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Had an excellent experience with Elite Roofing. Recently had a tree fall into my house during the April 23/24th windstorm. Absolute nightmare situation but Evan...

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Our certified HAAG Wind and Hail Damage Inspectors are ready to give you the best analysis and also the best solution for your damaged roof and sidings.

Roof Insurance Claims

When you purchase a property or home, the one thing that you will always need is Home and Roof Insurance. You will be advised of this by a mortgage advisor or your broker. Most major banks and insurance companies offer roof and exterior insurance, which is usually part of a broad home insurance quote that covers other aspects of the home. It is typically done prior to occupying the home.

Two major insurance policy types

Every insurance broker varies by product name and the full details of the roof insurance policy. Overall, there are two major types of coverage:

Prorated Policy. This basically means that as the exterior of the home ages, it depreciates in the eyes of the company that is insuring.
Full Replacement Policy. There is no depreciation. The benefit of having this? if the exterior of the house, let's say, is 15 years old when damaged, then it does not prorate and maintains the original value.

When comparing policies, you must be very meticulous; every policy can be different. In the case of Southern Alberta, you need to make sure it covers hail and wind damage. These are often the most common insurance claims presented by homeowners in the Calgary area

How to avoid roof insurance claims from being denied?

First, you need to make sure you have the proper coverage. That is probably the single most important point. It might sound obvious, but it is often the source of any dispute or claim denial. The rest is paperwork, but even then you need to make sure to follow the right steps.

There are two very important steps:

Record the Date and time. As a Homeowner, you need to first record the date and time of the damage. How do you record it? A video or pictures are great. This is a very important thing to document and present to the insurer.
Call Your Insurance Company. You need to call the insurance company and report the incident right away. Time is of the essence

Choosing Your Roofing Contractor

In some cases, it’s the insurance company that will suggest or contact the roofing contractor they work with. However, every homeowner can work with the roofing company of their choice; you don’t have to use your insurance vendor’s suggestion. You technically can use any licensed roofing company.

It is recommended to contact your trusted roofing contractor regardless as they can also provide a second opinion. In many cases, they can act on behalf of the homeowner to get the homeowner the best possible outcome. The initial assessment of the roofing company should always be free.
What is next?

The insurer must approve the quote. The timeline is dependent on the specific situation. A repair or replacement project on average for a standard roof 2-5 days on a standard home. If there is siding involved 1-2 weeks, but again these are rough estimates.

What is full insurance claim management?

Normally in an event, not only will the roofing be affected, but the entire exterior, soft metal, and other components of the structure. A certified roofing company can write up a proper quote that covers everything. At Calgary Elite Roofing, we do full insurance claim management.

Wind and Hail Damage

In Calgary, certain types of siding materials are more susceptible to hail damage. For example, when talking about a roof, rubber or polymer shingles are more resilient to hail than, say, asphalt. With the changing weather patterns and extreme climate we experience more and more, a switch to rubber or polymer might be the better choice in the long run.

For siding, a good example is Vinyl siding, which, while popular for its affordability and ease of installation, can crack or break when struck by hail. Aluminum siding, though more durable than vinyl, can dent under the impact of larger hailstones. On the other hand, fiber cement siding and engineered wood are considerably more resilient. These materials not only offer higher resistance to hail impacts but also provide better overall durability and aesthetic appeal.

Protecting Your Home

To further protect your home from future hail damage, there are several preventative steps you can take. Installing hail-resistant siding materials, such as those mentioned above, is a primary measure. If you face the decision to replace all the siding, upgrading to a more hailstorm-resilient type might be a good idea.

Additionally, regular maintenance, such as sealing or painting, can help fortify the siding's resistance to hail and other weather-related damage. For areas particularly prone to severe hailstorms, it's also advisable to invest in protective barriers like hail screens. These can be installed over windows and siding during peak storm seasons.

Understanding the specific vulnerabilities of your home's siding and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of damage. This ensures that your home remains safe and intact through severe weather conditions. If you have any questions, we are always a phone call away.

Resources for Calgary Homeowners

City of Calgary Development | For local building permit requirements and safety guidelines.

Insurance Bureau of Canada | For general information on insurance claims and consumer rights.

Better Business Bureau | To research contractors and read reviews.

ROOF INSURANCE CLAIMS FAQ

Is hail damage covered by insurance in Alberta?

In Alberta, hail damage is commonly included in most homeowners' insurance policies. However, not all insurance policies have it included so it is imperative to check with your insurance provider

Coverage typically extends to damage caused by hail to the structure of your home and may also cover personal property that has been affected. It's important to note that insurance policies and coverage can vary significantly among providers. Therefore, homeowners are advised to review their policy details or contact their insurance provider directly to confirm the extent of hail damage coverage.

Factors like your policy's deductible, the age of your roof, and whether you've opted for Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage can influence the claim process and reimbursement for damages.

What is the first step if hail damaged my home?

If hail has damaged your home, the first step is to ensure the safety of all occupants and then assess the damage once it's safe to do so. Documenting the extent of the damage with photos or videos can be incredibly helpful for insurance purposes.

SAFETY FIRST! We advise people in general to avoid going on top of a roof without the necessary training and equipment.

After the initial assessment, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage and initiate the claims process.

Your insurance company will likely require a detailed account of the damage and may send an adjuster to evaluate your claim. It's also advisable to contact a reputable local roofing contractor experienced in hail damage repair in Calgary.

They can provide a professional assessment and quote for repairs, which you will need for your insurance claim. Choosing a certified contractor familiar with Alberta's building codes and insurance procedures can streamline the repair process and ensure your home is restored to its pre-damage condition efficiently.

What is an Xactimate® Report?

An Xactimate® report is a detailed estimate generated using Xactimate® software, which is widely used in the insurance and construction industries for estimating the cost of property damage repairs or restoration. Xactimate® is a sophisticated computer program designed specifically for professionals involved in property claims and repair work.

Overall, an Xactimate® report serves as a valuable tool for accurately estimating the cost of property damage repairs, facilitating communication between parties involved in the claims process, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the estimation and billing process.

At Calgary Elite Roofing we require an Xactimate® report in most insurance claims we process.

What is the difference between Full Replacement Value (FRV) Coverage and Actual Cash Value (ACV) Coverage?

Full Replacement Value ( FRV) Coverage:

With full replacement value coverage, the insurance company will reimburse the homeowner for the full cost of replacing damaged property, regardless of depreciation or the item's age at the time of loss. This means that if a portion of the exterior of your home, such as siding or roofing, is damaged in a covered event like a hailstorm, the insurance company will cover the cost of replacing it with a new, equivalent material or product.

Full replacement value coverage typically results in higher premiums since the insurance company assumes the risk of paying the entire cost of replacing damaged property.

Depreciating Policy or Actual Cash Value (ACV) Coverage:

In contrast, a depreciating policy or actual cash value (ACV) coverage takes depreciation into account when determining the amount of reimbursement. Under this type of policy, the insurance company will reimburse the homeowner for the current market value of the damaged property, taking into consideration its age, condition, and depreciation since the time of purchase.

For example, if the exterior siding of your home is damaged in a covered event, the insurance company will assess its current value based on factors like wear and tear and market depreciation. They will then provide reimbursement for the depreciated value of the damaged siding, which may not be sufficient to cover the full cost of replacement with new materials.

Depreciating policies typically result in lower premiums since the insurance company's liability is limited to the depreciated value of the damaged property.

Conclusion

In summary, full replacement value coverage provides more comprehensive protection by covering the entire cost of replacing damaged property with new materials, while a depreciating policy or ACV coverage takes depreciation into account, resulting in reimbursement based on the current market value of the damaged property. Homeowners need to understand the coverage provided by their insurance policy and consider their individual needs and budget when selecting coverage options.

Can metal roofs be damaged by hail?

Metal roofs are renowned for their durability and resistance to many forms of damage, including hail. However, they are not completely impervious to it.

The impact from very large hailstones can dent or scratch the surface of metal roofing materials. The extent of hail damage to a metal roof can vary depending on the type of metal used, the quality of installation, and the size and velocity of hail stones hitting the roof.

While metal roofs may sustain cosmetic damage from hail, their structural integrity often remains intact, offering continued protection against the elements. This resilience makes metal roofs a popular choice in regions like Calgary, where hail can be a frequent concern.

Sustained and repeated damage to a metal roof can however compromise the structure itself. So if your roof has sustained several hail storms it is good to give it a check before the next season hits.

PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING

Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your roof and your life. At Calgary Elite Roofing, we want to ensure that we are the best fit to successfully repair your home wind or hail damage. If you are unsure where to start, please continue to read below. If you have been through a hail event before and/or you are ready to start working with a contractor for the claim process, start by filling out the form below

Insurance Claim Submission Checklist

Below you will find the steps to efficiently manage the repair process, from initial damage assessment to the completion of repairs, while maximizing the benefits of your insurance coverage:

1) Assess the Damage to your home

Ensure it's safe to inspect the damage. Avoid climbing on the roof without proper safety gear or knowledge of how to safely do so. Document Everything and take clear photos and videos of all damage to your siding, roof, and other affected areas. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims. You can do some temporary fixes like covering broken windows and holes in the roof or siding with tarps or plywood to prevent further damage. Keep receipts of any materials you purchase, as your insurance may reimburse these costs.

2) Review Your Insurance Policy

Understand Your Coverage and Review Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy to understand what types of hail damage are covered and be aware of your deductible amounts. Check all policy Details and look for specific clauses related to hail damage, as some policies may have different hail deductibles or require certain roof repair or replacement standards.

3) Contact Your Insurance Company

Immediately report hail damage to your insurance company. Most companies have a deadline for filing claims after an event occurs. Take notes about the claims process by asking about the next steps. Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs.

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ROOF INSURANCE CLAIM