1.) Buying homeowners insurance from the wrong company
The most common mistake that many people make is buying homeowners insurance from the wrong company. There are a lot of different insurance companies out there, and not all of them are created equal.
It is important to do your research and make sure that you are getting the best possible coverage for your needs. Some insurance companies will offer great rates, but when storms come in and they have met their quota, they will start turning down claims.
So, you may be saving money on your premium, but when you need the insurance to come through on a new roof, they may not be there. Do your research on any insurance company you decide to consider and see how they are at paying out claims.
2.) Accepting the first offer from the insurance company
After you have filed a claim with your insurance company, they will likely give you an initial offer to settle the claim. It is important to remember that this initial offer is usually not the best possible offer that they will make.
In many cases, the insurance company will lowball you in order to save themselves money. It is important to counter this initial offer and negotiate for a better settlement.
Often, the insurance company will be willing to negotiate and meet you in the middle. If you are not satisfied with their final offer, you can always seek legal counsel to help you get the compensation you deserve.
3.) Not hiring your own adjuster if your insurance company is not paying the claim
If you feel like your insurance company is not fairly paying your claim, you have the right to hire your own adjuster. This is someone who will look at the damage to your property and give you an independent estimate of the cost to repair it.
Since insurance companies have been known to lowball customers on the repair costs, hiring an independent adjuster will increase the likelihood you get a more accurate estimate. This can be a helpful way to get the insurance company to increase their offer and give you the compensation you deserve.
4.) Not having a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof after a storm
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and it is important to make sure that it is in good condition. One of the best ways to do this is to have a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof after a storm.
They will be able to assess any damage and give you an estimate of the cost to repair it. In many cases, your insurance company will require you to have a roofing contractor inspect your roof before they will pay for any repairs.
This is because they want to make sure that the damage is not due to poor maintenance on your part. Having a roofing contractor inspect your roof after a storm can help you get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company.
5.) Choosing the wrong roofing contractor
If you do need to have your roof repaired, it is important to choose the right roofing contractor. It is important to do your research and make sure that you are choosing a reputable contractor who will do a good job.
Get several estimates from different contractors and compare them. Make sure that you are comfortable with the contractor you choose and that you feel confident in their ability to exceed expectations.
Conclusion
These are some of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to roofing insurance claims. If you avoid these mistakes, you will be more likely to get the compensation you deserve from your insurance company.