How to File an Insurance Claim for a Damaged Flat Roof

Storms, sunlight, snow, and other natural elements cause damage to buildings and commercial property—especially to roofs. While we can’t control the weather, we can control where we go from there. If you’re dealing with weather damage, there’s a high chance that your roof needs to be replaced.

To file for flat roof insurance, there are several steps you have to follow. Don’t fret just yet! Filing an insurance claim for damaged roofs may be intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process. So, if you’re wondering how to file an insurance claim for a damaged commercial flat roof, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some steps to follow to make the filing process easier:

Step #1: Evaluate the Damage First

Don’t pick up the phone just yet. Remember to hold off on contacting your insurance company until after the storm is over. Inspect the roof and observe the damage (if there is any) after the skies are clear.

Some indicators to watch out for are:

• Debris or tree branches;
• Still or standing water (or ponding);
• Stains on the ceiling or walls; and
• Dents on the surface of the roof.

It’s important to observe the extent of the damage first before anything else. This brings us to our next step:

Step #2: Document the Damage

Documenting the damage will allow you to do a further evaluation of the damage and makes it easier to file for flat roof insurance. 

It’s also a more cohesive way of presenting “evidence” to your insurance brokers and speeds up your filing process. Take note of the damage, including the areas of the roof affected, and make the descriptions as detailed as possible. Taking photos or video footage also helps in filing a claim.

Once you’ve done this, you can move on to the next step.

Step #3: Contact Your Commercial Roofing Contractor

To get a clearer understanding of your roof’s condition, contact your roofing contractor and let them inspect the damage from a professional point of view. A roofing expert can detect the hidden damage to your commercial flat roof, and their expertise will help them decide whether you should contact the insurance company. 

Roofing contractors can also make a detailed report with proof of the damages. This is like to include a comprehensive background of the building, when the damage occurred, and other technical aspects that may be unseen by the untrained eye.

Step #4: Inspect Your Policy Coverage

Once you’ve observed the damage, documented the evidence, and contacted the professionals for their opinion, the next step is to evaluate your policy coverage.

Go over your insurance policy again to find out the extent of your coverage first. Commercial flat roofing insurance typically covers commercial properties with flat roofs. These policies usually also cover damages from vandalism, fire, or tornadoes; however, it also differs from company to company.

If you’re unsure about what your policy covers, it’s time to contact your insurance provider.

Step #5: Contact Your Insurance Company

The next step to filing a claim for flat roof insurance is to call your insurance provider. Don’t wait too long to start the process and file your claim once you’ve gathered your proof and let your contractors inspect the damages.

This is because some insurance providers have a set of guidelines to follow that requires claims to be filed within a certain timeframe right after the damage takes place. Waiting for too long could result in your claim getting denied.

When filing for a flat roof insurance claim, remember to include all of the information you’ve gathered. Leaving out important info can delay the process further, not to mention it can jeopardize your claim altogether. 

Step #6: Start Your Repairs

Once your flat roof insurance claim is approved, it’s time to start the repairs. If you have additional expenses, make sure to report them to your insurance provider immediately so they can be included in the coverage as well.

If denied, review your insurance provider’s policies. Usually, this only happens if the proprietor fails to provide complete documentation—this is why steps one to three are very important! Most insurance companies will also provide a written explanation detailing why the claim was denied.

Get Full Insurance Coverage With KASE Insurance

KASE Insurance, an award-winning commercial insurance brokerage in Toronto, has proven to exceed expectations through superior quality of service. We strive to offer the very best to our clients as we cater to businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries.

At KASE, we make sure you won’t have to pay unnecessary riders—you have complete control of your insurance policy to get what your business needs.

Contact us today to learn more about commercial flat roof insurance, or get in touch for a quick quote!