- Don't expect your homeowner's insurance to buy you a new roof if yours is simply old and worn. But if there is wind damage, such as from a hurricane, or fire damage, check your policy's coverages carefully to see what exactly is covered. In some cases you will be entitled to a new roof; in others, the insurance company will simply repair the damaged portion.
- Insurance adjustors are experts dispatched to your home to evaluate the damage and make an estimate on the cost of repairs. The adjustors usually work for the insurance company, though, and depending on your policy and the state you live in, you likely have a right to hire an independent adjustor if you are not happy with the insurance adjustor's estimate.
- Keep in mind that you will likely have a deductible to cover. For example, if the estimate says that your roof should cost $2,500 to repair and you have a $500 deductible, the payment will be for $2,000 from the insurance company.
Sometimes the insurance company will release the payment directly to the contractor; other times, the check will be made directly to you or to the bank that holds your mortgage. If it comes directly to you and you can secure repairs for less than the net amount (estimate minus your deductible), you are entitled to keep the remainder. Just be sure to get a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor who can offer excellent references.
Read your entire insurance policy before you accept and pay for it, and keep the documents in a safe place in case of emergency and you need to make a claim. If you have questions, call the customer service number on the policy to clarify any issues about claim processing.
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