Question 1

Do I have to pay my deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the state of Alabama, it is a felony for a roofing contractor to waive, absorb, or pay a homeowner's insurance deductible. You are legally responsible for paying your deductible directly to the contractor. Any company offering to 'eat' your deductible is committing insurance fraud.

Question 2

What if the insurance adjuster doesn't approve enough money?

Accepted Answer

This is very common. Initial insurance estimates often miss code upgrades, local permit fees, or current material costs. We submit a 'supplement' to your insurance company with documentation proving the additional costs required to complete the job correctly according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes.

Question 3

Do I need to get three estimates for my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

No. You only need one estimate from a trusted contractor. Your insurance company uses industry-standard pricing software to determine the fair market value of the repair. Your only job is to choose a contractor you trust to do the work correctly. Getting three estimates only delays your project and causes confusion.

Question 4

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Typically, insurance companies cannot single you out for a rate increase due to an 'Act of God' claim like a severe storm (hail or wind). However, if an entire zip code in Central Alabama experiences catastrophic damage, rates for the whole area may adjust regardless of whether you file an individual claim.

Question 5

Can I keep the leftover insurance money if the roof costs less?

Accepted Answer

No. If you have a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, the insurance company only pays for the actual cost of the work performed. If you find a contractor who does the job for less than the insurance estimate, the insurance company simply keeps the difference. You do not get to pocket the extra money, and attempting to do so is insurance fraud.

Question 6

How long do I have to file a claim after a storm?

Accepted Answer

Most insurance policies in Alabama give you exactly one year from the 'Date of Loss' (the date the storm occurred) to file a claim. However, it is always best to have your roof inspected and file the claim as soon as possible to prevent secondary water damage, which insurance may not cover if you delayed reporting.

Question 7

Can I choose my own roofing contractor?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. It is your legal right to choose the roofing contractor who works on your home. Your insurance company may 'recommend' a preferred vendor, but you are never obligated to use them. You should always hire a local, trusted expert who works for you, not the insurance company.

Question 8

What happens if my insurance claim is completely denied?

Accepted Answer

A denial is not always the final answer. If we believe your roof has legitimate storm damage that was overlooked, we can request a re-inspection with a different adjuster, or invoke the appraisal process. We provide the photographic evidence needed to appeal unfair denials.

Question 9

Does insurance cover a completely new roof or just repairs?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the extent of the damage and the repairability of your current shingles. If the damage is isolated and the shingles can be safely repaired without causing further damage, they may only pay for a repair. If the damage is widespread or the roof is too brittle to repair, they will typically cover a full replacement.

Question 10

What is Recoverable Depreciation?

Accepted Answer

When a claim is approved, insurance pays the Actual Cash Value (ACV) upfront. They hold back the remaining money (Recoverable Depreciation) until the work is actually completed. Once we finish your roof, we send them the final invoice, and they release the depreciation check to you.

Question 11

Will my insurance pay for building code upgrades?

Accepted Answer

If your policy includes 'Ordinance or Law' coverage, your insurance will pay to bring your roof up to current local building codes (such as adding ice and water shield or specific ventilation). If you don't have this endorsement, you may have to pay out of pocket for code upgrades.

Question 12

How long does the insurance claim process take?

Accepted Answer

From the day you file the claim to the day the roof is installed, the process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. This includes scheduling the adjuster, receiving the estimate, filing supplements, and scheduling the build. Delays usually only happen if the insurance company is backed up after a major regional storm.

Question 13

What if my roof isn't leaking yet? Should I still file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hail and wind damage rarely cause immediate leaks. Instead, they compromise the shingle's integrity, leading to leaks months or even years later. If you wait until it leaks, your window to file a claim for the storm may have expired.

Question 14

Can I upgrade my shingles to a better quality during an insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your insurance company will pay the fair market value to replace your roof with 'like kind and quality.' If you want to upgrade from 3-tab shingles to architectural shingles, or add a premium color, you simply pay the retail difference in material cost out of pocket.

Question 15

Do I need to be home for the insurance adjuster meeting?

Accepted Answer

While you are welcome to be home, it is not strictly required as long as we have access to the roof. The most important thing is that your Crimson Roofing representative is there to advocate for you and ensure the adjuster sees all the damage.

Question 16

How do you determine the cost of the claim?

Accepted Answer

We use the same professional estimating software that insurance adjusters use. This ensures that our line items, material quantities, and local labor rates are perfectly aligned with what the insurance company expects to see, leading to faster approvals and fewer discrepancies.

Question 17

Does roof insurance cover interior water damage from a leak?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. If a covered peril (like wind blowing off shingles) causes a leak that damages your drywall, paint, or flooring, the interior repairs should be included in your claim. However, if the leak was caused by long-term maintenance neglect, it may be denied.

Question 18

What if my insurance company drops my coverage after a claim?

Accepted Answer

It is highly unusual for an insurance company to drop you for filing a single 'Act of God' weather claim. However, if they do choose not to renew your policy, having a brand new, fully permitted roof installed by Crimson Roofing actually makes your home much easier and cheaper to insure with a new carrier.

Question 19

Can I do the roof repairs myself and keep the insurance money?

Accepted Answer

If you have an RCV policy, you will only receive the initial ACV check. You will forfeit the depreciation money because you cannot invoice for your own labor. Additionally, DIY roofing usually voids manufacturer warranties and can cause issues when you try to sell the home.

Question 20

How do mortgage checks work? Why is my mortgage company on the check?

Accepted Answer

If you have a mortgage, the lender has a financial interest in the property. Insurance checks over a certain amount are usually made out to both you and your mortgage company. We help you navigate the endorsement process to get the funds released so your project isn't delayed.

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