Roofing contractor in Clermont, FL: protect your roof claim first

If you are looking for a roofing contractor in Clermont, FL after roof damage, take a few steps before anyone tears off a shingle. Photograph and video the damage, make only the emergency repairs needed to stop more damage, report the claim to your insurer, and read every contract before you sign. Louis Law Group is a law firm. We do not do roofing or repair work.

Step 1: Document the roof damage before anything is removed

Once a crew starts tarping or tearing off, the original damage is harder to show. Before work begins:

• Take wide and close-up photos and video of the roof from the ground. Do not climb onto a damaged roof if it is unsafe.
• Photograph the attic, ceiling stains, wet insulation, damaged drywall and any belongings that got wet.
• Write down when you first noticed the damage and what caused it, if you know.
• Keep damaged materials or samples when practical, such as pieces of shingle, flashing or gutter.

Florida's Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights, in section 627.7142, Florida Statutes, advises policyholders to "Keep the damaged property, if feasible, keep all receipts, and take photographs or video of damage before and after any repairs to provide to your insurer." Keep your photos and videos accurate and unedited.

Step 2: Stop further damage and keep every receipt

Your duty to take reasonable steps to protect the property after a loss comes from your insurance policy.

Insurers that issue personal lines residential property policies in Florida must give you the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights within 14 days after they receive your first communication about a claim. That document advises you to "Make and document emergency repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage." It gives advice. It does not create the duty itself, and the statute says it does not create a civil cause of action.

• Get a tarp or other temporary protection in place if water is coming in.
• Photograph the damage before the temporary repair and again after it.
• Keep every receipt and invoice for tarps, materials, labor, drying equipment and any other emergency cost.

Step 3: Read the contract before you sign with a roofing contractor in Clermont, FL

Before you hire anyone, the Bill of Rights advises you to:

• Contact your insurance company before entering into any contract for repairs to confirm any managed repair policy provisions or optional preferred vendors.
• Carefully read any contract that requires you to pay out-of-pocket expenses or a fee based on a percentage of the insurance proceeds you will receive.
• Confirm the contractor is licensed to do business in Florida through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and ask for references.
• Require proof of insurance before repairs begin.

Read every contract, work authorization and direct-pay form line by line. If any document mentions your insurance benefits, your claim, insurance proceeds or payment from your insurer, talk to a lawyer before you sign it. For more on a roofer's role in a claim, see can a roofing contractor help document storm damage for an insurance claim in Florida.

Step 4: Report the claim promptly

The Bill of Rights advises you to file all claims directly with your insurance company. Your policy may set its own notice requirements, so read it.

Under section 627.70132, Florida Statutes, which covers property insurance policies, including those issued by eligible surplus lines insurers:

• A claim or reopened claim is barred unless notice was given to the insurer under the terms of the policy within 1 year after the date of loss.
• A supplemental claim is barred unless notice was given within 18 months after the date of loss.
• These time limits are tolled during any deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting that materially affects a servicemember named insured's ability to file.
• For hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, severe rain or other weather-related events, the date of loss is the date the hurricane made landfall or the event is verified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

When to talk to a lawyer

Consider speaking with a property insurance lawyer if:

• Your claim was denied, in whole or in part.
• A contract or form a contractor wants you to sign mentions your insurance benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I call my insurer or a roofer first?

The Bill of Rights advises filing claims directly with your insurer and contacting your insurer before you contract for repairs, to confirm any managed repair provisions or preferred vendors. If water is coming in now, emergency protection may need to happen right away. Document it before and after.

Can the roofer throw away my old shingles?

Ask the crew to set aside samples of damaged shingles, flashing or other materials when practical. The Bill of Rights advises keeping damaged property if feasible, along with photos or video before and after repairs.

How long do I have to report roof damage in Florida?

Under s. 627.70132, Fla. Stat., notice of a claim or reopened claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months, subject to the servicemember tolling rule. Your policy may also require prompt notice.

Talk to Louis Law Group

If your Clermont roof claim was denied, delayed or underpaid, Louis Law Group can review your policy, your documents and the insurer's decision. See if you qualify or call (833) 657-4812. Our office is at 12 SE 7th St Ste 805, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.