Too Much Snow Can Damage Your Roof

Your roof damage or collapse may result in a much different insurance payout than your neighbor's - even if you have the same insurer.

Each roof-damage case comes with its own set of unique factual circumstances to consider

Those include:

• Evidence that the roof was indeed harmed by an insured peril. If wind gusts durng the blizzard pushed a tree onto your roof, take photos. Insurers are concerned that people will say they had storm dmage when they really didn't.
• Age and condition of the roof. Your claim may be denied or you may get very little back if you didn;t maintain your roof or replace it when it was old.
• Type of roof material.
• Available maintenance records.

Be aware that insurers are on the lookout for fraudulent claims stemming from roofing contractors who go through neighborhoods after a blizzard and tell homeowners they need a new roof.

Check with your state insurance department or the Better Business Bureau for complaints against a particular contractor. If you suspect you're being duped, I recommend contacting the National Insurance Crime Bureau.