You may need to provide proof of the last time you repaired or re-did your roof, information about the materials used, and photos of damage to your roof. Your insurance adjuster will want to know whether the damage might have been due to wear and tear or a sudden event like a fallen tree branch or storm.
Recently, new Florida laws took effect on July 1, 2021. These laws centered around roof claims, roof damage claims, and roofing contractors. The insurance companies got politicians to help them enforce tighter regulations, making it more difficult for homeowners to file a roof claim against their insurance company.
What SB 76 Means for Florida Homeowners
The bill creates a scale for replacing roofs more than 10 years old. SB 76 also provides new rules for contractors and insurance companies. The biggest change for homeowners due to SB 76 is regarding roofs over 10 years of age. Any roof surface type less than 10 years old is under full replacement coverage. Meanwhile, after 10 years, the reimbursement schedule gets a little trickier.In the event of a complete loss, SB 76 doesn’t apply but gets paid for in full. SB 76 also allows two years to file roof damage insurance claims or reopen a claim.
Understanding Your Roof Coverage
The first thing to understand about roof coverage is that the age of your roof is a factor in whether your roof claim is covered.The dwelling coverage in a homeowners insurance policy typically helps protect your home’s structure, including the roof, from certain perils or causes of damage. Commonly covered perils include fire, wind, and hail damage. So, if your roof needs repairs after it is damaged by hail or by a tree that topples onto it during a windstorm, you may find that your dwelling coverage helps cover the cost. If the contents of your home are ruined due to a covered roof claim, personal property coverage may help pay to repair or replace them.
Meanwhile, the roof of an unattached structure on your property, such as a shed or detached garage, may be covered by the other structures' protection in a homeowners insurance policy if a covered peril causes damage.
RCV vs. ACV
Does your roof have replacement cost coverage or actual cash value? The difference will set the expectation when it comes to your claim payout.Replacement cost means that they will not factor depreciation into the cost of replacement value. You should get the full amount to replace or repair your roof minus your deductible.
The actual cash value subtracts the depreciation amount from the replacement value, and you get the rest minus your deductible.
Deductible
A deductible is how you will pay out of your pocket towards the repair of your roof. Some companies will want to see that you have paid the deductible before getting the rest.Before calling your insurance company, you should carefully read your homeowners' insurance policy. If you believe the damage should be covered, call local roof repair contractors to inspect the damage. A reputable roof repair contractor can provide an accurate estimate. If the estimate is more than the cost of your deductible, then filing a roof damage insurance claim may be the best option.
Disputing a Florida Roof Claim Insurance Denial
If your roof insurance claim is denied, the situation will be frustrating. You are left to worry about how you will cover the expense of repairs on your own. Additional stress ensues after dealing with paperwork, bargaining with insurance adjusters, and awaiting a response to your claim.The process of appealing a denied roof damage claim in Florida can be stressful. You don’t have to do it alone. Our roof damage claim lawyers at Williams Law, P.A. can look at the information you provided to your insurance company in your proof of loss statement. If documentation is missing or more information needs to be provided, our roof damage claims lawyers can help you supply clearer documentation to your insurance adjuster to receive the fair settlement you deserve under the law.
Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied Or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim In Florida?
If your insurance company is dragging its feet regarding your property damage claim, you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.
