So your home has hail damage and you’ve filed a claim. While choosing a contractor to make repairs is the obvious next step, there are some situations that can delay this for weeks or months at a time.
“How long do you have to make repairs after filing an insurance claim” is one of the most common questions we get asked! And for good reason – knowing your home has damage but not being able to do anything about it can add additional stress to an already frustrating situation.
The timeframe for making repairs after filing an insurance claim can vary based on several factors, including your insurance policy, the extent of the damage, and local regulations.
Since every insurance policy is different, knowing where to find an exact answer can be challenging. To help, we’ve created a general overview of where to check and factors that can impact what time frame you are under to make repairs after a storm.
Check Your Policy For Time Frame To Make Repairs
The first place to check when determining how long you have to make repairs is your insurance policy. Most have a stipulated time within which repairs should be initiated after filing a claim. This timeframe can vary but is typically within 1 year of the claim being filed.
If you can’t find this information in your policy documents, try reaching out to your agent or even the insurance adjuster who helped with your claim.
Claim Approval May Influence Repair Timeline
Once your insurance company approves your claim, they will provide you with an estimate of the repair costs and issue a payout. The timing of this process varies but is usually within a few weeks to a couple of months after the claim is filed.
In most cases, you won’t want to make repairs until your claim is approved. This is just in case your roof or home needs to be reinspected to provide additional information for the claim.
Be Aware Of Weather Delays & Material Shortages
After you receive the insurance payout, you should initiate repairs as soon as possible. The actual repair timeline will depend on factors such as contractor availability, weather conditions, and any necessary permitting processes. Choosing a licensed and reputable roofing contractor can help alleviate any delays and make the repair process easy!
Making Repairs For Coverage Continuation
Aside from claim approval and building delays, there are several other reasons why people may need to wait to make repairs after filing a claim. Having to travel for work, illness, or dealing with a family emergency can put repairs on the backburner, even if your claim has been approved.
However, it’s important to note that some insurance policies require that you make repairs promptly to maintain coverage. If you delay repairs for an extended period, your insurance company might limit or deny coverage for related damages that occur later.
Need More Time To Make Repairs? File An Extensions
In certain cases, you might be able to request an extension from your insurance company if you encounter unforeseen delays. However, it’s best to communicate with them early on and provide valid reasons for the extension. You may need to provide documentation to prove why repairs couldn’t be made sooner.
If you have to wait to make hail damage roof repairs, just know that lingering damage can and will get worse! Watch this short video to learn what happens if you don’t fix roof hail damage.
Key Takeaways About Timeline To Make Repairs After Filing A Claim
It’s important to review your insurance policy and consult with your insurance agent to understand the specific requirements and timeframes for making repairs after filing a claim.
Additionally, keep in mind that timely repairs are generally advisable to prevent further damage and ensure your home’s safety and value. If you encounter challenges in making repairs promptly, open communication with your insurance company and a trusted contractor can help you navigate the situation effectively.
Choosing a local contractor like Triple Diamond Construction can help streamline the repair process once your claim is approved and help facilitate getting all permits and materials ordered so there are no delays. We know you want to get your home back to pre-storm condition as fast as possible, and that’s why we are so passionate about providing the best roofing services around!
