Missing shingles after a strong hurricane along the Gulf Coast does not always result in the insurance company opening up their checkbook and giving you a new roof as some of us have discovered
We had a customer missing over 60 shingles and the claim rep for the homeowners insurance company was thinking repair over roof replacement
We had to get involved on that claim and help the inside company claim representative understand the roof was beyond repair
After helping customers process hundreds of claims there have been a few common questions or issues that have come up
YOUR FIRST CLAIM CHECK IS PROBABLY NOT YOUR LAST
Just because the insurance company sends you a check and an estimate that is probably not the end of your claim
Most estimates will have a line item for recoverable depreciation
This is most common on a roof claim
Most insurance companies will issue you a first check that has a deduction for depreciation (age of your roof) although you have a replacement cost policy not an actual cash value policy
You must replace your roof and provide a paid invoice to collect the remaining recoverable depreciation
These two checks should equal the cost to you to replace your roof
Recoverable depreciation is available to you but you must submit proof of roof replacement to get it
The insurance company is not going to mail you recoverable depreciation unless it is requested
ROOF REPLACEMENT DISCOUNT
Once you replace your roof you are now eligible for a new roof discount usually up to 10% off your current rate
But once again the insurance company is not going to give you this discount unless you request it
If new customers can get a new roof discount existing customers should too
If you have a new roof and have pictures and a paid invoice you should be eligible for a nice discount off your current rate
If you are currently working with an insurance broker they should request this discount for you
If you have not received recoverable depreciation and your new roof discount on your current home insurance policy you may eligible to get more money owed to you from your insurance company
