The roof of your home is designed to protect the structure and the belongings inside. Over time or during severe weather, your roof can become damaged or may need to be replaced. While your homeowner’s insurance policy will likely cover the cost of roof repair or replacement with either replacement or cash value, it is up to you to find a reputable roofing contractor who can provide you with the services you need.
Evaluate Reputation
The reputation of a roofing company can reveal the quality of the work you can expect from their contractors. You can determine a company’s reputation by looking at reviews on third party websites, such as Angie’s List. Check the company’s website for any industry certifications or memberships that can indicate their quality of workmanship. Ask your homeowner’s insurance company for recommendations.
Gather Quotes
Before you hire any roofing contractor, request quotes from several so you can compare the costs. Check every aspect of the quote to give you a clear visual of which company should give you the best workmanship for the cost. Your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover a significant portion of the cost to repair or replace your roofing, depending on whether your policy covers replacement or cash value.
- Replacement Value – If your policy covers replacement value, this will provide you with the full cost of the roof replacement or repair, minus your deductible.
- Actual Value – In contrast, an actual value homeowner’s policy will only pay the depreciated value of your roof, which is often less than the cost of replacement, minus your deductible.
Licensing and Bonds
A quality roofing company will be licensed, insured, and bonded to cover their employees and the work they perform. Without these elements, it is best to choose a different company for your roofing repair or replacement. Most roofing contractors will proudly display this information at their physical location and on their website.
Select a Contractor with Integrity
The most important thing is to choose a roofing contractor who follows the proper procedures. Some homeowners look for a company that is willing to cover the deductible for them. Unfortunately, this is typically against the contract you sign with your homeowner’s insurance company. If any roofing company offers to handle your deductible for you, choose another company instead to avoid committing insurance fraud. When your roof is damaged due to a storm or it must be replaced due to its age, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the cost to repair or replace it. However, it is your job to find the right roofing contractor for the task. Make sure you know the steps to finding a contractor so you can make the right choice to protect your home and your investment. If you still aren’t sure who to hire, contact your homeowner’s insurance agent to ask for a recommendation. If you need to buy a homeowner’s insurance policy to help you pay for necessary roofing repairs and replacements in the future, contact us at Steven Graves Insurance Agency. We can help you find an affordable option that will meet your needs.