When your roof is damaged by a storm, hail or another emergency, you might wonder who to call first — your insurance company or a roofing contractor. Making the right call can help prevent further damage to your home and speed up the repair process.
Who Should You Call First: Your Insurance Company or a Roofing Company?
After a roofing emergency, assess the damage from a safe location. If the damage is visible, like missing shingles, water leaks or holes in the roof, take pictures. Having photos will help when you’re filing an insurance claim and working with a roofing contractor.
One word of caution: Don’t attempt to get on the roof yourself — your safety comes first.
If there’s significant damage, such as large debris or leaks, you may be able to take a few steps to prevent further damage while you wait for New View Roofing to arrive. If possible (and if it’s safe), cover the damaged area with a tarp to prevent water from entering your home. You can also:
- Remove debris. If large branches or other debris have fallen on your roof, you can carefully remove smaller, loose pieces from the ground or with an extension tool. Be careful around power lines or unstable items, and don’t attempt to remove heavy or dangerous debris yourself — leave that to the professionals.
- Protect your home’s interior. Place buckets or containers under active leaks to catch water, and move furniture or valuables out of harm’s way. Use plastic sheeting to cover furniture or appliances you can’t move to keep them safe from water damage.
Although following these steps can minimize damage, always prioritize your safety. If the roof is unstable, slippery, or the weather conditions are too dangerous, wait for New View Roofing to handle the situation. Our team will quickly assess the situation, whether you’re dealing with hail damage, wind damage or roof damage from trees, and make permanent repairs.
Related: Does insurance cover older roofs?
Why Contacting a Roofing Company First Can Save Time
In many cases, it’s best to contact New View Roofing before reaching out to your insurance provider. We can quickly assess the damage, give you a roof repair estimate and document the damage for your insurance claim. We’re very familiar with the insurance claims process, so we’ll give you the information your insurer needs to process your claim.
By contacting a roofing contractor first, you get a professional evaluation of the damage, which can help avoid unnecessary delays in getting your roof fixed.
Working With Your Insurance Company
After our team assesses your roof’s damage, it’s time to contact your insurance company. With our report in hand, you’ll be better prepared to provide your insurer with accurate information.
Having a report from the pros can speed up the claims process because it gives your insurance adjuster a detailed account of the damage and estimated repair costs. Insurance companies typically send an adjuster to assess the damage themselves, but having your roofing company involved lets you move forward with repairs faster.
Coordinating Repairs and Claims
New View Roofing can work directly with your insurance provider to manage the paperwork and make sure everything goes smoothly. We strive to make your roof repair or roof replacement as stress-free as possible for you, but remember, the longer you wait to repair your roof, the more vulnerable your home is to further damage.
FAQ About Roofing Emergencies
Check out these commonly asked questions about what to do after a roofing emergency.
What Will a Roofing Contractor Do After an Emergency?
We’ll inspect your roof, assess the damage and provide a repair estimate. We’ll document the damage for your insurance claim and take steps to protect your home from further damage until we start the repair process.
Will My Insurance Cover the Full Cost of Roof Repairs?
Insurance coverage depends on your policy and the extent of the damage. We’ll help you understand the costs involved and work with your insurance company to ensure you get the coverage you need for repairs.
How Long Does It Take to Get Roof Repairs Approved by Insurance?
The time it takes to get repairs approved by insurance can vary, but having a roofing contractor provide documentation and estimates can help speed up the process. Once your claim is approved, you can schedule the repairs right away.
Need Immediate Help After a Roofing Emergency?
Contact New View Roofing before you contact your insurance company. You can call your insurer when we’re on our way to your home. We’ll guide you through the process and work with your insurance company to get your home back in shape as soon as possible.
