Maryland Roof Insurance Claims FAQs

Q: Will filing a claim for roof damage increase my homeowners insurance premium?
A: In most cases, no. Damage caused by severe weather, such as hail, high winds, or fallen trees, is classified as an "Act of God." Insurance companies typically cannot single out and raise an individual homeowner's premium for filing a claim related to extreme weather events that were out of their control.

Q: What is the difference between ACV and RCV in a roof replacement claim?
A: ACV stands for Actual Cash Value, meaning the insurance company pays you the depreciated value of your roof based on its age. RCV stands for Replacement Cost Value, meaning the policy covers the total cost to install a brand-new roof at today's market rates, minus your deductible. We strongly advise reviewing your policy to see if you hold RCV coverage, as it provides significantly more financial protection.

Q: Can Baltimore Roofing & Remodeling pay or waive my insurance deductible?
A: No. It is actually illegal for a roofing contractor to waive, absorb, or pay a homeowner's insurance deductible. Any contractor offering to "eat your deductible" is committing insurance fraud. You are legally responsible for paying your agreed-upon deductible directly to the contractor, and we handle the rest of the billing with your insurance provider in total transparency.

Q: How long do I have to file a roof damage claim in Maryland?
A: The window to file a claim depends entirely on your specific insurance carrier, but most standard policies allow up to one year from the exact date of the storm or damaging event. However, we highly recommend scheduling a free inspection immediately after a storm. Delaying the claim can lead to interior water damage, which insurance companies may refuse to cover if they determine it was caused by homeowner neglect.

Q: Do I need to get three different quotes for my insurance company?
A: No, this is a common misconception. Your insurance company determines the payout based on their own standardized pricing software (usually Xactimate). You only need to choose one trusted, locally licensed roofing contractor you feel comfortable working with. Once you select Baltimore Roofing & Remodeling, we work directly with the adjuster to ensure their estimate accurately reflects the current market cost of labor and premium materials in Maryland.

Q: What happens if the insurance adjuster's estimate is lower than your roof replacement estimate?
A: This happens frequently. Adjusters are generalists and can sometimes miss hidden structural damage, inadequate ventilation, or under-measure the roof. When this occurs, our team files a "supplement." We submit detailed photographic evidence, local building code requirements, and precise material documentation directly to your insurance carrier to secure the additional funds required to do the job right.

Q: Will my insurance pay to bring my older roof up to current Maryland building codes?
A: It depends entirely on whether your policy includes "Ordinance or Law" coverage. Many older homes across Central Maryland require new decking or structural upgrades to meet modern, strict building codes during a replacement. If you have this coverage, your insurer will pay for those mandatory upgrades. Our experts will help you review your policy documents during our initial inspection so there are no surprises.

Q: If my roof claim is approved, can I pay the difference to upgrade my shingles?
A: Absolutely. Your insurance company will only pay the replacement value for the exact type of roofing material you currently have installed (for example, standard 3-tab asphalt shingles). However, you can absolutely choose to upgrade to premium, high-wind architectural shingles or even standing seam metal roofing by paying the cost difference out of pocket. We also offer flexible Wisetack financing to help cover those upgrade costs easily.