Severe thunderstorms and hailstones can wreak havoc on Arizona roofs. Monsoon storms that swept across the Phoenix metro area in the summer of 2023 left one homeowner with a collapsed roof and many more facing serious damage to their homes. In these situations, it is natural to turn to our homeowner’s insurance to pick up the pieces and replace our roof if needed.

Insurance companies are notoriously cautious about paying for expensive roof repairs. So how can you get them to cover the cost of a roof replacement? This handy guide will walk you through the process.

Potential Roof Replacement Claim Scenarios

Every homeowner’s insurance policy is different, so it is important to check your documents to see what coverage yours provides.

The following situations could be covered and result in a successful roof replacement claim:

  • Storm damage: Arizona’s severe monsoon storms can tear through neighborhoods, battering roofs and sometimes ripping them off. If your roof has sustained significant damage to the shingles or structure or is now leaking, you could have grounds for a roof replacement claim.
  • Fire and smoke damage: A house fire can tear through your roof, consuming its structure and exposing your home to the elements. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages homeowners to perform a thorough visual inspection of the roof after a house fire, documenting any signs of fire or smoke damage.
  • Malicious acts: If vandals attack your roof, removing shingles or causing other damage, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost.
  • Falling objects: During a storm, tree branches, garden furniture, and other debris can fly through the air and wreak havoc on your roof. While your insurance likely covers this damage, falling tree branches due to neglect or a lack of maintenance may not be covered.
  • Accidental water damage: Your policy may not cover water leaks due to general wear and tear but should cover accidental damage. A burst pipe could saturate your roof and cause irreparable damage to its structure. If it cannot be dried out immediately, rot could set in, meaning you will need a new roof.

Steps to Take After Sustaining Roof Damage

Understandably, insurance companies are wary when they receive roof replacement claims. They will check to ensure this is not just an attempt to replace a worn-out roof.

Here are the steps to take to build a strong claim that is likely to be successful.

1. Check your policy

First, grab your policy documents and start reading. You may need to access them through an online portal, or you may have been sent them by post or email. A quick read through your policy could reveal some interesting details.

Find the answers to the following questions:

  • Are you covered for accidental damage?
  • If you are, to what extent?
  • Does your policy cover the type of damage your roof has sustained?
  • Are there deductibles?

To get a new roof, your policy must offer roof replacement, not just repair, as part of its coverage. You must also prove that your roof is so severely damaged that it cannot be repaired.

2. Contact your insurance company

Call your insurance company or start a claim online. They will likely ask you to complete a form and send them evidence of the damage. Before paying out, they will send an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and make a final decision.

3. Prove the extent of the damage

You will need to take lots of pictures that show the extent of the damage to your roof. However, do not put yourself in danger to get those shots.

Try the following:

  • Take shots from the ground that show the extent of the damage
  • If it is safe to do so, use a ladder to get close-up shots
  • Use a drone to get a bird’s eye view of the roof
  • If the damage was caused by a falling tree, take pictures to show where it fell from

Talk to a local roofing company to give yourself the best chance of making a successful claim. They can send someone around with the equipment to get the shots you need. He or she can also explain the extent of the damage and help you complete the claim form.

On the claim form, you will be asked to provide a detailed account of how and when the damage occurred. If the damage was caused by a storm, look for local newspaper articles to substantiate your story.

4. Get estimates from a reputable local roofing contractor

Your insurance company may ask you to source estimates from local roofing contractors. Take your time to read reviews, conduct research, and find a selection of local contractors with a great reputation. The insurance company may challenge the estimates, so choose companies that provide honest, accurate estimates.

Estimates should include:

  • Details of the inspection undertaken before writing the estimate
  • A detailed breakdown of the work to be undertaken
  • The square footage of the replacement area

Arizona law includes protections for homeowners when arranging insurance repairs. It mandates that residential construction contracts resulting from storms must include a clause allowing you 72 hours to cancel your contract if the insurer denies your claim.

5. Keep track of your claim

After providing the insurance company with all the information they need, stay in close contact with your insurance agent. They can let you know if any further paperwork is needed. Continue pursuing them until you receive written approval to proceed with the project.

Choose Overson Roofing for Your Roof Replacement

Getting an insurance company to pay for a new roof can be challenging. However, persistence usually pays off. If your claim meets their criteria and you supply all the necessary paperwork, you should be able to hire a contractor to start on your new roof.

The team at Overson Roofing has years of experience handling insurance roofing replacements for Phoenix and Mesa residents. From filing your claim to replacing your roof, we can help you with every step of the process. Call us today to book a free estimate and get your insurance claim moving.

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash