A hurricane has damaged your roof—now what? Should you cover it with a tarp? How do you handle the insurance process? At Panther Public Adjusting, we help homeowners protect their property, navigate insurance claims, and maximize their payouts.
Should You Cover Your Roof?
Your home is one of your most valuable investments, and protecting it after a hurricane should be a top priority. Setting insurance aside for a moment, think about what you would do if this were strictly about protecting your property. Of course, you’d want to prevent further damage.
From an insurance standpoint, your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage. Typically, this must be done within 14 days, though exceptions may apply if contractors are unavailable due to high demand after a major storm.
Failing to protect your home can lead to claim denials, so don’t delay!
Understanding Tarping Costs & Coverage
The cost of tarping varies, and your insurance policy may have limitations on how much they will reimburse. Here are a few key points to consider:
✔️ Mitigation Limitations – Many policies cap mitigation expenses at $3,000, unless you formally request an increase. ✔️ Requesting a Limit Increase – If tarping costs exceed your policy’s limit, send an email to your insurance company requesting approval for the higher amount. ✔️ Automatic Waivers – If your insurer does not respond within two to three business days, the limit may be automatically waived. ✔️ Typical Costs – Full-roof tarping is expensive, often ranging from $2 to $3 per square foot or more. ✔️ Beware of Scams – Be cautious of unlicensed contractors charging excessive fees for tarping services. Always work with reputable professionals.
🔗 Want to learn more about protecting your home after a storm? Read: Hurricane Preparedness
How to Communicate with Your Insurance Company
If the quotes for tarping your roof exceed your policy’s mitigation limit, here’s what to do:
✅ Send a Written Request – Always communicate with your insurance company via email. Example:
“I have received quotes for tarping my roof totaling $6,000. Since my policy has a $3,000 mitigation limit, I am requesting approval for the full cost. Please confirm within three business days.”
✅ Wait for a Response – If they don’t reply within the allotted timeframe, your request may be automatically approved. ✅ Keep Records – Save all email correspondence as proof in case your insurer later disputes your claim. ✅ Get Multiple Quotes – Shop around for tarping services to ensure you get the best rate. ✅ Take Photos Before & After – Proper documentation helps protect your claim.
📩 Need help managing your claim? Submit your policy for review to ensure you get the maximum payout.
The Role of Insurance Adjusters
After a hurricane, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. If you have already tarped your roof, keep the following in mind:
🏠 Temporary Removal – Your insurer may require a clear view of the damage. Speak with the tarping company about temporarily removing the tarp when the adjuster arrives. 🏠 Timing the Tarping – If the insurance adjuster is coming within a day or two, consider waiting before tarping to avoid extra removal costs. 🏠 Minimizing Expenses – Multiple tarp removals and reapplications can get costly. Coordinate carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses. 🏠 Adjuster Delays – If the adjuster is delayed, document their response and take necessary mitigation steps.
📞 Need expert guidance? Call us at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation on your claim.
Don’t Leave Your Roof Unprotected!
While you must coordinate with your insurance company, you cannot leave your roof exposed indefinitely. If your insurer delays their inspection, you may need to tarp it immediately to prevent further interior damage.
🚫 Leaving your roof uncovered for months could lead to additional damage, increasing your risk of a denied claim. 🚫 Water intrusion from a damaged roof can cause mold, weakening your home’s structure and leading to expensive repairs. 🚫 Insurance companies may argue that secondary damage resulted from neglect, reducing or denying your payout.
If you’re unsure of the best course of action, consult a public adjuster to ensure you’re taking the right steps while protecting your insurance claim.
🔗 Learn more about common insurance traps: Avoid This Common Insurance Check Trap
Why Choose Panther Public Adjusting?
✅ We Handle Your Claim From Start to Finish – No stress, no hassle. ✅ We Ensure You Get Every Dollar Owed – Maximizing settlements is what we do best. ✅ We Work for You, Not the Insurance Company – Insurers want to pay the least amount possible—we fight for you. ✅ We Provide Expert Documentation – Thorough claim documentation helps secure a proper payout. ✅ We Advocate for Faster Resolutions – We push insurance companies to process claims efficiently.
🔗 Want to understand how your claim might be affected? Read: Will Your Insurance Policy Be Cancelled for Filing a Claim? 🔗 Understand depreciation and its impact on your claim: What is Depreciation? 🔗 Learn the top tips for handling hurricane claims: Don’t Miss Out – Hurricane Claim Tips
Take Action Now
🏠 Need help navigating your insurance claim? Contact us today:
📞 Call us at 833-726-8437 for a free consultation.
📩 Submit your policy for review at Claims@PantherPA.com.
📢 Visit PantherPA.com to learn more.
Your home is too valuable to leave unprotected—make sure your insurance company does right by you!