For Florida homeowners, there are few things more frustrating and concerning than discovering significant roof damage after a major storm. Not only are roof damage insurance claims highly complex, but even mild roof damage can turn into a catastrophic problem if it is left unrepaired. To help you get through the roof damage claims process as efficiently as possible, our experienced Fort Lauderdale property insurance attorneys have put together a list of our top three insurance tips for these cases.
Three Tips for Filing a Roof Damage Claim in Broward County, Florida
- Get a Professional to Your Property As Soon As Possible After the Storm
With roof damage, you do not want to wait to take action. First, you likely have obligations under your specific property insurance policy that require you to quickly report your loss and mitigate roof damage after a storm. Beyond that, roof damage can be very difficult to assess without professional assistance. You will want to work with a reliable, trustworthy contractor who can inspect your roof and determine exactly how much damage you have. The bottom line: If you leave roof damage unaddressed, the problem is only going to get worse.
- Take Pictures and Document the Loss
As with most other property damage claims, evidence is the key to getting a full insurance settlement for your roof damage. You need to be proactive; make an effort to document your losses. Beyond getting a professional to your home for a comprehensive roof inspection, you should always take extensive photographs of your roof to ensure that you have reliable documentation of the damage. Further, you should also be sure to gather and secure all relevant financial records and documentation.
- Be Ready for a Fight
Unfortunately, roof damage claims often lead to fierce, hotly contested insurance disputes. This happens for a wide variety of reasons, although one of the main issues is that insurance companies often attempt to undervalue roof damage. In particular, this relates to the issue of roof repair vs. roof replacement. In many cases, insurance companies will try to deny coverage for a roof replacement, instead instructing the homeowner to get their roof repaired or to foot large portion of the bill themselves. Do not get stuck paying for more of your damage than is required by your policy. If your insurance company is refusing to pay your full claim, you should have your roof damage claim reviewed by a qualified legal professional. Remember, the insurance company does not get the last word.
Contact Our Property Insurance Lawyers Today
At Geyer Fuxa Tyler, our Fort Lauderdale property insurance dispute attorneys have helped many homeowners recover full compensation for their roof damage. If your roof repair or replacement claim was denied or was underpaid, please call us today at (954) 990-5251. Case evaluations are always free of charge. From our office in Sunrise, FL, we represent property owners all around Broward County, including in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Margate and Plantation.
