The short answer: once approved, you and your contractor pick the roofing product. If they accepted the SOL, the carrier's money covers a like-kind-and-quality replacement, so your only guaranteed cost is your deductible. You can upgrade to a better product for the difference out of pocket if you want. Most roofs go on in one to two days, usually within about four weeks of signing.
With the approval squared away, you now know what is getting replaced and how. What you replace it with is the next conversation. Most contractors carry specific brands they have chosen to offer. Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, and Malarkey are common names you will hear. They are all different, with different strengths, because roofing is not all created equal. Talk through the materials available for your project and make sure you are satisfied with the manufacturer and system before you move forward.
What you actually pay
Do not worry about surprise out-of-pocket costs. If your contractor accepted the SOL from the carrier, they are agreeing that the money provided is enough to give you a like-kind-and-quality replacement. In that case your only guaranteed cost is your deductible.
Should you upgrade?
If you are going to be in the home for the next 10 to 20 years, this can be a smart time to explore a better product. Think of it this way: the carrier gave you $15,000 to replace your roof with a good product. For $18,000 you could step up to a system with better protection, a longer lifespan, and better looks. So for $3,000 out of pocket, you get an $18,000 roof. That is a strong deal. It is not always the right call, sometimes the standard product is exactly right, in which case your only out-of-pocket stays your deductible. The point is you are not obligated to take whatever the contractor hands you. Make sure you are satisfied with the materials and system before you sign the contract.
Timeline and getting it on
Roofing usually moves fast, because materials are typically stocked at local distributors. A normal timeline to start is four weeks or less from the day you sign. If it runs longer, do not be wary, that is often a good sign. After a June hailstorm the good contractors get booked quickly, and a name people trust has a waitlist. You will pay your deposit, usually the ACV portion the carrier already sent, and the crew goes to work.
Most roofs go on in one to two days, though some take longer. And Mother Wisconsin has a mind of her own, so a job set for Wednesday can get pushed by weather. Good contractors are communicative and proactive. They will tell you ahead of time if weather is going to delay the start and get you rescheduled first up when it breaks. If your project moves, everyone's project moves, so you do not lose your spot in line.
That is the whole process
That is the down-and-dirty on replacing a roof through an insurance claim, from the morning after the storm to the day the new roof goes on. If you have questions about any of it, or your home has been through a hail or wind event and you would like us to come out and inspect it, reach out anytime. We will walk your whole property and tell you straight where you stand.
Straight answers.
Can I upgrade my roof on an insurance claim?
Yes. The carrier pays for a like-kind-and-quality replacement, but if you plan to stay in the home 10 to 20 years, you can step up to a better system and pay only the difference out of pocket. For example, a $15,000 insurance roof upgraded to an $18,000 system costs you $3,000 plus your deductible.
Do I pay out of pocket for an insurance roof replacement?
If your contractor accepted the statement of loss, the carrier's funds cover a like-kind-and-quality replacement, so your only guaranteed out-of-pocket is your deductible. You only pay more if you choose to upgrade to a better product.
How long does an insurance roof replacement take?
Most roofs go on in one to two days, though some take longer. From the day you sign, a normal start window is about four weeks or less, since materials are usually stocked locally. Longer waits after a big storm often just mean the contractor is reputable and booked.
How soon after signing will my roof be installed?
Typically within about four weeks of signing your contract. It can run longer after a major hail event when demand spikes, which is usually a sign of a trustworthy, in-demand contractor rather than a problem.
Think your home took a hit?
We'll come out, walk your whole property, document what we find, and tell you straight whether you have a claim. No pressure, no games.