Location: Sebastian County, Arkansas
Insurance Provider: State Farm
Insurance Type: Homeowners + Auto (if auto matters here)
I noticed I have some wind damage on my roof and I've had a few quotes from different roofers as to what the best next step is before I get insurance involved. The consensus seems to be a new roof would be the best way to go, though I've also been told I can repair it and it's still in good enough shape I should be able to get another 3-5 years out of it. I'd like to see if insurance will cover a new roof now, but I'm worried about filing a claim and it impacting my premium.
I've read that's not legal, though I've also read that if I file a claim it will show up on a report and because I show up on that report with a recent filing that my monthly premium could go up anyway (so technically not increasing for filing a claim, but it's the same at the end of the day). I can always call my insurance and ask about this, but I'm concerned even doing that could result in my premium going up or them wanting to send someone to inspect things just by me asking.
So, before calling the agent, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with this situation. Is there a way to get someone from insurance out without filing a claim that will be worry-free as far as it increasing my premium? Or would I be good to call and ask my insurance about it without them insisting someone come look at it after that call? Guidance would be appreciated on this so I can make sure I'm making the right decision on what to do next about repairing vs replacing.
Do I have to file a claim before insurance will come look at my roof?
byu/LevelJumper inInsurance
Posted by LevelJumper
3 Comments
insurance will not be sending anyone out to look at your roof until you file a claim
i would be wary about filing a roof claim for what appears to be an aged roof though (you mention 3-5 years more which leads me to believe this could be a 15 year old roof)
Roofers are always going to want to put on a new roof instead of repairing it because it’s big $ for them to do so, so it’s hard to trust the roofer’s opinions here.
If you have actual roof damage from a storm (NOT wear and tear) it could be worth turning in. A carrier won’t just send out an adjuster to let you know though, you’ll have to turn in a claim to get that part figured out. Also if it’s repairable, they’ll likely only look to repair it and not put on a new roof so check your deductible as it may not be worth claiming in the first place.
We have some roofers we trust for this exact situation, your agent might as well. We’re expected to report this type of stuff to the carrier but we’ll normally let our roofer look into it before advising on whether or not it’s worth a claim. Your agent may have a similar setup but it’s hard to know without calling them.
And it will impact your rates, just like all claims will impact them. As long as it’s a weather claim though it won’t impact it as much as other types of claims and also you won’t feel the impact till your renewal.
First of all, you are not going to get a free new roof. You have an older roof, coming to the end of its practical life. If you can identify a specific storm that caused specific damage, that’s one thing, but it sounds like you need a new roof.