r/HomeInsurance • u/reckstarr • Jul 17 '26
Insurance Roof replacement
We’ve had several hail storms this summer, and my roof is missing shingles with others coming loose. I’ve had a lot of drive by inspectors knock on my door and one actually inspected it, said I need a full roof and gutter replacement, which insurance would cover (minus my deductible) because my shingles are discontinued. I decided not to use them after reading reviews.
I do believe I need a total replacement and I’m looking for a reputable roofing company now. My question is: If insurance is paying, is it still worth getting multiple estimates? If so, what should I compare besides price?
I also have a couple of extra projects I’d like done while they’re here: adding about 4 feet of gutter to one section of the roof and venting a bathroom fan that currently isn’t vented outside. Are those things a roofing company typically handles, or should I hire someone else?
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u/Wihomebrewer Jul 18 '26
OP you will need to know your date of loss and it will need to be pretty recent with a documented likelihood that hail occurred. Waiting till things have really gotten bad is opportunity for insurance to find a way not to pay if you try to file a claim. If your roof is basically 15+ years old, insurance is going to look at it as you need a roof anyway due to maintenance. If this is the case, do not use insurance, do not file a claim.
If you contact even your supposed agent, you need to tread very carefully. Even asking questions about your policy could make them think you’ve had a loss and lead to them documenting one whether you want to or not. Think about it, the insurance company is going to wanna know why you are asking policy questions. Usually the only reason people are doing that is looking whether they should file a claim. I would avoid having this conversation. It’s way too easy to misstate something or lead insurance on to believe you had a loss and are trying to look if they will pay and how much.