Do I Contact Insurance First or Contact a Roofing Company After an Emergency?

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 you document the damage and begin 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, provide a roof repair estimate, and document visible roof conditions following the storm. By contacting a roofing contractor first, you can obtain a professional evaluation of the roof’s condition and damage.

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 professional roof inspection report can provide a detailed record of the observed damage and recommended repairs. Insurance companies typically send an adjuster to assess the damage themselves, but having a professional assessment can help you better understand the scope of repairs needed.

Planning Roof Repairs After Storm Damage

New View Roofing can provide inspection findings, project documentation, and repair estimates related to the roofing work being performed. 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.

Related: How to choose the right roofing contractor

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 visible roof damage and provide a repair estimate. and may recommend or perform temporary measures, when appropriate, to help reduce the risk of additional damage until repairs begin.

Will My Insurance Cover the Full Cost of Roof Repairs?

Insurance coverage depends on your policy and the extent of the damage. Coverage depends on your policy and the specific circumstances of the damage. Your insurance company can explain coverage details, while New View Roofing can provide inspection findings and repair estimates.

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 documentation and repair estimates available may help provide additional information during the claims process. If coverage is approved by your insurance carrier, repairs can be scheduled once the project scope is finalized.

Need Immediate Help After a Roofing Emergency?

If your roof has been damaged by hail, wind, falling debris, or another storm event, contact New View Roofing for a professional inspection. Our team can assess the damage, document visible roof conditions, and provide recommendations for repairs or replacement.