Frequently Asked Questions
Realizing that your property has been damaged and is in need of repairs and roof restoration can be stressful. We have listed some frequently asked questions that we hope will lessen your stress and build confidence in All Angles Covered as the right choice for you.
For many of you, this may be your first experience dealing with storm damage, but we have handled many claims over the years and can ensure the process of restoring your property is seamless. If you have further questions or concerns that are not addressed here, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
After The Storm
Who do I call first: a roofing company or my insurance company?
Directly after a storm (especially hail), call All Angles Covered for a free roof inspection. A professional will come to your home and assess the damage. If there is damage, you will be directed to contact your insurance company and file a claim. Contacting a roofing company first saves from filing an unnecessary claim. If you do have an insurance adjuster come out first, it’s not a problem. Your roofing company can confirm or refute their findings later in the process.
I can’t see any damage to my roof and don’t have a leak, should I still have a roof inspection?
Absolutely! Normally hail does not cause a roof leak, it usually just takes away years of useful life. From the ground, hail damage is hard to see, which is why our roof inspectors come out and will walk your entire roof looking for signs of damage. You have insurance to protect your valuable assets from damage and destruction. Let us help you make sure your roof is doing its part!
My roof was old before the storm. Can I still file a claim?
Hail can damage an older roof more easily than a new roof. An old roof doesn’t mean it was a “damaged” roof before. Have your roof inspected.
What damage qualifies for filing a claim?
There are many qualifying factors our roof inspectors look for. Damage from hail normally dents shingles, metal flashing and gutters. Siding can be scraped and dented, window screens torn and even glass cracked or broken. Any property exposed to the elements can be damaged and insurance companies will pay to restore them.
The Claim Process
I have storm damage and my roofing inspector said to call my insurance company. What now?
Call your insurance company and tell them you have had an inspector identify damage to your property from a hail storm and have enough damage to file a claim. Have your policy information on hand as they will want your policy number. Your insurance company will assign you an adjuster at that time or refer you to call a catastrophe office to start the claim process. The latter is usually in the event of a hail storm that covers a large area and they are dealing with several claims at once.
Do I need to prepare anything to meet with the adjustor sent to my home?
It would be best to have a list of everything dented, scraped, broken or torn due to the damage. This includes not only the obvious – your roof, gutters, siding, windows and fences – but also outdoor furniture, sheds, landscaping, lighting, yard art and anything else that was damaged by the storm. Make sure to check your interior ceilings for stains and floors for water damage.
Does the insurance company pay for all damage related to the storm?
Keep in mind the insurance adjustor is working for the insurance company, not you! They will try to dictate what you get and what they will pay for. This is one of the main reasons you want to have a project manager from All Angles Covered present when meeting an insurance adjuster. We have your best interest in mind and are working for you. The project manager will know the scope of the work upfront, the building codes and has the ability to speak the language of the construction industry.
What if the insurance company tells me I have to use contractors on their “preferred” list?
You cannot be forced to use a certain contractor. As the homeowner, you have the right to choose the contract of your choice and who you feel will do the best job for you.
What if I have damage but don’t file a claim?
In most cases, you have one year from the date of the storm to file a claim and get the work complete. Failing to file a claim within the allotted time may negate your right to make a claim and you could be responsible for current and further damage out-of-pocket.
Will my rates increase if I file a claim for hail damage?
Hail damage is considered an act of nature and therefore cannot increase your rates. However, whether you file a claim or not, insurance companies can raise or lower rates based on the risk of loss in your area.
The Payment Process
How does the payment process work?
Your insurance company will typically send you a check for a portion of the total amount of the claim. The check may be made out to just the homeowner or it may be to the homeowner and lienholder (bank). If the check is made out to both, ask your bank for their procedure.
All Angles Covered may ask for a down payment once you receive your initial check. Once all the work is completed, All Angles Covered will send you, the homeowner a final invoice for your insurance company. You will forward the invoice to them and your insurance company will in turn send you a second check for the balance of the invoice. Supplemental items found to be damaged after the initial scope of the job will be included on your final invoice.
What are supplementals?
During the roofing process, mainly the tear-off of the old roof, we may find damage that could not be seen, for instance to your decking, or building codes that are no longer met. At this time, a supplemental request will be made to your insurance company. This is not out of the ordinary and is paid by the insurance company with proper documentation.
What is my deductible?
A lot of people are not aware that most policies now have two deductibles. There is a deductible for damage to your roof by hail and wind and a second deductible for all other perils. You can check your declaration page on your insurance policy to see your deductibles. Homeowners are responsible for paying the deductible amount of their claim.
What is the difference between a Replacement Cost Value (RVC) and Actual Cost Value (AVC) policy?
RVC policy means if your roof has depreciated* you will still receive the entire replacement cost of the roof once the work is completed. If you have an ACV policy and your roof has depreciated, you will not recover the depreciated amount. You will have to pay for the value you have already used. The declaration page of your policy will indicate what type of policy you have.
*Depreciation is the amount of the product you have already used. For example, if you had a 20 year warranted roof shingle on your home for 10 years, it has been used for 50% of its life. Your first check from the insurance claim would be reduced by 50% but would be recovered in the final payment.
How do I pay All Angles Covered Roofing?
Depending on our agreement, generally, once the work is completed and you receive payment from the insurance company, you will pay us from your own bank account. If there was a down payment required, that amount will be deducted from the amount owed.
**These terms are general and are dependent on each individual case.**
Options, Upgrades & Warranties
Can I change the style, color or quality of roofing materials from what I had?
The obligation you have to your mortgage company is to restore your property to what it was before the damage and to meet local codes. You can select other materials and colors sometimes at no cost, but there is usually an additional cost to “upgrade” materials.
Can I completely change my roofing material?
No matter what type of roofing material you have had in the past, you can change roofing materials. There are plenty of materials to choose from besides asphalt shingles. You may be restricted by weight considerations or homeowners association guidelines, but there are many options to choose from that will bring a new look to your property.
Are there products available to save money on insurance premiums?
Hail and impact-resistant shingles will save you money on your insurance premiums. We also have energy saving products available that will start saving you money as soon as they are installed.
Are there products available to help reduce my energy bills?
Proper attic ventilation and attic insulation are key. Many homes do not have proper ventilation and attics are not insulated or are under-insulated. Contact us today for a free inspection of your home where we will assess ways to reduce your energy bills.
Disclaimer
The preceding information provided by All Angles Covered is for basic information and knowledge of the roofing process. They are recommendations of procedures. All Angles Covered will not be held liable for any information disclosed. Please check all procedures and guidelines of your insurance company and mortgage company.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection
If you’re in need of roof restoration, the experts at All Angles Covered are here to help! Whether you need roof leak repair or help filing an insurance claim, our trusted professionals ensure a hassle-free process for you every step of the way. Call All Angles Covered or submit our online form for your free roof inspection.