How do you file a claim against a roofer's liability insurance?
Short answer. Notify the roofer in writing with photos and a description of the damage, ask for their general liability insurer and policy number, and request that they open a claim; if they stall, contact the insurer listed on their certificate of insurance directly. Your own homeowners policy may also respond, and your insurer can then pursue the roofer.
What a roofer's liability policy usually covers
- Interior water damage when a roof was left open or poorly tarped during work
- Broken windows, skylights, or siding from dropped materials
- Damaged landscaping, decks, or driveways
- Injuries to people who are not the roofer's employees
Liability policies generally do not pay to redo the roofer's own faulty work. That part is a warranty or contract issue, but damage the faulty work caused to the rest of your house may be covered.
Steps
- Document: photos and video of the damage, dates, weather, and who was on site.
- Mitigate: stop ongoing damage, such as water, and keep receipts.
- Notify in writing: email or letter to the company describing the damage and asking it to report a claim to its insurer.
- Use the certificate of insurance: if you got one before the job, it names the insurer and policy. If not, ask for it in writing.
- Contact the insurer directly if the roofer stalls, giving the policyholder's name, the date, and your documentation.
- Get repair estimates from independent contractors.
If that fails
- File under your own homeowners policy; your insurer may then seek repayment from the roofer and its insurer.
- For smaller amounts, Georgia magistrate court handles civil claims up to $15,000.
- If an insurer mishandles the claim, contact the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.
For interior water damage specifics, see roof leak water damage coverage, and to avoid a repeat, storm chaser warning signs.