Auto Owners Insurance Roof Claims: A Roofer's 20-Year Guide to Getting Your Roof Fixed Right
I have been a licensed roofing contractor in Texas for over twenty years. My team has completed more than 3,500 roofing projects. We hold certifications from major manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed. This article exists because I have seen too many homeowners struggle with insurance claims. They feel confused and overwhelmed after storm damage. My goal is to answer your real questions. I want to explain the entire process from a contractor's view. You will learn how to work with Auto Owners Insurance successfully. This guide will save you time, stress, and money.
The information here comes from my direct experience. I have helped hundreds of clients with Auto Owners claims. I have reviewed countless insurance policies and adjuster reports. My recommendations are based on real project outcomes and building science. I reference manufacturer installation instructions and local building codes. I will explain the methodology behind every tip. This is not generic advice. This is field-tested wisdom from fixing roofs every day. My purpose is to give you the knowledge a professional would have. You deserve a fair claim and a quality roof repair.
Understanding Your Auto Owners Insurance Roof Coverage
Your homeowner's policy is a contract. It defines what is covered and what is not. Most Auto Owners policies are "replacement cost value" (RCV) policies. This is good for you. An RCV policy pays to replace your damaged roof with new materials of similar kind and quality. They subtract your deductible. There is also "actual cash value" (ACV) coverage. ACV pays for the roof's depreciated value. This means you get less money. You must check your policy's declarations page. Look for the words "Replacement Cost" or "Actual Cash Value."
Coverage depends on the cause of damage. Auto Owners typically covers "sudden and accidental" events. This includes windstorms, hail, and falling objects. Damage from wear and tear or lack of maintenance is not covered. A key term is "matching." If only part of your roof is damaged, the insurance may need to pay to replace undamaged sections. This is to ensure color and appearance match. Texas has specific insurance code regulations. These laws protect policyholders. They require prompt claim handling and clear explanations for denials.
What is Typically Covered (Peril-Specific)
Wind damage is a common claim. High winds can lift and tear shingles. It can break the sealing strips. Auto Owners covers wind damage. Look for creased or missing shingles. Hail damage is also covered. Hail creates circular bruises on asphalt shingles. It knocks off the protective granules. This damage shortens the roof's life. The insurance adjuster will look for hail hits. Falling tree limbs or debris from a storm are covered. This is considered a "falling object" peril. Weight of ice and snow damage is covered in many policies. This is less common in Texas but still possible.
What is Usually NOT Covered
Insurance is not a maintenance program. Damage from long-term leaks or neglect is excluded. If your roof fails because it is old, that is not covered. Manufacturers' material defects are not an insurance issue. Those are warranty claims. Poor workmanship from a previous installation is not covered. Damage from insects or animals is often excluded. Some policies have separate wind/hail deductibles. These can be a percentage of your home's value. A 1% deductible on a $400,000 home is $4,000. Know your deductible amount before you file.
The Step-by-Step Roof Claim Process with Auto Owners
Do not panic after a storm. Your first step is safety. Do not go on a wet or damaged roof. It is dangerous. Document the damage from the ground. Use your phone to take clear photos and videos. Take wide shots of the whole roof. Take close-ups of any visible damage. Also photograph damaged gutters, siding, or windows. This creates a visual record. Next, call a reputable, local roofing contractor for a free inspection. A good roofer will assess the damage thoroughly. They can tell you if you have a valid claim. Do not call a storm chaser from out of town.
If damage is found, contact Auto Owners Insurance to file your claim. You can call your agent or use their online portal. Provide your policy number and a simple description. Say, "I have wind damage to my roof from the storm on [date]." Be factual, not emotional. Auto Owners will assign a claim number and an adjuster. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection. It is crucial to have your roofing contractor present for this meeting. This is the most important tip in this guide. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss. They can explain repair methods and costs.
The Adjuster Meeting: How to Prepare
Meet the adjuster with your contractor. Walk the property together. Your contractor should have a ladder and can safely access the roof. They should already have photos and measurements. The contractor should communicate professionally with the adjuster. They should discuss the NRCA roofing standards and manufacturer requirements. For example, many shingle manufacturers require replacement if hail bruising is found on a certain number of shingles per square. Your contractor knows these guidelines. After the inspection, the adjuster will write an estimate. This is called a "scope of loss."
Reviewing and Understanding the Insurance Estimate
You will receive the adjuster's estimate. It lists line items for all necessary repairs. It includes quantities of materials and labor costs. Auto Owners uses estimating software like Xactimate. The prices are based on local market rates. Your roofing contractor should review this estimate line by line. A professional roofer will compare it to their own detailed estimate. Often, the initial insurance estimate is low. It may miss underlying damage like rotten decking or damaged flashing. Your contractor can prepare a "supplement" request. This is a formal request for additional funds for missed items.
Working with Your Roofing Contractor on an Insurance Job
Choosing the right contractor is critical. Your insurance company may provide a list. You are not required to use their list. You have the right to choose your own contractor. Select a local, established company. Check for a Texas roofing contractor license. Verify they have liability and workers' compensation insurance. Get everything in writing. The contract should detail the exact scope of work. It should specify the shingle brand, color, and type. It should include underlayment, drip edge, and ventilation details.
A reputable contractor will handle the supplement process for you. They will communicate directly with the adjuster. They will provide photos and documentation to justify additional costs. For example, during tear-off, they may find rotted wood decking. The insurance company should pay to replace it. Your contractor will document this and submit a supplement. Do not sign a contract that gives the contractor the right to your insurance proceeds. You should control the payment. A standard process is: you get a check from Auto Owners for the initial estimate. You endorse it to the contractor when work begins. You then receive supplemental checks for additional approved amounts.
Material Selection and Upgrades
Your insurance pays to restore your home to its pre-loss condition. If you had 3-tab shingles, they will pay for 3-tab shingles. However, you can often upgrade. You can pay the difference in cost. For example, you can upgrade from 3-tab to architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are thicker and more durable. They have a better warranty and look nicer. Discuss upgrade options with your contractor. Consider upgrading underlayment to a synthetic product. It provides better protection during installation. Also discuss ventilation. Proper attic ventilation extends roof life. Your insurance may not cover adding vents if they were not there before. But it is a wise investment.
Real Project Case Studies and Outcomes
Let me share real examples from my work with Auto Owners policyholders. Case Study 1: A home in Kingwood had wind damage from a spring storm. The initial adjuster estimate was for $8,500 to repair two slopes. My inspection found widespread lifted shingles and broken seals. The nail pattern was incorrect, making the whole roof vulnerable. We met with the adjuster. We showed him the installation flaws and wind damage on all slopes. We submitted a supplement with manufacturer installation guidelines. The final approved claim was for a full roof replacement at $24,000. The homeowner paid only their deductible.
Case Study 2: A homeowner filed a hail claim. The Auto Owners adjuster said there was only "cosmetic" damage and denied a full replacement. The homeowner called us. We performed a granule loss test. We documented massive granule loss in the gutters and downspouts. Granules protect the asphalt from UV rays. Loss leads to premature aging. We also found functional bruising on the shingles. We submitted a detailed report with close-up macro photography. We cited the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association hail damage criteria. The claim was reopened. A second, more experienced adjuster was assigned. The full roof was approved.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many problems arise from poor communication. Do not assume your adjuster knows everything about roofing. They handle many types of claims. A roof is a specialized system. That is why your contractor is your advocate. Another pitfall is signing a "direction to pay" form too early. This form allows the insurance company to pay the contractor directly. Wait until the work is complete and you are satisfied. Be wary of contractors who ask for a large deposit upfront. A reputable roofer needs only the deductible to start. The insurance money covers their material and labor costs.
Avoid contractors who offer to "cover" or "waive" your deductible. This is insurance fraud in Texas. It is illegal. The deductible is your responsibility under the policy. A contractor who suggests this is not ethical. They will likely cut corners elsewhere to make up the cost. Finally, do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage. You can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. For example, use a tarp to cover a leak. Keep receipts. Your policy may reimburse you for reasonable temporary repair costs.
FAQ: Answering Your Real Auto Owners Roof Claim Questions
1. Will filing a roof claim increase my Auto Owners insurance premium?
It might. Insurance companies consider claim history. A single weather-related claim may not always cause an increase. Multiple claims in a short period likely will. You should file a claim for significant damage. That is why you have insurance. Do not avoid filing for legitimate damage out of fear. Discuss potential impacts with your insurance agent before filing.
2. How long does the entire Auto Owners roof claim process take?
From filing to completed repair typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The initial adjuster inspection happens within a few days to two weeks. Estimate review and supplement negotiation can take 1-2 weeks. Once approved, material ordering and scheduling take 1-2 weeks. The actual installation takes 2-5 days. Severe weather events causing widespread damage can slow the process. Many contractors and adjusters are busy.
3. Can Auto Owners deny my roof claim? What are my options if they do?
Yes, claims can be denied. Common reasons are: damage is less than your deductible, damage is from wear and tear, or no covered peril occurred. If you disagree with a denial, you have rights. First, request a re-inspection with your contractor present. Ask for the denial in writing with specific policy language cited. You can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance. You can also hire a public adjuster. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They charge a percentage of the final settlement.
4. Does Auto Owners require me to get multiple bids from roofers?
No, Auto Owners does not require multiple bids. They will write their own estimate based on their software and inspection. You only need one contractor you trust to perform the work. Getting multiple bids can delay the process. Focus on choosing one qualified, local contractor to partner with.
5. What is the difference between repair and full replacement?
A repair fixes a specific, isolated area of damage. A replacement removes all existing roofing materials and installs a new system. Insurance companies prefer repair when possible. However, modern asphalt shingles are designed as a system. Repairs can compromise the integrity and warranty. If damage affects more than 25-30% of a roof slope, many professionals recommend replacement. Matching existing shingles that are faded is also difficult.
6. Who pulls the permit, me or the roofing contractor?
The roofing contractor should always pull the required building permit. This is a sign of a legitimate business. The permit ensures the work is inspected by the city or county. It must meet local building codes. Do not hire a contractor who says a permit is not needed. The cost of the permit is typically included in the insurance estimate and your contract.
7. What happens if my roof is leaking during the claims process?
Take immediate action to prevent further interior damage. Place buckets, move furniture, and use tarps if safe to do so. Document everything with photos. Inform your Auto Owners claim handler about the active leak. They may send a mitigation company. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs. This is considered a covered additional living expense if damage forces you to leave your home.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful Roof Claim
Navigating an Auto Owners insurance roof claim requires knowledge and the right partner. You now understand the key steps. Document the damage first. Hire a qualified local roofing contractor. Have them present for the adjuster's inspection. Review the estimate carefully. Allow your contractor to handle supplements. Control the payment process. Choose quality materials. The goal is not just a check, but a properly installed roof that protects your home for decades. Your insurance policy is a financial tool for recovery. Use it wisely with expert guidance.
Your next step is to get a professional inspection if you suspect damage. Do not wait. Delays can lead to more damage and potential claim issues. Find a licensed Texas roofer with experience in insurance claims. Ask for references and proof of insurance. Show them this article. A good contractor will appreciate an informed homeowner. You have the power to ensure a fair outcome and a quality roof over your head.