For many property owners, discovering a roof leak is a nightmare come true. Roof repairs and replacements are daunting and costly. Fortunately, a good Public Adjuster can ensure that your homeowner’s insurance pays you an adequate settlement to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Roof damage can range from a few missing shingles to structural issues that require replacing the roof entirely. Whether it's a serious hail storm, a fallen tree branch, or the passage of time, the type and cause of your roof damage helps determine whether the insurance company will cover repairs or even a full roof replacement. Your policy document outlines the types of roof damage that are and are not covered by the carrier (Schlichter , 2023).
Minor repairs do not always require an insurance claim. Most folks prefer to DIY minor roof repairs since basic tools and materials can be used and the repairs do not require specialized knowledge or training. Professionals are contracted for minor repairs mostly due to time savings or concerns about safety.
Minor roof repair cost anywhere from $150 to $400, while major repairs head toward $7,000 and above (Forbes, 2023).
According to This Old House, the current national average of roof repairs in America is $1,067 (2023). But as with anything, the final cost of a repair depends on factors like roofing materials, labor costs and the size of your roof.
As a word of caution, a minor roof repair can easily become a major one if it is neglected or performed incorrectly.
Major repairs can not only trigger an insurance claim due to cost, but they also require professional expertise and specialized materials. Depending on where the house is located, permits and inspections throughout the repairing process may also be required. Any repairs needing extensive electrical, plumbing, HVAC or engineering work are considered major repairs. Major repairs also includes structural failures (potential and realized), roof or structure renovations and any fixing of safety hazards.
It’s important when spotting damage to take photos, videos, and detailed notes before contacting the insurance carrier. Detailed documentation can be a crucial tool if insurance companies balk at covering the cost for damages.
Public Adjusters can act as effective advocates on behalf of the homeowner by collecting documentation and then negotiating with the insurance company on the intricacies of coverage under your policy.
The Insurance Information Institute identifies a Public Adjuster as “an independent insurance professional that a policyholder may hire to help settle an insurance claim on his or her behalf” (n.d.). More specifically, a Public Adjuster can help policyholders navigate the complex world of insurance claims, acting as a liaison between the insurance company and the policyholder.
A Public Adjuster is different from an insurance adjuster and an independent adjuster, however. (Sometimes a Public Adjuster may also be referred to as a “private adjuster” — either way their function is to support the policyholder in negotiations.)
Because Public Adjusters are trained and licensed in specific states, they can use their expertise to identify roof damages that the insurance adjuster might overlook. They are also trained on the intricacies of the claims process and have experience working with local, regional, and nationwide insurance companies (Texas Department of Insurance, 2022).
Most Public Adjusters work on a contingency fee basis. That means they only get paid if a homeowner does. Because rates can vary according to state regulations, your Tiger Adjuster representative will always present the cost of services upfront and in writing. Just like finding a good roofer or mechanic, word of mouth and online reviews are important pieces of homework to finding a reputable Public Adjuster. You can check ours out here.
Our team at Tiger Adjusters is ready to help maximize your roof claim settlement. CONTACT US
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Insurance Information Institute. (n.d.). What is a Public Adjuster? Insurance Information Institute. Retrieved December 19, 2023, from https://www.iii.org/article/what-public-adjuster
Perry, C. Tynan C. (2023, July 5). How Much Does Roof Repair Cost? Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/roofing/roof-repair-cost/
Schlichter , S. (2023, February 21). Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks? Nerdwallet. Retrieved December 19, 2023, from https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-roof-leaks
Texas Department of Insurance. (2022, August 12). Insurance and your roof: What to know when buying a policy or filing a claim. Texas Department of Insurance. Retrieved December 19, 2023, from https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/replacing-your-roof.html
This Old House Reviews Team. (2023, Aug 24). What is the Cost of Roof Repair. This Old House. Retrieved from https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/reviews/cost-of-roof-repair
