductible for a wind or hail claim is $1000.00. Once the scope is agreed upon, the insurance company will issue you the necessary funds to pay us for the repair/replacement of your property. 

 

Q - How long will this process take?

 

A - No two claims are exactly the same, but we strive to complete the full process, from the time you call in the claim to the time you issue us the final payment after the project is completed, within 60 days. This can vary upon the number of trades, whether there is interior damage, communication frequency of the insurance adjuster, etc. Typically, carriers allow 6 months to a year for a project to be completed. While we have the safety net of time on our side in that regard, we want your repairs/replacements to be executed swiftly and efficiently to protect your investment!   

 

Q - This sounds great, but I’m a busy person, and struggle to find any free time. Is there a way for this process to be mostly hands-off?

A - There certainly is! While most of our clients represent themselves and work with us through their claim, you have the option to hire a Public Insurance Adjuster to represent you! A Public Adjuster acts on your behalf as your legal agent. They handle all of the paperwork, talking and negotiating for you, in exchange for a percentage of the award money granted to you from your carrier. While we can help you through the claim process, as your contractor, we do not legally represent you, nor can we interpret your policy’s language and coverages. Should you choose this route, we would work in tandem with your Public Adjuster to get through the claim together.