Don’t Face Storm Damage Alone
A powerful storm rolling through the Treasure Valley can be unsettling. The high winds and hail that often accompany Idaho weather can leave significant damage in their wake, particularly to your roof. Discovering that your home has been damaged is stressful enough, but the complex process of filing a roof insurance claim can feel overwhelming. Understanding the steps, the terminology, and your rights is crucial for a successful outcome.
As a local Treasure Valley contractor, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle navigate this exact process. This guide provides a clear roadmap to help you manage your claim effectively and ensure your property is restored correctly, without the headache.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Get a Professional Inspection
After a severe storm, your first instinct might be to see the damage for yourself. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Walking on a potentially compromised roof is extremely dangerous. Shingles can be loose, the underlying structure could be weak, and slick spots pose a serious fall risk.
Instead of assessing it yourself, your first call should be to a trusted, local roofing professional. At Team Construction, we offer complimentary, no-obligation roof inspections. Our experts can safely identify all forms of wind and hail damage, from subtle bruising and granule loss on shingles to more obvious punctures and tears. A professional report documents the extent of the damage, which is essential evidence for your insurance provider.
Step 2: Document Everything and Review Your Policy
Thorough documentation is your best asset in an insurance claim. Before any work begins, take photos and videos of the damage from the ground, if possible. Capture images of downed tree limbs, visible shingle damage, and any interior leaks that may have occurred. Note the date and time of the storm.
Next, locate your homeowner’s insurance policy. Review the section on roofing and storm damage. Pay close attention to your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket) and whether your policy covers Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV). Understanding these terms will help you set realistic expectations when speaking with your insurance company.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company to File a Claim
With your professional inspection report and personal documentation in hand, it’s time to contact your insurance provider to initiate the claim. Be prepared to provide your policy number, the date of the storm, and a general description of the damage. They will assign you a claim number and an insurance adjuster.
It’s beneficial to have your chosen contractor, like Team Construction, present when the insurance adjuster visits your property. We can act as your advocate, pointing out specific areas of damage the adjuster might overlook and ensuring their assessment aligns with the true scope of work required for a proper Boise roofing restoration. This collaboration helps streamline the process and prevents disagreements over repair costs later.
Step 4: Understanding the Adjuster’s Report and Estimate
After their inspection, the adjuster will provide a report, often called a “loss statement,” detailing the covered damages and the estimated cost of repair or replacement. Critically review this document. Compare it with the estimate provided by your contractor.
Discrepancies are common. An adjuster may miss certain code requirements, necessary components like flashing or underlayment, or specific local labor costs. If the estimates differ significantly, we can help you file a “supplement” to the claim, providing the necessary evidence to justify the additional funds needed to complete the roof repair correctly and to code.
Step 5: Scheduling the Work and Final Payment
Once the scope of work and cost are approved, your insurance company will typically issue an initial check (often the ACV amount, minus your deductible). This allows your contractor to order materials and schedule the work, whether it’s for residential roofing or a commercial property. After the job is finished, your contractor will send a final invoice to the insurance company. They will then release the remaining funds (the “recoverable depreciation”) for you to make the final payment.
Your Local Partner in Boise and the Treasure Valley
From the unique challenges of hailstorms in Boise to wind gusts affecting homes in Meridian and Eagle, Team Construction understands the local landscape. We are not just a construction company; we are your neighbors. We specialize in complete insurance restoration and are committed to making the process as smooth as possible for you. Our expertise extends from residential homes to large commercial roofing projects, ensuring every client receives the highest quality workmanship and support.
Get Expert Help with Your Roof Claim
Dealing with roof damage is stressful. Let Team Construction handle the inspection, documentation, and insurance communication for you. We’re here to restore your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my insurance claim is denied?
A denial is not the final word. You have the right to appeal the decision. Often, a claim is denied due to insufficient evidence of damage. A detailed report from a reputable contractor like Team Construction can be crucial in a successful appeal. We can help you provide the necessary documentation to have your claim re-evaluated.
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim in Idaho?
Timelines can vary by policy, but most insurance companies require you to file a claim within one year of the date of loss (the date the storm occurred). However, it is always best to act immediately to prevent further damage to your home and to ensure a smoother claims process.
Will filing a claim increase my insurance premium?
Unlike at-fault auto accidents, homeowner’s claims for storm damage (considered an “Act of God”) typically do not cause an individual’s premium to increase. Insurance companies base rates on risk pools for an entire geographic area. If your region experiences frequent storms, rates may rise for everyone, regardless of whether you personally filed a claim.
Glossary of Terms
Actual Cash Value (ACV): The value of your roof in its current state, accounting for depreciation due to age and wear. An ACV policy will only pay for this depreciated value, not the full cost of a new roof.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): The full cost to replace your damaged roof with new materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. This is the more comprehensive type of coverage.
Deductible: The fixed amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket on an insurance claim before your insurer’s coverage begins.
Adjuster: A professional hired by the insurance company to investigate a claim and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability.
Depreciation: The decrease in an asset’s value over time due to age, wear and tear, and obsolescence. In an RCV policy, the depreciated amount is often paid after the repair work is completed.
