Some forms of storm damage don’t appear immediately after the incident, they may take some time, even up to 6 months or 1 year from the date of the event. This can understandably put homeowners in a new dilemma, causing them to be unsure about filing a claim since so much time has passed. We often hear homeowners ask, how long do I have to file a claim for roof damage? Or, how long after a storm can I file a claim?
That’s why we’ve written this blog post, to help you answer these questions so you can make a timely decision without worrying. As professional roofers at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing, with our extensive experience handling challenging situations of roof storm damage, we know what works best for Tulsa homeowners.
Understanding Roof Insurance Policies
Regarding roof damage, homeowners insurance is your first line of defense. Most standard policies cover roof damage caused by events like storms, hail, and falling debris. However, coverage can vary significantly between policies and providers. For this reason, it’s not just important, but empowering, to read and understand your specific policy to know what is covered and what isn’t.
Insurance policies often come with a lot of jargon. Terms like “deductible,” “premium,” and “exclusion”. These terms are crucial to understand if you want to make the right decision at the right time. Generally, a deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in, while exclusions are specific situations or damages your policy does not cover. Knowing these details can help you navigate the claim process more effectively.
Also read: How to File a Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim in Oklahoma
The General Time Frame for Filing a Claim
So, how long do you have to file a claim for roof damage? Well, there is no exact answer to this question. However, we cannot accurately say it depends on company to company. In our decades of roofing experience, we have observed that insurance companies expect you to file a claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs. This often means within a few days of the incident. Immediate reporting requirements usually fall within a window of 24 to 48 hours, depending on your insurer.
However, as we know, some forms of damage, such as hail damage, don’t appear right after the incident, it may take some time to observe them. Therefore, for standard claim filing periods, you generally have 30 to 60 days from the date of damage to submit your claim. However, this can vary based on your insurance policy and provider.
The key takeaway here is that prompt action is super important if you want your insurance provider to take your claim seriously. Delaying your claim can result in denial, leaving you to shoulder the repair costs alone.
Factors That Can Influence The Timeline Of An Insurance Claim
Many factors can directly influence the timeline of your roof insurance claim. Therefore, you need to consider each one before filing an insurance claim for your roof damage.
1. Type and Cause of Damage
The type of roof damage you’re dealing with, and how it was caused play a significant role in influencing your insurance claim timeline. For example, hail damage is treated differently than damage from a fallen tree or general wear and tear. Insurance policies often have specific provisions for different types of damage, and the urgency can vary accordingly.
2. Date of Discovery vs. Date of Occurrence
Sometimes, it’s hard to immediately notice forms of roof damage. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between the date you first noticed the damage and the actual date the damage occurred. Some insurance policies have different timeframes based on when you discovered the damage, especially if it was hidden or developed slowly over time.
3. Insurance Company Guidelines
For homeowners, it is important to note that each insurance company has its own unique guidelines and procedures. Some insurers are more flexible with their deadlines for filing a claim, while others have stricter timelines. It’s really important to get familiar with the specific requirements of your insurer to avoid any unexpected surprises. You can reach out to your agent directly or review your policy documents to get a clear understanding of these timelines.
Related: Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Wind Damage To My Roof?
Timeframes for Different Types of Roof Storm Damage
Different storm events can lead to various kinds of damage, each with its own reporting requirements. Here’s a detailed look at the general timeframes for different types of roof storm damage:
1. Hail Damage
The window for reporting hail damage is 30 to 60 days from the date of the storm. However, some policies may offer a longer period if the damage is not immediately apparent. Always check your policy details to confirm the exact timeframe.
Related: What to Do if Your Roof is Damaged by Hail
2. Wind Damage
The timeframe for filing a claim for wind damage to a roof is generally similar to that for hail damage, within 30 to 60 days. In all cases, we recommend homeowners read their insurance policies carefully and make timely decisions.
3. Tornadoes
Oklahoma homeowners know how tornadoes can cause catastrophic roof damage. Insurance companies usually require claims for tornado damage to be filed very quickly due to the severity of the damage that’s caused. The typical filing period ranges from a few days to a month after the event. Given the extensive nature of tornado damage, it is really important to document the damage thoroughly and contact your insurer as soon as possible.
Turn To The Trusted Roofing Company In Tulsa, OK, For Your Roof Insurance Claim
Regardless of the severity of roof damage, the expert roofers at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing In Tulsa, OK, can help you file your roof insurance claim. We work with many roof insurance companies to help homeowners like you get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to file your insurance claim and repair your roof storm damage.
