Hey everyone! I recently experienced some intense wind and hail storms here in Houston, and I'm worried about potential roof damage. My home was affected by the Derecho and Hurricane Beryl last year as well, so I'm looking for advice on what to do next. I want to avoid those sketchy roofing companies that pop up after storms, but I do have a roofing company I've worked with before, even though I've had some issues with their service. Should I contact my insurance company first for an inspection, or should I reach out to a roofing company myself? Also, I'm concerned about how filing a claim might impact my premiums down the line. My deductible is $5,718, and I do have Roof Surfaces Extended Coverage. With my roof being replaced back in 2014, any thoughts on what steps I should take?
3 Answers
Based on my own experience in Dallas, I'd suggest getting a couple of quotes from roofers before reaching out to your insurance. When I had storm damage, I ended up paying out of pocket because my deductible was higher than the repair costs. It’s often better to know what you're dealing with first, especially since your roof is over 10 years old. If it's just a few shingles or minor damage, it might not even be worth making a claim.
As someone familiar with storms in Houston, the recent wind and hail might have done some damage, but perhaps not as bad as you think. It’s smart to check for visible issues on your shingles and the sides of your house. If there’s little damage, it’s possible that you won't need to deal with your insurance at all. Just make sure you get someone trustworthy to look up there first!
Definitely consider calling a reputable roofing company first. They can assess the damage and advise you on whether it makes sense to file a claim. Insurance companies will send an adjuster if you call them, but keep in mind that just asking can put a mark on your record, even if you don’t end up getting paid out. If you trust your roofing company, they can deal with the insurance directly to make the process smoother for you.
That makes total sense! I’ll definitely prioritize finding a good roofer and go from there.
Great advice! I didn't think about how my roof's age could affect my claim. Thanks for sharing your experience!