Questions to Ask Before Filing a Claim
Educate and prepare yourself by understanding your insurance policy before you need it
Be Prepared: Know Your Coverage Before You Need It
Understanding your insurance policy BEFORE you need to file a claim is crucial. It helps you avoid surprises and ensures you know exactly what to expect during the inspection and claims process.
⚠️Important: The email template below is NOT for filing a claim — it's simply for asking your insurance agent for clarification on your existing policy.
Why These Questions Matter
1. Policy Type (RCV vs ACV)
RCV (Replacement Cost Value) covers the full cost to replace your roof with similar materials. ACV (Actual Cash Value) only covers the depreciated value, meaning you'll pay more out of pocket.
2. Deductible
Your deductible is what you pay before insurance kicks in. It can be a flat amount (like $1,000) or a percentage of your home's insured value (like 1% of $300,000 = $3,000).
3. Code Coverage
Building codes change over time. Code coverage ensures your insurance will pay to bring your roof up to current standards, not just replace what was there.
4. Cosmetic Damage Exclusion
Some policies exclude coverage for damage that's only cosmetic (like dents that don't affect function). Knowing this upfront helps set proper expectations.
5. Repair Timeline
Most policies give you a specific timeframe to complete repairs. Knowing this helps you plan accordingly and avoid missing deadlines that could affect your coverage.
Email Template for Your Insurance Agent
Simply copy and paste this template into an email or text message to your insurance agent
✅A Note from Red Oak
Once you have your declarations page or full policy in hand — if your agent couldn't clearly answer the questions — we can have our trusted licensed public adjuster review your policy for you at no cost.
This happens more often than you'd think, and it gives you absolute clarity on your coverage.
Ready to Understand Your Coverage?
Don't wait until after a storm to understand your policy. Get clarity today.